These methods place a physical or chemical barrier between the sperm and the |cervix| to prevent |pregnancy|. The barriers are condoms, sponges, |diaphragms|, cervical caps, contraceptive creams, foams, jellies, and suppositories. Only |diaphragms| and cervical caps must be fitted and placed by a qualified medical professional. The remaining barriers are non-prescription products available in pharmacies, drugstores, and any other stores that carry over-the-counter products. To be effective, these barriers must be used correctly before intercourse occurs.
Condoms:
Condoms prevent |pregnancy| by preventing the sperm from entering the |vagina|. Keep condoms wrapped until they are used. An unwrapped condom should be placed over the tip of a hard penis, pinched at the tip with one hand to create a reservoir to collect the ~semen~, and carefully unrolled with the other hand. After intercourse, the penis should be withdrawn before it becomes soft while the condom is held in place at the base of the penis. This will prevent any ~semen~ from leaking while withdrawing. Used condoms should be thrown away and never reused. Condoms work best when used in combination with a spermicide. Do not use |oils| or hand creams on a condom. |Oils| make condoms break. If a slippery condom is preferred, buy lubricated condoms. Some problems with condoms are, they can break, they can cause itching, and they can cause a rash. Used correctly, 2-12 women out of 100 will get pregnant in a given year while using condoms.
Sponges:
The sponge is a small, round, foam-like, specially made sponge filled with a spermicide. The spermicide is activated by wetting the sponge with water and squeezing it until it foams. To insert a sponge, fold the edges together with the dimple side up and the string loop side down. Push the sponge back and up into the |vagina| as far as it will go to cover the |cervix|. The sponge is effective 30 minutes after insertion and provides continuous protection for up to 24 hours. Always keep the sponge in place for at least six hours after intercourse. Never keep it in the body more than 24 hours. To remove it, squat and feel for the loop hanging from the sponge. Gently pull it down and out. Two possible problems are, it can be difficult to remove the sponge and the sponge can irritate the |cervix|. After the sponge is removed, throw it away. Sponges cannot be reused. Used correctly, 6-28 women out of 100 will get pregnant in a given year while using the contraceptive sponge.
Spermicides:
Spermicide is a chemical that comes in jelly, foam, cream, or suppository (tablet) form that is inserted into the |vagina| to kill the sperm before it can enter the |uterus|. For effective use, an applicator is provided with the jelly, foam, and cream formulations that measures out the correct dose. Insert these spermicides into the |vagina| near the |cervix| several minutes before having intercourse. These products must be reapplied each time sex is repeated. Suppositories must be unwrapped and inserted into the |vagina| near the |cervix|. Intercourse should be delayed 10 to 15 minutes to allow the tablet to dissolve. These must also be inserted each time sex is repeated. Leave the spermicide in place after intercourse. Do not use |tampons| or |douches| for 6 to 8 hours. Spermicides do provide a level of protection against some sexually transmitted diseases (STD's). Possible side-effects are getting a rash or itching. Used correctly, 3-21 women out of 100 will get pregnant in a given year while using spermicides.
Diaphragms:
A |diaphragm| is a shallow, round, rubber cup that blocks sperm from entering the |uterus| and holds spermicide in place. Before inserting the |diaphragm|, spread a small amount of spermicide in the cup and along the rim. Squeeze the rims of the |diaphragm| together between the fingers, slide the |diaphragm| back and up, and place it over the |cervix|. The |diaphragm| provides up to six hours of contraceptive protection once inserted. Additional spermicide should be used if sex is repeated. Always keep the |diaphragm| in place for at least six hours after intercourse. However, it should not be worn continuously for more than 24 hours. To remove a |diaphragm|, hook a finger under the rim and pull out. Wash and store the |diaphragm| after it is removed. A |diaphragm| should not be used during menstrual periods. It can be difficult inserting the |diaphragm| and could irritate the |bladder|. Itching can also be a possible side-effect. Used correctly, 6-18 women out of 100 will get pregnant in a given year using the |diaphragm|.
Cervical Caps:
A cervical cap is very similar to the |diaphragm|. It is a small, thimble-shaped latex cup. The cervical cap is smaller and firmer than a |diaphragm|. Before using a cervical cap, spread a small amount of spermicide in the cup and along the rim. Squeeze the rim of the cervical cap together between the fingers and slide it up until it covers the |cervix|. Press on the rim and the center of the cap to seal it properly. Additional spermicide should be used if sex is repeated. Always keep the cervical cap in place for at least eight hours after intercourse. However, it should not be worn continuously for more than 48 hours. To remove the cervical cap, squat and press against the rim. Hook a finger under the rim and pull out. Wash and store the cap after it is removed. A cervical cap should not be used during menstrual periods. It can be difficult inserting or removing the cap and can irritate the |cervix|. Itching can also be a possible side-effect. Used correctly, 6-18 women out of 100 will get pregnant in a given year using a cervical cap.
Who Can Use The Barrier Methods:
Those who cannot or prefer not to use the pill, implants, injectables, or IUD are excellent candidates for the barrier methods. These also serve as backups when an IUD comes out or someone has forgotten their pills. Those with infrequent intercourse, those who require additional protection with the pill or IUD, and those who require additional protection against sexually transmitted diseases (STD's) would also benefit from these types of contraceptives.
Who Should Not Use The Barrier Methods:
Those that will not properly use these methods each time they have intercourse should not use barriers as contraceptives. Those that feel these contraceptives would interfere with or lessen the sexual experience should also consider other options.
Advantages:
Condoms grant one of the few options for male partners to take some responsibility for birth control. Condoms are recommended for those with multiple partners. Latex condoms can provide some protection against sexually transmitted diseases (STD's) like |herpes| and |AIDS|. Spermicides, those with nonoxynol-9, can also supply a level of protection against some |STD's|. Barrier contraceptives have few side effects and can be used in combination with one another or other forms of |contraception|. All barrier methods, except |diaphragms| and cervical caps, are available as non-prescription products.
Disadvantages:
They require correct, consistent use with a little planning and effort. Failure rates (pregnancies) increase significantly without correct and consistent use. Combining products increases cost and complexity. Some may feel these contraceptives would interfere with or lessen the sexual experience.
