Barrier Methods of Birth Control

To know more about methods of birth control, here is one of three to be tackled in the next few days.

What is the "Barrier Method" of birth control?
Barrier methods of birth control block sperm from entering the uterus. Using a spermicide with a barrier method gives you the best possible barrier method protection.

• The spermicide kills most of the sperm that enter the vagina.
• The barrier method then blocks any remaining sperm from passing through the cervix to fertilize an egg.

Barrier methods include the diaphragm, cervical cap, cervical shield, male condom, and female condom and spermicidal foam, sponges, and film. Unlike other methods of birth control, barrier methods are used only when you have sexual intercourse. Be sure to read the instructions before using a barrier method. It is very important that you use a barrier method correctly every time you have sex.

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Sexually transmitted disease protection
Male or female condoms are the only birth control methods that protect against sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), including infection with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). To help protect yourself and your partner from STD infection, be sure to use a condom every time you have sex.

What To Expect After Treatment
Follow the directions for your choice of barrier method. After sexual intercourse:

• A male or female condom is removed promptly and thrown away.
• A contraceptive sponge has to be left in for 6 or more hours, then removed and thrown away.
• A diaphragm or cervical cap has to be left in for 6 or more hours, then washed and stored for reuse.
• A cervical shield is left in for 8 or more hours, then washed and stored for reuse.

How Well It Works
Barrier methods of birth control vary in how effective they are in preventing pregnancy. They also vary in how effective they are at preventing STDs.


Source: Here

Barrier methods of birth control

Barrier	Failure rate*	Effectiveness in preventing STDs
Male condom	15 (spermicide further lowers this failure rate)	Most effective
Female condom	21	Somewhat effective
Diaphragm with spermicide	16	Limited effectiveness
Spermicide	29	Not effective if used alone; may actually increase risk of getting HIV/AIDS
Sponge with spermicide	16 (no past vaginal childbirth) 32 (past vaginal childbirth)	Limited effectiveness
Cervical cap with spermicide	16 (no past vaginal childbirth) 32 (past vaginal childbirth)	Limited effectiveness
*Failure rate equals the number of pregnancies that occur out of 100 women in the first year of use.