Barrier Methods
Here we discuss the barrier methods.
Condoms
The first of these barrier methods is the condom. There are both male and female condoms, and these prevent pregnancy by preventing sperm access to the egg. They come in three main materials: latex, polyurethane, and lambskin. Condoms also have the added benefit of preventing sexually transmitted infections (STI's), which hormonal contraceptives do not do prevent against. You still can get an STI if you use a condom, though, so still be careful.
Latex condoms can cause an allergic reaction in some people, so you do have to watch out for that. They are also not compatible with oil based lubricants and products. If you get a yeast infection and use an ovule or a cream, this can weaken a latex condom.
Polyurethane is compatible with oil based lubricants and is said to be more sensitive, but it is also more prone to breaking.
Lambskin is actually the inside of a lambs intestine, so it is porous and will let bacteria through. Lambskin condoms do not protect against STI's. These condoms are compatible with all lubricants, though
A male condom has a 3% chance of pregnancy over the course of a year if used perfectly. Typical use results in a 14% chance of pregnancy.
A female condom has a 5% chance of pregnancy if used properly, and a 20% chance of used typically.
Diaphragms
Diaphragms are reusable dome-shaped caps that cover the entrance to the cervix. In doing so, they prevent sperm from reaching the uterus and egg.
The advantages of a diaphragm are:
1. It can be inserted before intercourse, and you can leave it in for 24 hours. So, it will not interfere with foreplay.
2. It decreases the risk of pregnancy and STI's.
3. It can be used during lactation.
There are some downsides, though. These downsides are as follows:
1. It requires fitting, so you need to visit an MD to get one.
2. It is made out of latex, so it is not compatible with oil based lubricants.
3. It causes an increase in urinary tract infections.
If used perfectly, it has a failure rate of 6%, but typical use results in a 20% failure rate. Typically diaphragms are used with spermicide.
Sponges
These are sponges that are impregnated with spermicidal agents. They are easily accessible, but unlike a diaphragm, they do not require fitting. They, too, can be left in place for 24 hours, but they are not as effective at protecting against STI's as the diaphragm is. They also increase the chance of a bacterial or yeast infection. If used perfectly, they have a failure rate of 10%, and with typical use, there is a failure rate of 20%.
Cervical Cap
These are smaller than a diaphragm, and they fit over the cervix. They, too, prevent sperm from getting at the egg. They can be inserted before intercourse, and they can be left in for up to 48 hours. They, too, protect against STI's, and they can be used during lactation. They do require a visit to your doctor for fitting, though. They also have to be left in for 6 hours after intercourse, and they are more difficult to insert than a diaphragm (they are made out of rubber). With perfect use, they have a 9% failure rate, and with typical use, they have a 26% failure rate.
Spermicides
These are not commonly used alone, as they are not that effective. They are normally used with a sponge, a diaphragm, or a cervical cap. Spermicides are products that kill sperm. They come in jellies, foams, suppositories, and sponges. They are cheap and easy to use, but they can cause irritation. They are also messy, and have a bad smell and taste. With perfect use, they have a failure rate of 6%, and a typical use failure rate of 26%. Just as a note, adding spermicide to a condom does not make it any more effective. So, if you are using a condom, there is no reason to use a spermicide.
Condoms
The first of these barrier methods is the condom. There are both male and female condoms, and these prevent pregnancy by preventing sperm access to the egg. They come in three main materials: latex, polyurethane, and lambskin. Condoms also have the added benefit of preventing sexually transmitted infections (STI's), which hormonal contraceptives do not do prevent against. You still can get an STI if you use a condom, though, so still be careful.
Latex condoms can cause an allergic reaction in some people, so you do have to watch out for that. They are also not compatible with oil based lubricants and products. If you get a yeast infection and use an ovule or a cream, this can weaken a latex condom.
Polyurethane is compatible with oil based lubricants and is said to be more sensitive, but it is also more prone to breaking.
Lambskin is actually the inside of a lambs intestine, so it is porous and will let bacteria through. Lambskin condoms do not protect against STI's. These condoms are compatible with all lubricants, though
A male condom has a 3% chance of pregnancy over the course of a year if used perfectly. Typical use results in a 14% chance of pregnancy.
A female condom has a 5% chance of pregnancy if used properly, and a 20% chance of used typically.
Diaphragms
Diaphragms are reusable dome-shaped caps that cover the entrance to the cervix. In doing so, they prevent sperm from reaching the uterus and egg.
The advantages of a diaphragm are:
1. It can be inserted before intercourse, and you can leave it in for 24 hours. So, it will not interfere with foreplay.
2. It decreases the risk of pregnancy and STI's.
3. It can be used during lactation.
There are some downsides, though. These downsides are as follows:
1. It requires fitting, so you need to visit an MD to get one.
2. It is made out of latex, so it is not compatible with oil based lubricants.
3. It causes an increase in urinary tract infections.
If used perfectly, it has a failure rate of 6%, but typical use results in a 20% failure rate. Typically diaphragms are used with spermicide.
Sponges
These are sponges that are impregnated with spermicidal agents. They are easily accessible, but unlike a diaphragm, they do not require fitting. They, too, can be left in place for 24 hours, but they are not as effective at protecting against STI's as the diaphragm is. They also increase the chance of a bacterial or yeast infection. If used perfectly, they have a failure rate of 10%, and with typical use, there is a failure rate of 20%.
Cervical Cap
These are smaller than a diaphragm, and they fit over the cervix. They, too, prevent sperm from getting at the egg. They can be inserted before intercourse, and they can be left in for up to 48 hours. They, too, protect against STI's, and they can be used during lactation. They do require a visit to your doctor for fitting, though. They also have to be left in for 6 hours after intercourse, and they are more difficult to insert than a diaphragm (they are made out of rubber). With perfect use, they have a 9% failure rate, and with typical use, they have a 26% failure rate.
Spermicides
These are not commonly used alone, as they are not that effective. They are normally used with a sponge, a diaphragm, or a cervical cap. Spermicides are products that kill sperm. They come in jellies, foams, suppositories, and sponges. They are cheap and easy to use, but they can cause irritation. They are also messy, and have a bad smell and taste. With perfect use, they have a failure rate of 6%, and a typical use failure rate of 26%. Just as a note, adding spermicide to a condom does not make it any more effective. So, if you are using a condom, there is no reason to use a spermicide.
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