TYPES OF BARRIER METHODS TO PREVENT PREGNANCY

There are many contraceptive options that help you avoid pregnancy, ranging from barrier methods to hormonal pills, patches, and IUDs. But we'll be talking about barrier methods. However the only completely reliable method for avoiding pregnancy is abstaining from sex.

Different methods may work better for different people, and before working out the contraceptive strategies that work for them, a person may try several options.

Barrier methods prevent male's sperm from reaching the female's egg. The types of barrier methods include:

1) MALE/FEMALE CONDOMS

Condom is a thin rubber sheath worn on a man's penis during sexual intercourse as a contraceptive or as a protection against infection andis the only types of contraception that protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), "Male condoms are more than 80 percent effective against pregnancy while female condoms are about 79 percent when used correctly."

TO USE A MALE CONDOM CORRECTLY:

1) Choose the size correctly.

2) Place the condom on the head of the erect penis. Pull the foreskin back first if uncircumcised.

3) Pinch the tip of the condom to remove any air inside the condom.

4) Unroll the condom down the penis slowly and being careful not to tear it.

5) After intercourse, hold the base of the condom in place before pulling out of the vagina.

6) Remove the condom and dispose it and never reuse the condom.

Note that most male condoms are made of latex. If using a lubricant, check that it is compatible with the kind of condom being used. For example, latex condoms can only be used with water-based lube.

Condoms are without a prescription and are available over-the-counter (OTC), drugstores, the supermarkets or online. Latex-free condoms are also available to buy online.

2) DIAPHRAGM

A diaphragm is a barrier method of contraception that a person insert inside the vagina. It is important to apply spermicide to the diaphragm before it's been use.

A person must insert the diaphragm a few hours before the intercourse, leave it in place for 5 to 6 hours after sex, and remove it after a maximum of 24 hours. Diaphragms do not protect against STIs.

The CDC estimate that the diaphragm is close to 90 percent effective when used with spermicid.

3) CERVICAL CAP

A cervical cap is a soft silicone cup that is placed or inserted deep inside the vagina to cover the cervix to stop sperm from reaching an egg.

This effectiveness of the cervical cap varies based on different sources, but Planned Parenthood estimate that its effectiveness ranges from about 70 to 85 percent. It does not protect against STIs.

Cervical caps are available in drugstores and online mostly.

4) SPONGE

The contraceptive sponge is a method of birth control that a person can buy without a prescription from the doctor. Sponge is made of polyurethane foam and containing spermicide, the sponge is placed deep inside the vagina to block entry to the uterus.

When used alone, the sponge is 76 to 86 percent effective, but using it with a condom further reduces the risk of pregnancy and STIs.

Contraceptive sponges are also available to buy online stores if needed.

5) SPERMICIDE

Spermicide is a chemical that inactivates sperm. It is available to buy without a prescription and is used with other forms of barrier contraception, such as condoms, but not with the sponge.

If used alone, spermicide should be placed close to the cervix at least 10 minutes before sex and it remains effective for the period of 60 minutes and is approximately 72 percent effective.

Spermicide gels can be found at drugstores or purchased online.

Methods of contraception vary in terms of their effectiveness. People who are sexually active should speak with their doctor about the available options, so they can choose the method that is best for them.

Finally, remember that male and female condoms are the only types of contraception that prevent STIs.