Barrier Methods Of Contraception

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:

Barrier methods of contraception are ways of preventing pregnancy. These methods may help prevent pregnancy if used correctly. They may also help if you and your partner choose to plan how many children you want, and when to have them. Barrier methods help prevent sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), such as human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and herpes. Barrier methods are meant to help prevent a man's sperm from touching a woman's cervix. Preventing this may help stop infection from spreading between sexual partners. Barrier methods include the cervical cap, diaphragm, sponge, and spermicide. Other contraceptive methods include condoms (another barrier method), pills, and injections. Ask your caregiver which method is best for you, and for information about these and other ways to prevent pregnancy and STDs.

INSTRUCTIONS:

Medicines:

• Keep a written list of the medicines you take, the amounts, and when and why you take them. Bring the list of your medicines or the pill bottles when you see your caregivers. Learn why you take each medicine. Ask your caregiver for information about your medicine. Do not use any medicines, over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, herbs, or food supplements without first talking to caregivers.
  
  
• Always take your medicine as directed by caregivers. Call your caregiver if you think your medicines are not helping or if you feel you are having side effects. Do not quit taking your medicines until you discuss it with your caregiver. If you are taking medicine that makes you drowsy, do not drive or use heavy equipment.

Ask your caregiver when to return for a follow-up visit. Keep all appointments. Write down any questions you may have. This way you will remember to ask these questions during your next visit.

What is a cervical cap? This is a small rubber cap that covers the cervix and blocks sperm from entering the uterus. Suction helps to keep the cap in place. Your caregiver will show you how to insert the cap correctly, and teach you how to use it. The cap needs to be placed correctly before you have sexual intercourse (sex). It is left in place during sex, and for up to 6 to 8 hours after having sex. You can have sex more than one time with the cap left in place. It should be removed within 48 hours after having sex. The cap is reusable, but must be cleaned well each time after you remove it.

What is a contraceptive sponge? This is a small, soft round sponge that is placed in the vagina near the cervix. It has a dimple on the side facing the cervix, and a string on the other end for easy removal. It helps to block sperm from reaching the cervix. It can also kill sperm because it has spermicide in it. You need to moisten the sponge with water before you put it in. The sponge is inserted before you have sex. You can have sex more than once before the sponge needs to be taken out. The sponge can be left in for up to 12 hours, and must be removed after that. It may not work if it is left in longer.

What is a diaphragm? This is a soft latex rubber dome that covers the cervix and helps prevent sperm from reaching it. It may protect against changes in the cervical lining, infections, and pelvic inflammatory disease. Your caregiver will show you how to insert the diaphragm correctly, and teach you how to use it. The diaphragm needs to be placed correctly before you have sex. It is left in place during sex, and for at least six hours after having sex. You can have sex more than one time with the diaphragm left in place. You should add more spermicide for each time. The diaphragm should be removed within 24 hours after having sex.

What is spermicide? Spermicides kill sperm or keep it from moving and reaching an egg cell. It may be in the form of a cream, jelly, foam, tablet, or vaginal suppository. Suppositories and tablets must be put in about 30 minutes before sex, as they need to completely melt inside your vagina to work. These may only work to help prevent pregnancy for one hour after they are put in and have melted. Creams, jellies, and foams are put into the vagina right before sex. You may need to add more spermicide if you have sex for longer than one hour.

What are the risks and disadvantages of using barrier methods of contraception?

• If the methods are not not used or worn correctly, you may still get pregnant even if you do not want to. You may still get STDs even if you use barrier methods when having sex. Your risk of having urinary tract and other infections increases when you use some barrier methods. The products may cause itching, redness, swelling, or pain inside or near your vagina. You may have pain when you urinate, or a change in the amount of your urine when you use these products.
  
  
• The size of the cap, sponge, or diaphragm that you use may change if your weight changes by 10 pounds or more. The size also may change if you get pregnant, have a baby, or have pelvic surgery. In these cases, you will need to be fitted again for a cap or diaphragm. If you do not get fitted again, these methods will not work to prevent pregnancy as well or at all.
  
  
• When using a cap or diaphragm, use a spermicide with it to help it work better to prevent pregnancy. Do not use oil based-products, such as creams and baby oil, with a diaphragm or cervical cap. These products may damage the rubber. The diaphragm and the cervical cap are reusable, but they must be cleaned well and stored each time after you remove them.
  
  
• Spermicides may have an unpleasant smell or taste when they are used. The cervical cap, diaphragm, and sponge need an order from a doctor to get. You will need to be fitted for a cap or diaphragm by a doctor before you can get one. Between the cap, diaphragm, sponge, and spermicide (used by itself) the cap or diaphragm work best to prevent pregnancy. Studies show that some other contraceptive methods prevent pregnancy better than these barrier methods. Talk to your caregiver if you have questions.

CONTACT A CAREGIVER IF:

• You have questions or concerns about how to use a barrier method of contraception.
  
  
• You have questions or concerns about getting pregnant or about other barrier methods of contraception.

SEEK CARE IMMEDIATELY IF:

• You have pain or burning when passing urine.
  
  
• You have vaginal pain, itching, or burning during or after sex.
  
  
• You have had unprotected sex and want to talk to caregivers about emergency contraception.

Copyright © 2008 Thomson Healthcare Inc. All rights reserved. Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes.

The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

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