Barrier Methods Of Contraception

GENERAL INFORMATION:

What are barrier methods of contraception? 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.

What is the female reproductive system?

• A woman's reproductive system includes the ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus, cervix, and vagina. The ovaries are two egg-shaped organs that make egg cells, and are found on the ends of fallopian tubes. The fallopian tubes are two hollow tubes on each side of the upper part of the uterus. These are passages for the egg cells from the ovaries to the uterus. The uterus, or womb, is the pear-shaped organ in your abdomen (stomach) where your baby grows during pregnancy. The cervix is the opening where sperm goes in at the bottom of the uterus. The vagina is a passageway that receives the male's penis.
  
  
• The ovaries make and release an egg cell each month during ovulation. The egg cell goes from the ovary into a fallopian tube. About 10 to 14 days later, the woman will have her monthly period. If sperm enters the uterus and reaches the fallopian tubes, the egg may be fertilized (sperm meets the egg cell). The fertilized egg then goes down the tube and sticks to the endometrium (lining of uterus). The baby grows inside the uterus during pregnancy.

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.

Where can I find more information?

• Family Health International
  PO Box 13950
  Research Triangle Park, NC 27709
  Phone: 1-919-544-7040
  Web Address: http://www.fhi.org
  

CARE AGREEMENT:

You have the right to help plan your care. To help with this plan, learn about methods of birth control. Your caregiver will explain the available methods for birth control in words that you understand. Make sure all your questions and concerns are answered. You may then discuss your birth control options with caregivers and decide which is best for you. You always have the right to refuse your caregiver's advice.

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.

Link to Page

Print Page

Email Page