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Barrier Methods & Spermicides

Spermicides
Diaphragm
Cervical cap
Contraceptive sponge
How effective are barrier methods?

Barrier methods are contraceptives that are worn inside the woman’s vagina. They help prevent pregnancy by blocking sperm from going inside the woman’s cervix into her uterus. The diaphragm and cervical cap are two of the most popular barrier methods, and can be used more than once, although they need to be washed between uses. The contraceptive sponge is also a barrier method; however, it is not as readily available.

To increase the effectiveness of barrier methods, foams or jellies with spermicide are often applied to diaphragms and cervical caps. They contain Nonoxynol 9 – a substance that kills sperm on contact.

Spermicides

How do you use spermicidal jelly?
Spermicidal jelly is used with a diaphragm or cervical cap. It should never be used without a barrier method.

How do you use foam?
Foam blocks the cervix, preventing sperm from entering. There are many types of foam available. They come with applicators that you use to put the foam into the vagina. Some applicators are already filled with foam and are ready to use.

  1. Fill the applicator completely with foam. If you have an applicator that already has foam in it, skip to the next step.
  2. Put the applicator into the vagina, and then push the plunger of the applicator all the way so the foam is in the vagina.
  3. Foam may be put in the vagina up to one hour before sex.
  4. If you have sex more than once, you must put in another applicator of foam.
  5. The foam should stay in the vagina for at least 6 hours after sex. Do not douche or wash the foam out of the vagina.

How effective are spermicidal jelly and foam?

  • It is only a fair method of birth control. It should be used along with another method of birth control.
  • When you use it with a condom, the two together are an excellent form of birth control.

What are the advantages of spermicidal jelly and foam?

  • It is easy to buy in drug stores.
  • Foam adds lubrication to the vagina and can make intercourse more comfortable.
  • If your partner uses a condom at the same time, it is a very good form of birth control. The condom also protects against STIs and HIV.

What are the disadvantages of spermicidal jelly and foam?

  • The foam may irritate the skin. It is very important to discontinue using foam/jelly if a rash occurs. A rash may make it easier to transmit infections between people.
  • It must be put in the vagina 1 hour or less before sex. If you have sex more than once, you must use more foam.
  • If used without a condom, it is not very effective against preventing pregnancy.

What does it cost?

  • About 75 cents for each use.
  • Some clinics sell birth control methods for less.

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Diaphragm

The diaphragm looks like a rubber dome. It is put into the vagina with a spermicide. It sits against the cervix and blocks sperm from travelling through the cervix into the uterus. Can be put into the vagina up to 2 hours before having sex and must be left in the vagina for at least 8 hours after sex. It has to be fitted by a doctor and must be used with spermicidal cream or jelly.

Pros

  • Can help prevent the spread of some sexually transmitted infections because the diaphragm blocks fluids from entering the women’s body.
  • Using the diaphragm can be a good way to learn about the body, such as what the vagina feels like and where your cervix is.

Cons

  • It may not allow for intercourse to be uninterrupted or absolutely spontaneous because using the diaphragm takes planning to make sure that you have the diaphragm with you when you need it.
  • To be effective, the diaphragm must be put in correctly every time you have intercourse.
  • Some women may find inserting the diaphragm difficult and uncomfortable.

Cost
Approximately $36 for diaphragm plus spermicidal jelly or foam.

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Cervical cap

This looks like a thimble, and fits over the cervix in the same way that a thimble fits over a finger. By acting as a suction cup and covering the cervix, it helps to prevent sperm from entering the uterus through the cervix. It can be worn for up to 24 hours before intercourse and must be kept in place for at least 6 hours after intercourse. The correct size must be fitted by doctor or nurse.

Pros

  • Can be inserted into the vagina prior to intercourse and worn for up to 48 hours without having to add more spermicide. This allows for uninterrupted and spontaneous sex.
  • There are few side effects.
  • Helps protect against some STIs.
  • Inserting it into the vagina allows a woman to get to know her body and become comfortable with her vagina.

Cons

  • It is possible for some infections to develop because it traps cervical secretions. As well, if it is not used correctly, it may irritate the cervix and cause an infection.
  • Some women may find inserting and removing the cap difficult and uncomfortable.

Cost
Approximately $30 for cap plus spermicidal jelly or foam.

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Contraceptive sponge

This is made of polyurethane, and is worn inside a woman’s vagina to cover the cervix and absorb sperm. It also contains a spermicide that kills sperm. The sponge can be inserted into the vagina up to 24 hours before intercourse and it must stay in the vagina for 6 hours after intercourse. Throw away after using once.

Pros

  • The sponge can be worn for up to 24 hours before having intercourse, allowing for sex to be uninterrupted and spontaneous.
  • It is comfortable when put in correctly.

Cons

  • There are some possible side effects and concerns: it may cause irritation and infections (such as yeast infections) to develop because it is worn inside the vagina for many hours.
  • It can only be used once.
  • There is a chance of pregnancy if the sponge is put in improperly or slips out of place.
  • There is some concern that the sponge can tear and shred inside the vagina.

Cost
approximately $3 each.

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How effective are barrier methods?

  • Barrier methods are only a fair method of preventing pregnancy, mostly because they can be difficult to use correctly. If used correctly they have a failure rate of 15% (If 100 women used them, 15 would get pregnant... not very effective!)
  • They are most effective when they are used with a condom.
  • They are best when used in a relationship with a partner who is cooperative and helpful.
  • Unless they are used with a condom, they do not protect against the spread of STIs and HIV.

Hormonal Contraceptives
Natural Methods
Emergency Contraceptive / Plan B / Morning After-Pill
Contraceptives page

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