Barrier Methods

Barrier methods keep sperm from reaching the eggs. You must use barrier methods before each time you have sex. When used consistently and correctly, barrier methods prevent pregnancy about 85–98% of the time, depending on the method.

Types of barrier methods include condoms, spermicides, diaphragms, sponges, and cervical caps. Condoms, sponges, and vaginal spermicides can be bought in drugstores. A diaphragm or cervical cap must be fitted to your body at a family planning center or other healthcare provider and requires a prescription.

Condoms

Condoms come in male and female versions. The male condom is the most popular barrier method. It covers the penis so that after a man ejaculates, the sperm stays inside the condom. The female condom is a thin plastic pouch that lines the vagina. It can be put in place up to 8 hours before you have sex.

Condoms can be used alone or with other birth control methods to protect against STDs. Condoms that are made of latex and are coated with lubricant provide the best protection from STDs.

Top 5 facts to know about condoms:

• Condom use really works in preventing unintended pregnancy and most STDs.
• Condoms are easy to use and are available in many places, including family planning clinics and drug stores.
• Condom testing is rigorous and goes above and beyond adequate safety measure testing.
• U.S. consumers now purchase more than 440 million condoms per year.
• Got a latex allergy? No problem--use a synthetic condom!

Things to remember about condoms:

• Use a new condom before each sex act (oral, anal or vaginal).
• If you use lubricants, use only water-based lubricants with latex condoms. Avoid oil-based lubricants like cold cream, mineral oil, petroleum jelly, body lotions, massage oil, or baby oil. They can damage latex condoms.
• Store condoms in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight. Don't keep condoms in temperatures above 85 degrees. Note their expiration date and heed it!

Spermicides

These are chemicals that are put into the vagina to kill sperm. Spermicides come as foam, gel, cream, suppositories, and film. They must be put in the vagina just before you have sex (10–30 minutes before for suppositories and film).

Diaphragm

The diaphragm is a round rubber dome that fits inside the vagina and covers the cervix. It always is used with a spermicide. A diaphragm may be put in place up to 6 hours before you have sex (but spermicide must be added within 2 hours before sex). It must be left in place at least 6 hours after sex, but not more than 24 hours.

Cervical Cap

The cervical cap is a small, thin latex or plastic dome shaped like a thimble. It fits tightly over the cervix. The cervical cap can remain in place for up to 48 hours. Like the diaphragm, it also must be used with a spermicide. Less spermicide is needed, though, and it does not need to be added before each act of sex. After sex, the cap should be left in place for 6 hours but not longer than 48 hours.

Sponge

The sponge is a doughnut-shaped device made of soft foam that is coated with spermicide. It is pushed up in the vagina to cover the cervix. The sponge is effective for up to 24 hours. It is good for more than one act of sex during this time. The sponge must be removed within 30 hours of the time it is inserted. But it must be left in at least 6 hours after the last act of sex.

Intrauterine Device - IUD

The intrauterine device, also called an IUC (Intrauterine Contraception), is a small, T-shaped, plastic device that is inserted into your uterus at a family planning center or other healthcare provider and left inside the uterus. Two types are available in the United States: the hormonal and the copper. The hormonal IUD must be replaced every 5 years. The copper IUD can remain in the uterus for as long as 10 years. IUDs prevent pregnancy about 99% of the time, but they do not protect against STDs.

Once the IUD is inserted, nothing else needs to be done to prevent pregnancy. The two types work in different ways, but both help prevent the sperm from joining with an egg and cause changes in the uterus that keep an egg from implanting in the wall of the uterus. It has a string that can be checked to be sure the device is in place.