Barrier Methods

Barrier methods help in birth control by preventing the flow of body fluids from person to person.



These include male condoms, female condoms, diaphragms, cervical caps, dental dams and sponges.

Male condoms

A male condom helps to prevent pregnancy by blocking the sperms to pass the through the vagina of a women. It is a sheath which is to be worn before penetration over an erect penis.



After use the condom should be thrown and never reused. Using condom acts as a barrier method by preventing direct contact of semen with the vagina. Also it protects against infectious genital secretions, genital discharges and lesions.



Although most of the condoms are made from latex rubber, a small percentage is made from intestine of a lamb – known as ‘lambskin’ condoms. Males that are sensitive to the rubber latex also have an option for polyurethane – a type of plastic used to make condoms. However latex condoms are found to be most effective to protect against infectious genital discharges, viruses that can cause AIDS, HIV infection and related diseases and other sexually transmitted diseases (STD).



Some of the condoms are available in pre lubricated form; this is not related to extra protection against pregnancy or any STD.

Female condom

Female condom has a similar shape of that of a male condom and consists of a lubricated polyurethane sheath. The open end should partially cover the labia while the close end with a flexible ring should be inserted in the vagina.



Like male condom female condom should be used only once and then discarded and is available without any prescription. Male condom and female condom should not be used together with the intension of double protection as they may many times slip out of place.

Diaphragm

Diaphragm prevents the passage of sperms to the uterus as it has a flexible ring with a dome shaped rubber disk which covers the cervix.



It is available only by prescription and should be inserted with the help of a health care professional only. Once inserted, a diaphragm offers protection for six hours, however for repeated intercourse or intercourse after 6 hours period a fresh spermicide should be placed in the vagina.