Barrier methods and Spermicides

There are a number of different barrier methods of contraception to choose from. This section describes them all. You should also use a spermicide with these methods.

Male condom (Rubber, French letter)

A thin latex or polyurethane sleeve which fits over the man's penis. It is closed at one end with a 'teat' at the top to hold the sperm when the man ejaculates. The condom is rolled down over the penis and prevents sperm from entering the woman's vagina. As soon as he has ejaculated, the man should hold the condom on his penis to prevent any sperm escaping as he withdraws.

Although they are very strong, condoms can occasionally split. (If this has happened to you within the last 72 hours, and you are worried that you might get pregnant, find out about emergency contraception here).

Condoms help to protect both partners from sexually transmitted infections, including HIV (the virus that causes AIDS), but they are not as reliable at preventing pregnancy as some other methods. This is why lots of couples use a condom to protect against infections and another more reliable form of contraception, such as the Pill, to prevent pregnancy.

How effective are condoms compared to other methods? 
 
The diaphragm and the cap

A diaphragm/cap is a dome shaped circle made of rubber or silicone that you put inside your vagina to form a barrier between the man's sperm and the entrance to your cervix (womb). You can insert it up to 3 hours before you have sex. You need to use spermicide as well.

First you have to go for a fitting to make sure you get the right size. It should be checked every 6 months to make sure that it still fits snugly, particularly if something has changed since you last used it, for example if you've had a baby. When it's in properly, it doesn't interfere with sex and the man is not aware of it. After sex, you have to leave it in for at least six hours so that the spermicide has time to work.

The diaphragm is used more often than the cap. Your doctor or nurse will tell you which is best for you.

How effective is the diaphragm/cap compared to other methods?


Female condom

This is a stretchy sleeve made from lubricated polyurethane. It is closed at one end and designed to line the woman's vagina to prevent sperm entering the cervix (womb). It looks a bit like the male condom, but is wider and has flexible rings at either end to hold it in place. One ring goes inside, and the other outside. The female condom can be inserted any time before sex and removed any time after the man has ejaculated and withdrawn.

Female condoms help to protect both partners from sexually transmitted infections, including HIV (the virus that causes AIDS), but are not as reliable at preventing pregnancy as some other contraceptive methods. This is why lots of couples use condoms for protection against infection and a more reliable form of contraception, like the Pill, to prevent pregnancy.

How effective is the female condom compared to other methods?

Spermicides

Spermicides are not a method of contraception. They are designed to increase the effectiveness of barrier methods such as male and female condoms or the diaphragm/cap. They work by killing sperm or reducing their mobility so they can't move up into the womb. You can buy spermicides as a foam, a gel, a cream, a pessary or a film. Some barrier methods of contraception are already treated with spermicide.

Using a spermicide on its own is not enough to stop you getting pregnant and will not protect you from sexually transmitted infections, such as HIV (the virus that causes AIDS).