There are many methods of birth control available; from the barrier method, the hormonal method, fertility awareness method, and sterilization. Today we focus specifically on the barrier method and all the options that are available. As the name suggests, the barrier method involves some form of physical barrier that is worn or inserted to prevent sperm from fertilizing an egg. All of these methods require them to be used every time to be effective against pregnancy and STDs/STIs.

The barrier method includes: Internal and external condoms, the diaphragm, the cervical cap, and the contraceptive sponge.

External condoms are the most common form of barrier methods used. Condoms are made from thin and stretchy material, and are worn over the penis during sex to collect semen. Some types of condoms prevent the transmission of STIs/STDs, but not all do. With perfect use, condoms are 98% effective, and 85% effective with typical use.

• Latex Condoms: Made from rubber and are the most common type of condom available. Only use water-based or silicone-based lube with latex condoms; do not use anything with oil, as oil will break down latex. These condoms will prevent pregnancy and provide protection against STDs/STIs.
• Plastic Condoms: Also known as latex free condoms, are made from plastics such as polyurethane and nitrile. These condoms are safe to use for those with latex allergies. You can use water-based or silicone-based lubes. Always check the packaging to see whether it’s safe to use plastic condoms with oil based lubes. Plastic condoms will prevent pregnancy and provide protection against STDs/STIs.
• Lambskin Condoms: These condoms are often made from the intestinal lining of sheep, and are an alternative for those with allergies to latex or plastic. You can use any type of lube, including oil with lambskin condoms. They prevent pregnancy, but do NOT protect against STDs/STIs.

External condoms are also multipurpose! They can be cut open and used as a dental dam during oral sex. Latex and plastic condoms protect against STDs by preventing contact with semen and vaginal fluid, and limiting skin-to-skin contact that can spread STIs.

A word of caution, lambskin condoms do NOT protect against STDs/STIs because they contain minute holes in the lambskin small enough to block sperm cells, but big enough to let bacteria and viruses pass through. To protect against STDs/STIs it’s best to use latex and plastic condoms.

Internal condoms are inserted into the vagina and create an internal barrier that collects sperm. Internal condoms are not reusable, so use a new one each time you have sex. With perfect use, internal condoms are 95% effective, and 79% effective with typical use.

The diaphragm is a small, shallow flexible cup that covers the cervix and acts like a barrier against sperm during sex to prevent pregnancy. They are often made of soft silicone which makes it easy to insert. The diaphragm must be used together with spermicide (cream or gel) to be most effective against pregnancy. Spermicide works by blocking the entrance to the cervix so that sperm cannot get through, as well as stops sperm from moving well enough to swim to the egg. The spermicide is held in place close to the cervix by the diaphragm. With perfect use, diaphragms are 94% effective, and 88% effective with typical use.

The cervical cap (aka the cap) is a small soft cup (shaped like a sailors hat) made from silicone that is placed deep in the vaginal to cover the cervix. The cap prevents pregnancy by acting as a barrier against sperm. Similar to the diaphragm, the cap must be used with spermicide to be most effective. The cap keeps spermicide in place close to the cervix. Unlike the diaphragm, the cap can be left inside for up to two days. The cap is a lot more effective if you have never given birth. For those who have never given birth the cap is 88% effective, and for those who have given birth the cap is 71% effective.

What’s the difference between the diaphragm and the cap? The main difference is that they fit differently. The diaphragm is a shallow cup that covers the cervix and the area around it, while the cervical cap is shaped more like a sailors hat and that fits more snugly and only covers the cervix. The diaphragm can be used for up to 24 hours, while the cap can be used for up to 48 hours.

The sponge is a small round squishy sponge made of plastic. The sponge contains spermicide and is inserted deep into the vaginal to cover the cervix. It is built with small loops to make removal easy. Similar to the cap, the sponge is a lot more effective if you have never given birth. For those who have never given birth the sponge is 91% effective, and for those who have given birth the cap is 80% effective.

In Birth Control Part 2, we will cover the hormonal method, fertility awareness method, and sterilization.

As always, if you have questions or concerns about birth control or sexually transmitted infections, consider booking an appointment with one of our GOeVisit practitioners!