BARRIER METHODS OF CONTRACEPTION

forms of birth control that work by the placement of a chemical or other barrier between the
cervix and sperm so that sperm cannot reach and fertilize an ovum

Chemical- sperm killing agents or substances

Mechanical Barrier- blocking the entrance of sperm into the cervix

 SPERMICIDES
A form of Chemical barrier

Agents /substances that interfere with sperm viability, immobilizes or kills

sperm before they enter the cervix
It also changes vaginal pH to strong acid level
Types:
• vaginal jelly
• Cream
• foams
• Suppository
 SPERMICIDES
• available without prescription
Advantages: • few side effects

• may irritate tissues

• Do not protect against Sexually transmitted
Disadvantages: disease
• aesthetically unpleasant(vaginal leakage)

Contraindications: • Contraindicated in women with acute cervicitis

 MALE CONDOM
latex rubber or synthetic sheath that is placed
over the erect penis before coitus to trap sperm

prevents sperm from entering the vagina

Better be used
with spermicides
 MALE CONDOM
Advantages:
• prevent conception and transmission of STDs
• available over the counter
• maintain erections longer
• prevents premature ejaculation
• easily carried

Disadvantages:
• Interrupts sexual activity
• Possible breakage or spillage

Contraindications:
• cannot be used if with latex allergy
 FEMALE CONDOM (VAGINAL POUCH)
A soft, loose-fitting pouch with a ring on each end;
prelubricated with spermicide
The inner ring (closed end) covers the cervix, and the
outer ring (open end) rests against the vaginal
opening.

Inserted manually into a woman's vagina before sexual

intercourse
Acts as a barrier to keep sperm from entering the uterus
• Protects against STDs and
Advantages:
conception
• Single use, disposable
• may cause sensitivity to
sheath material
Disadvantages:
• Expensive for frequent
use
 DIAPHRAGMS
Flexible, circular dome-shaped rubber disk that
is placed over the cervix before intercourse.
May be used with spermicidal cream or gel

prescribed and fitted initially

by a physician

Should remain in place for at least 6 hours

after coitus, because spermatozoa remain
viable in the vagina for that length of time.
• reusable
Advantages:
• Does not interrupt sex play
• Does not protect against STDs
• Should be refitted after
Disadvantages:
childbirth or after a weight loss
or gain of 15 lbs or more.
 DIAPHRAGMS

• retroflexed, anteflexed or displaced

cervix
• Intrusion on the vagina by a cystocele
or rectocele
Contraindications • History of toxic shock syndrome (TSS;
: staphylococcal infection introduced
through the vagina)
• Allergy to rubber or spermicides
• History of recurrent UTIs