Barrier Methods for Birth Control: Options and Pros and Cons

A barrier method is a type of birth control that's used to prevent pregnancy. Birth control methods are also called contraceptives.

• Male condom.
• Female condom.
• Diaphragm.
• Cervical cap.
• Sponge.
• Spermicide.

Your health care provider can help you pick which type of birth control is best for you. There is a risk of a sexually transmitted infection (STI) even when you use a barrier method.

Male condom

A male condom is a thin covering that's worn over your penis during sex. Condoms prevent pregnancy by catching and stopping sperm from reaching the uterus. They also help to protect against STIs. Some condoms have a sperm-blocking chemical on them called spermicide.

Male condoms are made of latex, rubber, or a type of plastic called polyurethane. Condoms that are made of latex and polyurethane give the best protection against many STIs, including human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).

Male condoms can only be worn once and should never be doubled.

Female condom

A female condom is a thin pouch that you put in your vagina before sex. An inner ring holds the condom in place. Another ring covers the outer part of the vagina. Female condoms prevent pregnancy by catching sperm and blocking it from going in the uterus. They also help to protect against STIs.

A female condom should only be used once. It can be put in the vagina up to 8 hours before sex.

Do not use a male condom and a female condom at the same time during vaginal sex. Using both types at the same time can cause the condoms to break.

Diaphragm

A diaphragm is a soft latex or silicone barrier that's shaped like a dome. Before sex, you put it in your vagina with a sperm-stopping jelly called a spermicide. A diaphragm covers the cervix, which is the lowest part of the uterus. The diaphragm blocks the sperm from getting into the cervix. A diaphragm doesn't protect against STIs. You'll need a prescription for a diaphragm and you need to have it fitted by your provider.

Leave the diaphragm in for 6 to 8 hours after having sex. If you are going to have sex again during these 6 to 8 hours, you need to re-apply spermicide. Do not leave the diaphragm in place for longer than 24 hours. If you lose or gain weight, you may need to be re-fitted by your provider. A diaphragm should not be used during your period.

Cervical cap

A cervical cap is a small, soft, latex or plastic cup that's put in the vagina and fits over the cervix. A cervical cap should be used with a spermicide. It provides protection as long as it's in place, even if you have sex many times. It does not protect against STIs.

A cervical cap can be put in up to 6 hours before sex. It must be left in place for at least 6 hours after sex and can be left in place for as long as 48 hours. A cervical cap must be fitted by a provider. If you lose or gain weight, your provider may need to re-fit the cap. A cervical cap should not be used during your period.

Sponge

A sponge is a soft piece of foam with spermicide on it. You'll need to get it wet with clean water and then put it into the vagina and over the cervix before you have sex. The foam is designed to trap and absorb sperm before it enters the cervix while the spermicide stops the sperm. A sponge provides spermicide for 24 hours no matter how many times you have sex. It does not protect against STIs. A sponge should not be used during your period.

Spermicide

Spermicides are chemicals that stop or block sperm from entering the cervix and uterus. They're put into the vagina with an applicator before sex. Spermicides don't protect against STIs.

Spermicides come as creams, jellies, suppositories, foam, film, or tablets. Some condoms are coated in spermicide. Some sponges have spermicide in them. Suppositories, film, and tablets should be put in 10–30 minutes before sex so they can dissolve.

A new spermicide must be put in every time you have sex.

Where to find more information

1. Go to acog.org.
2. Type "barrier methods" in the search box.