CONTRACEPTIVE BARRIER METHODS

FEMALE CONDOM The female condom resembles a male condom. The only difference is, it is larger and has a ring on the inside. The women puts the condom into her vagina until it hits the cervix. The outer ring covers the labia and the penis during intercourse. The female condom is between 79-95% effective.

MALE CONDOM The male condom is a barrier that prevents the sperm from going into the partner. They are also known as “rubbers” and “prophylactics”. This is the only kind of birth control the male uses. Condoms are also the only methods from preventing sexually transmitted diseases.

DIAPHRAGMS Diaphragms look like little rubber bowls. They should be filled with spermicide and inserted into the vagina to cover the cervical opening. The spermicide’s job is to make sure that no sperm gets around the diaphragm.

CERVICAL CAPS Cervical caps are smaller versions of diaphragms. It is made of rubber and fits over the cervix. They are 91% effective.

ORTHO EVRA Ortho Evra is also know as “The Patch”. It is worn on the upper arm, abdomen, upper torso, or buttocks. The hormones estrogen and progestin are released through the skin into the bloodstream. Women who use this get up to 60% more estrogen than they would on The Pill. It is 98% effective but doesn’t prevent STDs.

DEPRO-PROVERA Depo-Provera is sometimes called “The Shot”. It injects the hormone progestin that prevents pregnancy for three months. It is 97% effective. Some symptoms are weight gain, increased breast size, headaches, or depression. It might take a year or less to get pregnant again after getting off of Depo-Provera.

FOAMS Spermicidal foams are inserted into the vagina with and applicator. It gives protection right after it is applied and lasts for an hour.

JELLIES AND CREAMS Jellies and creams are usually applied to the inside of a cervical cap or diaphragm. Each time you have intercourse you must use a new dose of it.

SPERMICIDES A spermicide is a chemical that kills the sperm. It is used with a lot of different contraceptive barriers. Some examples are the cervical caps and diaphragms.

FILMS Vaginal films are 2-inch, paper-thin, square sheets of film containing spermicide. It needs to be inserted into the vagina near the cervix. Depending on the brand it can take 10-15 minutes to dissolve before it is effective.

SOURCE USED http://www.teenhealthandwellness.com/

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