1. Barrier Methods

2. Condoms
Female condom
Male condoms

3. Mechanism of action
Prevents the sperm from gaining access to the upper reproductive tract, preventing it from meeting the egg.
In addition condoms offer the best protection against HIV and STI.

4. Advantages Effective immediately Do not affect breastfeeding
Can be used as backup to other methods
No known method-related health risks
No known systemic side effects
Widely available
No prescription or medical assessment is required
Inexpensive (in the short term)

5. Limitations
A new condom must be worn for each act of sexual intercourse
May cause itching for a few people who are allergic to latex
Effectiveness as contraceptives depends on willingness to follow instructions. Most effective when used correctly and consistently.
User-dependent (requires continued motivation and use with each act of intercourse).
Disposal of used condoms may be a problem. If not properly disposed of, may be a source of infection to others, especially children.

6. Dual protection and dual method use
(use of condoms for FP and for protection against STI/ HIV)
Dual method use
(Use another method for FP and condoms for protection against STI/ HIV
Condoms
Male condoms
Female condoms or 
Condoms
and
another family
planning method

7. How to use a female condom

8. Open package carefully Make sure the condom is well-lubricated inside1
Inner ring
Outer ring
Open package carefully
Make sure the condom is well-lubricated inside

9. 2
Choose a comfortable position

10. Squeeze the inner ring, at the closed end3
Squeeze the inner ring, at the closed end

11. 4 Gently insert the inner ring into the vagina
Place the index finger inside condom, and push the inner ring up as far as it will go
Make sure the outer ring is outside the vagina and the condom is not twisted
Be sure that the penis enters inside the condom and stays inside it during intercourse

12. Reuse is not recommended To remove, twist outer ring and pull gently 5
Reuse is not recommended
To remove, twist outer ring and pull gently
Throw away condom safely