| |
Types of Contraception
Barrier methods
Condoms
Condoms are thin latex or polyurethane sheaths which fit over the penis when it is erect. It is closed at one end and usually has a 'teat' at the top to hold the sperm when the male ejaculates. The condom is rolled down over the erect penis before sexual intercourse takes place to prevent sperm from entering the female’s vagina. As soon as he has ejaculated, the male should hold the condom on his penis to prevent any sperm escaping as he withdraws.
Female condoms are also available. These are made of polyurethane and fit inside a female’s vagina like an ‘inside out’ condom. They should not be used at the same time as a male condom as they may rub together and break.
How effective are they?
Male condom 98% effective if used correctly and consistently, but more typically can be as low as 85%.
Female condoms – 95% effective if used correctly and consistently, but more typically can be as low as 79%.
Compared to modern hormonal methods, condoms are a little less reliable and effective in protecting against pregnancy but they are the only contraception method that will protect against STIs, including HIV/AIDS.
What are advantages?
Condoms are the only type of contraception that can protect you against sexually transmitted infections (STIs). This is why lots of couples use a condom to protect against infections together with another more reliable form of contraception, such as the contraceptive pill, to prevent pregnancy.
What are the disadvantages?
Although they are very strong, condoms can occasionally tear. They can also come off during sex and latex condoms may be weakened by oily substances such as sunscreen or non-water based lubricants, for example petroleum jelly. If this occurs during sexual intercourse and another reliable method, such as the contraceptive pill, is not also being taken, emergency contraception should be considered.
Diaphragm/cap
A diaphragm/cap is a dome shaped circle made of rubber or silicone that you put inside your vagina to form a barrier between the male’s sperm and the entrance to your cervix (womb). You can use it with a spermicide. You can insert it any time before you have sex. First you have to go for a fitting at your doctor or nurse to make sure you get the right size. It should be checked regularly to make sure that it still fits snugly, particularly if something has changed since you last used it, for example if you've had a baby or gained or lost weight. After sex, you have to leave it in for at least six hours.
The diaphragm is used more often than the cap. Your doctor or nurse will tell you which is best for you.
How effective are they?
Reliability: 94% effective if used correctly and consistently, but more typically can be as low as 84%.
What are the advantages?
When it's put in place properly, it doesn't interfere with sex and the male is not aware of it. It is an option for women who cannot or do not want to use hormonal contraception.
What are the disadvantages?
Some people may require practice in using this method correctly. The cap is not recommended for women who have already given birth as the rate of efficacy is not high. Women who have given birth may have scar tissue or an irregularly shaped cervix that interferes with the cap adhering to the cervix or the nearby vaginal walls. Some women are good candidates for the cap even after giving birth, but an examination by an experienced healthcare professional is necessary to determine this. Diaphragms/caps also do not protect against STIs.
Spermicides
Spermicides alone are not an effective method of contraception. They should only be used in combination with other barrier methods such as male and female condoms or the diaphragm/cap and are designed to increase the effectiveness of these methods. They work by killing sperm or reducing their mobility so they can't move up into the womb. You can buy spermicides as a foam, a gel, a cream, a pessary or a film.
How effective are they?
82% effective if used correctly and consistently, but more typically can be as low as 71%
Using a spermicide on its own is much less reliable than using it in combination with other barrier methods and it not recommended. It will not protect you from STIs.
|
|
|
|
|
|
