Barrier Methods of Birth Control: All You Need To Know About

Introduction

In this fast-paced millennial era, young teenagers are engaged in having sexual intercourse before it’s the right time for them. Making them aware and educated about the available barrier methods for birth control is the need of the hour. Certainly, no twenty-year-old wants to be a parent before planning his/her future!

What Are Barrier Methods of Birth Control?

Classified as a type under temporary birth control methods, barrier methods are primarily used during sexual intercourse to protect oneself from pregnancy. The below-listed barrier methods of birth control prevent the male sperm from entering the female uterus at the time of sexual activities. The most crucial factor to consider is to use the barrier methods of birth control appropriately at the time of sex.

Some commonly used barrier methods of birth control are:

• Spermicide
• Diaphragm
• Cervical cap
• Male condom
• Female condom
• Sponges
• Vaginal ring

According to verified sources, diaphragm and male condom works wonders and is a preferred choice across countries. For females who have not had a vaginal birth until the time of sexual intercourse, using a cervical cap or a sponge is advised.

Importance of Barrier Methods of Birth Control:

• Provides protection against sexually transmitted diseases like HIV, and Chlamydia
• Prevents the fertilization of the egg by the male sperm
• Prevents pregnancy

Now since general understanding about barrier methods of birth control is clear, let us discuss in brief how the above-mentioned barriers work and how feasible is its usage.

Spermicide:

This is a chemical substance made up of nonoxynol-9 which is inserted into the vagina before having sexual intercourse. It prevents sperms by killing it before it can enter the vagina. Being inexpensive and easily obtained, its usage may irritate both – the penis and vagina.

It is available in many forms like – jellies, foams, and films. If you are looking out for a natural spermicide, the citric acid present in lemons is the right choice. Thus, at the time of having sex, the lemon rind itself can be placed inside the vagina or even used as a cervical cap.

Spermicide is considered to be more effective if used along with another barrier method of birth control.

Diaphragm:

A reusable rubber or silicone cup, Diaphragm is not as popular as other barriers of birth control. It is placed over the cervix before sexual intercourse. It blocks the opening of the uterus and thus, doesn’t permit the sperm to swim to the egg.

To give desired results, the diaphragm is combined with spermicide and put far and back inside the vagina. Initially inserting the diaphragm would be a tough nut to crack and it is better to take medical assistance.

A highly effective barrier method, it can be used even while breastfeeding, and its presence is not felt by your partner. However, using it during menstruation is a big no as it may cause side effects.

Cervical Cap:

Similar to a diaphragm, the cervical cap too blocks the uterus opening and prevents the sperm from fertilizing the egg. A reusable silicone cup that fits tightly over the cervix is used along with spermicide.

Inserting a cervical cap can be difficult, but it remains in place for up to 48 hours. This barrier method of birth control does not make its presence felt and works effectively even while breastfeeding.

Akin to a diaphragm, the cervical cap’s usage should be avoided at the time of menstruation.

Male Condom:

A highly popular barrier method of birth control is the male condom. It is easily available at drugstores and is inexpensive as well. These are found in different variations like glow-in-the-dark condoms, dotted condoms, studded condoms, and flavoured condoms – a few out of the many.

Its main purpose is to hold back the semen from entering into the vagina at the time of ejaculation. For optimizing its efficiency, put it on the penis once the penis is hard and keep a small pouch on the tip to hold the semen.

Condoms are not reusable and extra attention should be paid to the expiry date. Expired condoms should be avoided at all costs. Remember, these can be used for oral, anal, and vaginal sex and can also be combined with other barrier methods of birth control.

For everyone who is sexually aroused, condoms are a go-to. These are believed to spice up the sex life and can make sexual intercourse exciting and engaging for both partners.

Female Condom:

Quite a Latin concept for many, a female condom is a bag-shaped device that is entered into the vagina before sexual activity. Designed with flexible rings at each end of the condom, it stimulates the clitoris and enhances clitoral stimulation at the time of vaginal sex.

Female condoms are to be inserted like a tampon and it may move sideways. Don’t worry, that is natural! Although it offers additional foreplay, it can lead to irritation of the vagina or penis.

A safe, easy, and inexpensive barrier method of birth control, it gives better efficiency when combined with spermicide.

Sponge:

A sponge is small, and foam-based, made dense with spermicide. It is placed on top of the cervix and helps in preventing the sperm from reaching the egg. With an attached loop to the sponge, its inserting and removal are a lot easier than that compared to cervical cups and diaphragm.

With immediate effectiveness, its usage should be minimal. It may cause vaginal dryness and make sex messy. Keep in mind, the sponge should not be kept inside for more than 30 hours at a stretch.

Unlike a diaphragm and cervical cup, sponges are not reusable and should be discarded after every use.

Vaginal Ring:

Made up of the hormones estrogen and progesterone, the vaginal ring (or called a Nuva Ring) is a small, flexible ring that is put inside the vagina for as long as three weeks. This is a rather expensive barrier method of birth control. It may lead to lighter periods and period cramps. However, it is characterized mainly by – nausea, vomiting, and in-between bleeding during periods.

It can also lead to some serious side effects like blood clots and high blood pressure but its efficiency rate is said to be the highest as compared to other barrier methods of birth control.

Visit our website to buy a vaginal ring called Nuvaring at a discounted price.

Other Barrier Methods of Birth Control:

Along with the above-mentioned barriers, birth control pills are also in excess demand. A simple yet convenient way to avoid pregnancy, birth control pills also provide other benefits like:

• Reduction in acne
• Regular and lighter periods
• Stopping the body from ovulating

The first dose of a birth control pill needs to be ideally taken within 72 hours of unprotected sex. The sooner you take the first dose the better it is!

Despite being accompanied by sore breasts, vomiting, and spotting in between periods, these side effects dispel away within 2 or 3 months of consummating the pill. It is very unlikely that everyone will face these effects.

These pills can be used more than once a month, however, it is not recommended to do so.

Conclusion

As this article draws to an end, congratulations, you are now aware of the numerous barrier methods available for birth control in its true sense!

With regards to the brief information provided above about the barrier methods of birth control, we hope we were able to impart significant knowledge in enlightening you about the same.

Pay extra heed to choose the alternative which suits your body the best. It is likely that what works for someone else may or may not work for you. Thus, making a judicious decision in such cases is of utmost importance.

P.S – Don’t forget to consult a medical professional or follow the prescribed instructions for better efficiency and success rate. Remember to weigh all your options with the right parameters and protect yourself from unwanted pregnancy.