Barrier Methods of

Contraceptives

BY: Alejandra Gonzalez and Sabrina Badgley

What are Contraceptives?Contraceptives?

Contraceptives are methods to avoid an unplanned pregnancy. Also known as Birth Control Methods.

There are many types of methods such as Hormonal, Barrier, and Other (surgical).

Barrier methods deal with physically preventing the sperm from reaching the egg at all or being able to fertilize it.

Can Contraceptives avoid STI’s os STD’s?NO! The purpose of a contraceptive is to avoid an unplanned pregnancy. Some types of methods can reduce the risk BUT they can not guarantee a 100% risk free possibility

The only way you can prevent an unplanned pregnancy or the risk of getting an STI or STD by 100% is Abstinence.

Female ContraceptivesThere are more types of female barrier contraceptives on the market than there are for men.

Some types of female contraceptives are; Spermicides, Cervical caps, Diaphragms, Contraceptive Sponges, and Female Condoms.

Cervical Caps and Diaphragms

Cervical Caps: are latex/rubber caps that block the cervical tube to avoid sperm from fertilizing an egg. It is applied with a contraceptive jelly (spermicide). It is about the size of the finger tip. These must be prescribed by a doctor because they must be fitted to a woman.

Diaphgrams: These contraceptives are like the cervical caps except that it comes in only one size and they are more domed shaped than the cervical cap. They must also be worn worn with a spermicide.

Contraceptive Sponges and Female CondomsContraceptive Sponges are

“doughnut” shaped sponges that are filled with liquid spermicides. They can be placed within the female body for a maximum of 24 hours meanwhile the sponge releases the spermicides.

Female condoms: Like the male condom it is made out of latex/rubber. The female condom is placed within the body and must be disposed of after sexual intercourse. It is “pouch” or “bag” like.

SpermicidesSpermicides are gels, creams, foams,films, and suppositories that create a chemical barrier.

The purpose of a spermicide is to kill sperm.

Male ContraceptiveThe most commonly known and used male contraceptive is the condom.

The condom covers the penis and does not allow sperm pass the latex/rubber material.