The essence of this method of contraception is to create a barrier to sperm cells to the egg. This obstacle may be chemical or mechanical, as well as used by men or women. Barrier-type contraceptives are by far the most effective among all known methods of protecting against unwanted pregnancy. Their advantages should also include protection against sexually transmitted diseases, as well as their complications.
Funds sharing
Barrier protection is carried out using female or male contraceptives. The latter are represented only by condoms, which have been known to the world since the 15th century. Today, this method of protection is the most popular. Condoms are made most often from latex rubber, but other synthetic or biological materials can be used in production. Today, the barrier method of contraception using male condoms not only fulfills its direct responsibilities, but also enhances pleasant sensations during sexual intercourse. For this, manufacturers add special chemical lubricants to condoms, make them of various shapes, sizes, surface structures and even colors.
Female methods of protection by the barrier method are carried out using:
- female condoms;
- cervical caps;
- diaphragms of the vaginal;
- chemical spermicides.
Indications
The barrier method of protection against unplanned pregnancy and sexual infections is recommended for women with contraindications to hormonal contraceptives and intrauterine protective equipment. Also, barrier contraception is the only remedy for breastfeeding.
Specialists recommend creating obstacles to sperm and women who have rare and irregular sexual intercourse, as well as having a partner with accelerated ejaculation.
Since the barrier type of contraceptives additionally protects the body from sexually transmitted diseases, the use of such drugs should be with occasional sexual intercourse, even when using other protection options to reduce the risk of accidental infection.
Men's protection
The only protection option used by men is condoms. They are made from the blind sheep intestine, collagen, polyurethane and latex. The principle of action is to prevent sperm from entering the vagina. At the same time, only latex contraceptives can delay the penetration of pathogens of sexually transmitted diseases into the body. Barrier products from biological materials have a porous structure through which microorganisms easily pass. Latex generally has no pores even at the largest magnification, so it is believed that the material is able to retain absolutely any microbes of the genitals.
At the same time, funds do not protect against infections transmitted through skin contact, since they do not cover the entire contact surface of the body.
To facilitate use, all latex products for contraception must be treated with a special lubricant that can be made on the basis of silicone or water. If you want to add grease, you can not use petroleum jelly, creams and any vegetable and animal oils or fats, as this greatly reduces the effectiveness of condoms. In such cases, it is better to use special gels or glycerin.
The quality of any product depends on the characteristics of its production, the timing and conditions of its storage. The longer the condom is stored, the less flexible and durable its surface will become.
Advantages and disadvantages
The barrier method of protection using condoms not only protects directly from pregnancy, but also significantly reduces the risk of sexually transmitted diseases, which is undoubtedly the main advantage of this option of protection. They are recommended to be used not only for vaginal contact, but also for oral caresses or anal intercourse.
Also, the advantage of the method is the availability of condoms in any pharmacy or store, their high efficiency and the ability to maintain an erection with the corresponding problems. Also, the method is an effective prevention of infertility associated with inflammatory diseases and the only contraceptive option for allergies to sperm.
Among the shortcomings of male condoms, one should note a decrease in the sensation of sensation in both partners during intercourse and a possible manifestation of an allergy to latex or the appearance of irritation in the vagina and vulva. Also, to use a condom, certain manipulations are required immediately before penetration.
Female condoms
This barrier method of contraception appeared much later than the male one. Female condoms are also called femidomy. They are made of latex and polyurethane, therefore, with an allergy to the first material, they are not suitable for a woman. In other cases, the tool is quite convenient and makes the woman independent of the man in terms of protection. It is a condom the same latex tube, but a much larger diameter - 50-105 mm. The length also depends on the selected size and can be 8-18 cm. There are special rings on both ends of the product.
The external does not allow the contraceptive to enter the vagina and covers all the labia, and the internal is inserted inside, representing a diaphragm. Its diameter is much smaller.
Advantages and disadvantages
Barrier methods of contraception for women can be used, regardless of the stage of male erection, and this is a definite advantage. Female condoms also make a woman independent when it is necessary to prevent an unplanned pregnancy and, when used correctly, also protect her from sexually transmitted diseases. Themid also does not affect the microflora of the vagina, does not damage its mucous membranes, has no contraindications (except for the presence of latex allergy, but in this case a polyurethane condom can be used ). You can leave a condom in the vagina for 10 hours, and enter it a few hours before intercourse. Experts recommend this method of protection for allergies to sperm.
Among the shortcomings, it should be noted only that you can buy themis not everywhere and at a high cost.
The diaphragm is vaginal
This device is a domed sphere with a diameter of 50-105 mm. It is most often made of latex and always has a flexible outer rim, which allows you to keep the diaphragm in the correct position.
The barrier method of preventing pregnancy with the help of the vaginal diaphragm is based on the prevention of sperm penetration to the cervix. The maximum contraceptive effect is achieved by filling its dome with spermicides.
Before use, you need to empty the bladder, the device should be treated with disinfectants or washed with soap and water and check the integrity of the surfaces. After this, the edges and the inner part of the diaphragm are treated with spermicides and the product is injected into the vagina immediately before intercourse, using the information of its edges. It is recommended to remove the device 6-8 hours after administration, but no later than 24 hours, as toxic shock may begin. The diaphragm is washed, dried and put into packaging for further storage.
Varieties
In order for the barrier method of contraceptive with a diaphragm to be as effective as possible (and this is 94%), the shape and size of the device should be selected individually. Depending on the structure of the rim, diaphragms are distinguished:
- with coil spring;
- with a flat spring;
- with a membrane;
- with an arcuate spring.
Also, the funds vary in size.
Advantages and disadvantages
The main advantage of this method of protection is to reduce the risk of development of cervical pathologies. Benefits include reusability, accessibility and simplicity.
Among the minuses of the diaphragm, small efficiency is noted, since choosing the right size is not so simple. Also, the tool changes the microflora of the vagina, can provoke allergic reactions to latex and cause abdominal pain (due to the wrong size). A significant disadvantage of the device is the risk of urinary tract infections and urinary retention, because, being in the vagina, the diaphragm presses the urinary tract.
All barrier methods of contraception have certain recommendations for use. Indications and contraindications are basically the same, but when using a diaphragm, you should pay attention to a wide list of prohibitions. So, you can not use this tool:
- with pathologies of the cervix;
- with the omission of the uterus, pelvic floor and vaginal walls;
- with chronic inflammation of the genital organs;
- after childbirth or abortion;
- with a capacious vagina;
- with suspected pregnancy.
Cervical caps
They are also made of latex and resemble previous devices according to the method of use. Their difference from the diaphragms in a smaller diameter, the maximum cap size is 31 mm.
Before insertion into the vagina, a third of the cup is also filled with spermicide. This must be done immediately before intercourse, after which the product remains in the vagina for at least another 6 hours. The cap is fixed due to its suction property, but until it is clear that its size is correctly selected, it is recommended to be protected by additional means, in particular, condoms. Check his position should be after each sexual intercourse. The cap should be attached to the cervix, blocking access to its cavity.
This barrier method of contraception gives an efficiency of 91% - 84% in nulliparous women. For those who already have children, their effectiveness decreases to 74% - 68%. Vaginal sponge, which is similar in appearance to the cervical cap, but to date, is spread only in Europe, has similar indicators.
Only a doctor can choose the right cap size in accordance with the characteristics of the woman’s body. With certain genital abnormalities, the use of the device is prohibited. The remaining contraindications are similar to those described for diaphragms. There are indented caps, domed and bell-shaped.
Doctors Recommendations
Among all the barrier methods of contraceptives for women, doctors advise giving preference to condoms. Vaginal diaphragms and cervical caps may not give similar effectiveness even when used correctly, but are still recommended for women in certain circumstances. Among them:
- breast-feeding;
- desire to protect yourself from sexually transmitted diseases without using a condom;
- inability to be protected in other ways;
- the inability to use intrauterine contraceptives;
- irregular sexual intimacy;
- the need for additional protection;
- temporary use during the period of selection of a permanent contraceptive;
- frequent change of sexual partners.
Chemical barrier
Such protection is created by special substances upon contact with which male cells die or lose their motor activity.
The active substances of spermicides can be various chemical compounds that must act instantly, since sperm can enter the cervix already moments after ejaculation. Chemicals also have a detrimental effect on some bacteria, so theoretically this method can reduce the risk of sexually transmitted diseases, but in practice its results are low and should not be relied on. Funds are produced in the form of vaginal suppositories, films, sponges or tablets.
Among the minuses, in addition to low efficiency, it is worth noting the risk of discomfort, smell and traces on underwear. Among the advantages noted accessibility and ease of use.
Conclusion
The mechanism of action of barrier methods of contraception is based on preventing the penetration of sperm into the uterus. Today, interest in them is increased due to the ability to protect the body from sexually transmitted diseases. They can be used alone or in combination with hormonal agents to increase effectiveness.
Doctors recommend using condoms for the protection, but in certain circumstances other methods are necessary. It is impossible to select them yourself (diaphragms and caps), so be sure to consult a gynecologist.