Barrier contraceptive method: concept, types of contraceptives, choosing the best and doctors' recommendations

2024 Author: Priscilla Miln | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 00:21

The essence of this method of contraception is to create a barrier on the way of spermatozoa to the egg. This obstacle can be chemical or mechanical and can be used by men or women. Barrier-type contraceptives are by far the most effective among all known methods of preventing unwanted pregnancy. Their benefits should also include protection against sexually transmitted diseases, as well as their complications.

Separation of funds

Protection by the barrier method is carried out using female or male contraceptives. The latter are represented only by condoms that have been known to the world since the 15th century. Today, this method of protection is the most popular. Condoms are most often made from latex rubber, but other synthetic or biological materials can also be used in production. Today, the barrier method of contraception using male condoms is notonly fulfills its direct duties, but also enhances the pleasant sensations during sexual intercourse. To do this, manufacturers add special chemical lubricants to condoms, make them of different shapes, sizes, surface textures and even colors.

Women's methods of protection by the barrier method are carried out using:

• female condoms;
• cervical caps;
• vaginal diaphragms;
• chemical spermicides.

Indications

The barrier method of protection against unplanned pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections is recommended for women with contraindications to hormonal contraceptives and intrauterine devices. Also, barrier contraception is the only way to protect yourself while breastfeeding.

Experts recommend the creation of obstacles in the way of sperm and women who have rare and irregular sexual intercourse, as well as in the presence of a partner with accelerated ejaculation.

Since the barrier type of contraceptives additionally protects the body from sexually transmitted diseases, such products should be used during casual sex, 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 sheep's caecum, collagen, polyurethane and latex. The principle of action is to prevent sperm from entering the vagina. Hold on to thispenetration into the body of pathogens of sexually transmitted diseases can only latex contraceptives. Biological barrier agents have a porous structure through which microorganisms easily pass. Latex does not have any pores at all, even at the highest magnification, so it is believed that the material is capable of retaining absolutely any microbes of the genital organs.

At the same time, funds do not protect against infections transmitted through skin contact, because 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, which can be made based on silicone or water. If you want to add lubricant, you can not use petroleum jelly, creams and any vegetable and animal oils or fats, as this significantly 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, terms and conditions of its storage. The longer the condom is stored, the less elastic and firm the surface will become.

Advantages and disadvantages

The barrier condom method not only protects directly from pregnancy, but also significantly reduces the risk of sexually transmitted diseases, which is undoubtedly the main advantage of this condom option. They are recommended to be used not only for vaginal contact, but also for oral sex.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 appropriate problems. Also, the method is an effective prevention of infertility associated with inflammatory diseases and the only contraceptive option for sperm allergy.

Among the disadvantages of male condoms, it should be noted a decrease in the acuity of sensations in both partners during intercourse and the possible manifestation of an allergy to latex or the appearance of irritation in the vagina and vulva. Also, the use of a condom requires certain manipulations immediately before penetration.

Female condoms

This barrier method of contraception appeared much later than the male one. Female condoms are also called femidoms. They are made of latex and polyurethane, so if you are allergic to the first material, they are not suitable for a woman. In other cases, the remedy is quite convenient and makes a woman independent of a man in terms of protection. It is a condom of the same latex tube, but of a much larger diameter - 50-105 mm. The length also depends on the chosen size and can be 8-18 cm. There are special rings at both ends of the product.

The outer one does not allow the contraceptive to enter the vagina and covers all the labia, and the inner one is inserted inside, representing the diaphragm. Its diameter is much smaller.

Advantages and disadvantages

Barrier contraceptive methods for women can be used regardless of the stage of a man's erection, and this is a definite advantage. Also, female condoms make a woman independent in the need to prevent an unplanned pregnancy and, when used correctly, are just as effective in protecting her from sexually transmitted diseases. Femidom also does not affect the microflora of the vagina, does not damage its mucous membranes, has no contraindications (except for the presence of an allergy to latex, but in this case a polyurethane condom can be used). You can leave a condom in the vagina for 10 hours, and insert it a few hours before intercourse. Experts recommend this method of protection for sperm allergies.

Among the shortcomings, it should be noted only that you can buy Themis far from everywhere and at a high cost.

Vaginal diaphragm

This device is a domed sphere with a diameter of 50-105 mm. It is most often made of latex and necessarily has a flexible outer rim, which allows you to keep the diaphragm in the correct position.

The barrier method of contraception using the vaginal diaphragm is based on preventing the penetration of spermatozoa to the cervix. The maximum contraceptive effect is achieved by filling her dome with spermicides.

Empty the bladder before use, the device should be treated with disinfectants or washed with soap and water and checkedsurface integrity. After that, the edges and the inside of the diaphragm are treated with spermicides and the agent is introduced into the vagina immediately before intercourse, by bringing its edges together. It is recommended to remove the device 6-8 hours after injection, but no later than a day, since toxic shock may begin. The diaphragm is washed, dried and placed in a package for further storage.

Varieties

In order for the barrier method of contraceptive with a diaphragm to be as effective as possible (which 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;
• flat spring;
• webbed;
• with bow spring.

The funds also differ in size.

Advantages and disadvantages

The main advantage of this method of protection is to reduce the risk of developing cervical pathologies. Other benefits include reusability, affordability, and simplicity.

Among the disadvantages of the diaphragm, they note a small efficiency, since it is not so easy to find the right size. 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.

Definite recommendations for use have all barrier methodscontraception. Their 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;
• when the uterus, pelvic floor and vaginal walls prolapse;
• for chronic inflammation of the genital organs;
• after childbirth or abortion;
• with capacious vagina;
• if pregnancy is suspected.

Cervical caps

They are also made of latex and resemble previous devices in the way they are used. They differ from 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 agent remains in the vagina for at least 6 hours. The fixation of the cap is carried out due to its suction property, but until it is definitely clear that its size is chosen correctly, it is recommended to protect yourself with 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 is 91% - 84% effective in nulliparous women. For those who already have children, the effectiveness drops to 74% - 68%. Similar indicators for the vaginal sponge, which is outwardly similar to the neck cap, but ontoday is distributed only in Europe.

Only a doctor can correctly choose the appropriate size of the cap in accordance with the characteristics of the woman's body. With certain genital anomalies, the use of the device is prohibited. Other available contraindications are similar to those described for diaphragms. There are recessed caps, domed and bell-shaped.

Doctors' recommendations

Among all the barrier methods of contraception 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 under certain circumstances. Among them:

• breastfeeding;
• desire to protect yourself from sexually transmitted diseases without using a condom;
• the inability to protect themselves in other ways;
• inability to use intrauterine contraceptives;
• irregular sexual intimacy;
• need for additional protection;
• temporary use during the selection period 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 ingredients of spermicides can be different chemical compounds, which necessarily act instantly, since spermatozoaable to enter the cervix just moments after ejaculation. Chemicals also have a detrimental effect on some bacteria, so theoretically this method can also reduce the risk of sexually transmitted diseases, but in practice its results are low and should not be relied upon. Products are available in the form of vaginal suppositories, films, sponges or tablets.

Among the disadvantages, in addition to low efficiency, it is worth noting the risk of discomfort, odor and marks on underwear. Benefits include affordability 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 efficiency.

Doctors recommend using condoms for protection, but in certain circumstances other methods are needed. It is impossible to pick them up on your own (diaphragms and caps), so you should definitely contact a gynecologist for advice.