Contraception

Method Action/Effectiveness Advantages Disadvantages and Side Effects
Mechanical Barriers (continued)
Cervical cap: l¼" to l½“ soft natural rubber dome with a firm but pliable rim
  • Physical barrier to sperm.
  • Spermicide inside cap adds a chemical barrier.
  • Effectiveness similar to that of diaphragm.
  • Worn for 8 hours but not longer than 48 hours.
  • No need to add spermicide for repeated acts of intercourse.
  • Need a Pap smear every year: higher rate of conversion from class 1 to class 3.
  • If in place over 48 hours, it produces an odor and might be associated with TSS.
  • Cannot be worn during menstrual flow (menses) or up to at least 6 wk postpartum.
  • Contraindications: abnormal Pap smear, hard to fit, history of TSS or genital infection, allergy.
  • Change after genital surgery or birth, major change in weight.
  • Must be checked each year.
  • Does not protect against STDs.
Female condom: vaginal sheath of natural latex rubber with flexible rings at both the closed and the open ends.
  • Barrier preventing sperm from entering vagina.
  • Effectiveness similar to other mechanical methods used with spermicide.
  • Note: Male and female condoms should not be used at the same time.
  • Apply well in advance of intercourse; spermicide added just before intercourse.
  • Heightens sesnsation for man.
  • About as satisfying for both woman and man as intercourse without it.
  • Provides protection from STDs.
  • Cost.
  • A new one must be used every act of intercourse.
Condom: thin, stretchable latex sheath to cover penis
  • Barrier preventing sperm from entering vagina, applied over erect penis before loss of preejaculatory drops and is held in place as penis is withdrawn.
  • Spermicidal foam, jelly, or cream is also used*
  • Effectiveness rate: 64-98% when used with spermicide.
  • Safety-no side effects.
  • Provides protection from spread of STDs.
  • With spermicide (0.5 g of nonoxynol-9) added to interior or exterior surface, provides protection from STDs, including HIV.
  • Check expiration date.
  • Requires high motivation to use correctly/constantly.
  • Must be properly applied and removed.
  • Sheath may tear during intercourse.
Chemical Barriers
Spernlicide: aerosol foams, foaming tablets, suppositories, creams, and films (V-Film)
  • Physical barrier to sperm penetration.
  • Chemical action on sperm (kills sperm).
  • Nonoxynol-9 has a bacteriostatic action.
  • Effectiveness rate: 70-98% when used with diaphrahm or condoms.
  • Increases effectiveness of mechanical barriers.
  • Ease of application. Aids lubrication of vagina*
  • Requires no medical examination or prescription.
  • May be used during lactation.
  • Backup for missed oral contraceptive pills.
  • Messy.
  • Some people are allergic to preparations.
  • Tabs or suppositories take 10-15 minutes to dissolve.
  • If it is only method being used, each intercourse should be preceded (by 30 minutes) by a fresh application; may be allergenic.
Other Methods
  • Natural family planning: BBT each morning before any physical activity.
  • Symptothermal variation: BBT plus cervical mucus changes.
  • Calendar method.
  • Predictor test for ovulation.
  • Requires sexual abstinence during woman's fertile period (4 days before ovulation), abd for 3 or 4 days after ovulation
  • Effectiveness: about 80%
  • Physically safe to use-no drugs or appliances are of most religions.
  • Effectiveness depends on high level of motivation and diligence.
  • Requires fairly predictable menstrual cycle.