For some women and partners, birth control is more than just trying to prevent pregnancy. It could also be about not spreading sexually transmitted infections (STIs) or diseases (STDs). For some women birth control helps to ease severe menstrual cycle symptoms.
There are many methods when trying to choose the right birth control option. The most common method for teenagers and young adults is the barrier method. The barrier method blocks sperm from entering the uterus. Barrier method options include the male condom, female condom, diaphragm, cervical cap and contraceptive sponge.
Male Condom
The male condom is widely available over-the-counter (OTC) and is the best barrier method for protection against STIs. This makes it a good choice if the woman and/or her partner is/are having sex with other people.
Some people may be allergic to male condoms since they are made out of latex. Another disadvantage is if the condom is not put on correctly, it can easily slip off or break.
Female Condom
The female condom is another option if a male refuses to wear a condom. The female condom is made out of polyurethane, a strong plastic and is also available OTC. The female condom is not as effective as the male condom but it will stay in place even if a male loses his erection. The female condom can also be used for anal sex. Some women have said this method can make intercourse noisy.
Diaphragm
A diaphragm is a shallow, latex cup inserted into the vagina prior to sexual intercourse. It is not sold OTC and a woman must be fitted for a diaphragm by her doctor. One diaphragm can last up to two years. It cannot be used during a woman’s menstrual cycle, may be hard to insert and may be pushed out of place during intercourse. If a woman uses a diaphragm, there is an elevated risk of getting a urinary tract infection (UTI). A woman is highly encouraged to use spermicide in conjunction with this barrier method.
Cervical Cap
The cervical cap is a silicone cup inserted into the vagina before intercourse. It has the same advantages and disadvantages as a diaphragm: It can last up to two years, should not be used during a woman’s period, may increase the risk of a UTI and can be pushed out of place during intercourse. This barrier method should always be used with spermicide.
Contraceptive Sponge
The contraceptive sponge is a foam sponge that is inserted into the vagina. It is available OTC and can be worn for up to 30 hours. According to Planned Parenthood, women have said the sponge can make sex too messy or dry.
Spermicide
Although spermicide is not a true barrier method, it is to be used with two barrier methods mentioned above. Spermicide works by stopping sperm from moving. It is available OTC but is not very effective when used as a sole choice for birth control.
The most common spermicide in the United States is nonoxynol-9. If it is used by people at risk for HIV or used multiple times a day, it can irritate tissue and increase the risk of HIV and other STIs.
Effectiveness
The effectiveness of each birth control method is different. The failure rate is the number of pregnancies expected per 100 women when using the method correctly. The following failure rates come from the United States Department of Health and Human Services updated March 2009.
- Male Condom: 11-16
- Female Condom: 20
- Diaphragm with Spermicide: 15
- Cervical Cap with Spermicide: 17-23
- Sponge with Spermicide: 16-32
- Spermicide Alone: 30
As with any health care decision, seek advice from a doctor who can help the patient make the best choice for him/herself.
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