Barrier contraception
Encyclopedia
Barrier contraception methods prevent pregnancy
by physically preventing sperm
from entering the uterus
.
in the early nineteenth century. Condoms became even more popular after the 1930s invention of latex, which enabled the creation of thinner, disposable prophylactics.
Barrier methods of contraception grew in popularity and availability in the post war years with greater abundance of synthetic materials (latex and later silicon). The use of the condom exploded in the 1980s and 1990s with the discovery of the HIV/AIDS virus but other methods of barrier contraception fell into a decline with adverse reports from the WHO regarding Nonoxynol-9
-based spermicides which consequently hindered their use."
.
The contraceptive sponge
is usually considered a barrier method, but not always, as its effectiveness relies largely on spermicide
.
The male condom provides excellent protection against sexually transmitted infections. Using a condom is sometimes referred to as "practicing safer sex
".
and miscarriage
by interfering with the process of paternal tolerance.
Pregnancy
Pregnancy refers to the fertilization and development of one or more offspring, known as a fetus or embryo, in a woman's uterus. In a pregnancy, there can be multiple gestations, as in the case of twins or triplets...
by physically preventing sperm
Sperm
The term sperm is derived from the Greek word sperma and refers to the male reproductive cells. In the types of sexual reproduction known as anisogamy and oogamy, there is a marked difference in the size of the gametes with the smaller one being termed the "male" or sperm cell...
from entering the uterus
Uterus
The uterus or womb is a major female hormone-responsive reproductive sex organ of most mammals including humans. One end, the cervix, opens into the vagina, while the other is connected to one or both fallopian tubes, depending on the species...
.
History
The earliest recorded barrier methods are those of stem pessaries, found in Egypt. The diaphragm and reusable condoms became common after the invention of rubber vulcanizationVulcanization
Vulcanization or vulcanisation is a chemical process for converting rubber or related polymers into more durable materials via the addition of sulfur or other equivalent "curatives." These additives modify the polymer by forming crosslinks between individual polymer chains. Vulcanized material is...
in the early nineteenth century. Condoms became even more popular after the 1930s invention of latex, which enabled the creation of thinner, disposable prophylactics.
Barrier methods of contraception grew in popularity and availability in the post war years with greater abundance of synthetic materials (latex and later silicon). The use of the condom exploded in the 1980s and 1990s with the discovery of the HIV/AIDS virus but other methods of barrier contraception fell into a decline with adverse reports from the WHO regarding Nonoxynol-9
Nonoxynol-9
Nonoxynol-9, sometimes abbreviated as N-9, is an organic compound that is used as a surfactant. It is a member of the nonoxynol family of nonionic surfactants. N-9 and related compounds are ingredients in various cleaning and cosmetic products. It is widely used in contraceptives for its...
-based spermicides which consequently hindered their use."
Methods
The following are barrier methods of contraceptionContraception
Contraception is the prevention of the fusion of gametes during or after sexual activity. The term contraception is a contraction of contra, which means against, and the word conception, meaning fertilization...
.
- CondomCondomA condom is a barrier device most commonly used during sexual intercourse to reduce the probability of pregnancy and spreading sexually transmitted diseases . It is put on a man's erect penis and physically blocks ejaculated semen from entering the body of a sexual partner...
- Female condomFemale condomA female condom is a device that is used during sexual intercourse as a barrier contraceptive and to reduce the risk of sexually transmitted infections and unintended pregnancy...
- Cervical capCervical capThe cervical cap is a form of barrier contraception. A cervical cap fits over the cervix and blocks sperm from entering the uterus through the external orifice of the uterus, called the os.-Terminology:...
(including Lea's Shield) - DiaphragmDiaphragm (contraceptive)The diaphragm is a cervical barrier type of birth control. It is a soft latex or silicone dome with a spring molded into the rim. The spring creates a seal against the walls of the vagina.-Use:...
- SILCS diaphragmSILCS diaphragmThe SILCS diaphragm is a silicone barrier contraceptive device which is inserted vaginally to cover the cervix. The SILCS device was developed by the Program for Appropriate Technology in Health and SILCS, Inc...
(still in clinical testing)
The contraceptive sponge
Contraceptive sponge
The contraceptive sponge combines barrier and spermicidal methods to prevent conception. Three brands are marketed: Pharmatex, Protectaid and Today. Pharmatex is marketed in France and the province of Quebec; Protectaid in the rest of Canada and Europe; and Today in the United States.Sponges work...
is usually considered a barrier method, but not always, as its effectiveness relies largely on spermicide
Spermicide
Spermicide is a contraceptive substance that eradicates sperm, inserted vaginally prior to intercourse to prevent pregnancy. As a contraceptive, spermicide may be used alone. However, the pregnancy rate experienced by couples using only spermicide is higher than that of couples using other methods...
.
The male condom provides excellent protection against sexually transmitted infections. Using a condom is sometimes referred to as "practicing safer sex
Safe sex
Safe sex is sexual activity engaged in by people who have taken precautions to protect themselves against sexually transmitted diseases such as AIDS. It is also referred to as safer sex or protected sex, while unsafe or unprotected sex is sexual activity engaged in without precautions...
".
Risks
Barrier contraceptives may increase the risk of pregnancy complications such as pre-eclampsiaPre-eclampsia
Pre-eclampsia or preeclampsia is a medical condition in which hypertension arises in pregnancy in association with significant amounts of protein in the urine....
and miscarriage
Miscarriage
Miscarriage or spontaneous abortion is the spontaneous end of a pregnancy at a stage where the embryo or fetus is incapable of surviving independently, generally defined in humans at prior to 20 weeks of gestation...
by interfering with the process of paternal tolerance.
See also
- Dental damDental damA dental dam or rubber dam is a rectangular sheet of latex used in dentistry, in particular endodontic therapy, to reduce contamination, and where dental composite are being placed, due to the need for the area to remain dry during filling placement...
s have no contraceptive use, but offer STD protection during oral sex (see unprotected sex).