Barrier Methods - Sexual Health Peer Resource Center

Barrier methods are methods of contraception that work by preventing contact between male sperm and female vaginal secretions (or any sexual fluids, really). Using some form of plastic, usually latex or polyurethane, fluids are blocked, thus preventing transmission of STDs as well as pregnancy. The main types of barrier methods are the male condom, the female condom, and dental dams (which were already covered in the STD chapter, but will be briefly revisited here). In addition, there are combination methods which combine barrier methods with chemical methods, but these will be discussed later on.

Male Condom

How it works: A condom is a sheath made of latex, polyurethane, or animal tissue that fits over the penis. Polyurethane and animal tissue condoms are available for those allergic to latex. However, animal tissue condoms are not recommended for protection against STDs. The condom acts as a physical barrier by preventing sperm from entering a woman’s vagina. Some condoms are lubricated, some also come with spermicide (but the SHPRC does not carry these condoms any more, see below for more information).

Effectiveness (failure rate): 3%-14%. In 100 users who use a condom correctly and consistently, the lowest estimated failure rate would be 3 pregnancies in one year. In 100 typical users however, the estimated failure rate is 14 pregnancies in one year. The large difference between these two failure rates can be attributed to incorrect and inconsistent use of the condom. Therefore it is crucial that a condom is used every time one has intercourse, and is used correctly. The condom is even more effective when used with additional spermicide.

Contraindications: Allergy to latex

Possible side effects, risks, and considerations:

May cause some loss of feeling (Lubrication may lessen this effect)
Approximately 1 in 165 condoms tear during vaginal intercourse
Using a condom may be considered an interruption, but partner participation can make condom usage more pleasurable
Animal tissue condoms have been shown to be permeable to the AIDS virus and therefore should not be considered protection against HIV.

How to use it:

Some packaging is difficult to open. Practice this so that you don’t tear the condom. In addition, be sure to check the packaging for damage and look for the expiration date.
Wait until the penis is erect before putting on the condom. Put the condom on before any genital contact occurs.
Place the rolled condom over the tip of the hard penis
Leave a half-inch space at the tip to collect semen
Pinch the air out of the tip with one hand; unroll the condom over the penis with the other hand. Roll it all the way down to the base of penis.
After intercourse, remove the penis before it softens. Hold the condom against the base of the penis while it is pulled out.

How to get it: Condoms are free at the SHPRC, located on the second floor of Vaden Health Center. They can also be purchased over the counter at a drug store, Tressider Express, or at the student health pharmacy.

Cost:The average cost is $6 for a dozen condoms. Prices range up to $25 for a dozen polyurethane condoms.

Important extras:

Oil-based products (Vaseline, lotion, Monistat) cannot be used with latex because they degrade it and make it more likely to break. Water-based lubes can be used.
Spermicidal condoms do not have enough spermicide on them to make them any more effective. Actually, studies have shown that spermicide may increase the transmission of some STDs because it causes micro-abrasions in the vagina or the anus. Spermicide should only be used to prevent pregnancy.

Female Condom

How it works: The female condom is a polyurethane pouch with a flexible ring at each end. The ring at the closed end holds the female condom in the vagina. The ring at the open end stays outside the vaginal opening. Female condoms prevent sperm from entering the vagina by acting as a physical barrier.

Effectiveness (failure rate): 5%-21%. Of 100 women who use female condoms, 5 will become pregnant after perfect use. During the first year of typical use, 21 out of 100 will become pregnant. The high failure rate with typical use indicates that care must be taken to use the female condom correctly every time.

Contraindications: Discomfort with touching genitals to insert condom

Possible side effects, risks, and considerations:

Female condoms are less effective at preventing pregnancy than male condoms
Female condoms are more expensive and harder to find than male condoms
The condom may squeak during intercourse; this can be remedied by using more lube
Female condoms may cause vaginal irritation in some women

Benefits:

Women who use female condoms do not have to depend on their partners to wear condoms
Female condoms can be inserted up to 8 hours before intercourse
Female condoms are suitable for those women with latex allergies because they are polyurethane

How to use it:

Lubricate the closesd end of the condom
Squeeze together the sides of the inner ring at the closed end and insert into the vagina like a tampon. Push it in as far as the ring can go, until it reaches the cervix
When removing, pinch the open end to hold the semen inside the condom
Pull out the female condom and discard; do not reuse.

How to get it: Female condoms are available at some drugstores, and are available at reduced cost at the SHPRC

Cost: Typical cost is around $2.50 per condom.

Dental Dams

These are basically squares of latex that are to be placed over the vagina or the anus during oral sex. More on dental dams can be found in the STD chapter. Dental dams are available at the SHPRC.


	SHPRC	About SHPRC Sexual Beings Working Yesterday STDs Making Babies Not Babies
	Choosing a Method Non-Methods Barrier Methods Hormonal Methods Chemical Methods Combination Methods Intrauterine Device Natural Family Planning Emergency Contraceptive Pill Fertility Charting Abstinence Sterilization	Barrier Methods Barrier methods are methods of contraception that work by preventing contact between male sperm and female vaginal secretions (or any sexual fluids, really). Using some form of plastic, usually latex or polyurethane, fluids are blocked, thus preventing transmission of STDs as well as pregnancy. The main types of barrier methods are the male condom, the female condom, and dental dams (which were already covered in the STD chapter, but will be briefly revisited here). In addition, there are combination methods which combine barrier methods with chemical methods, but these will be discussed later on. Male Condom How it works: A condom is a sheath made of latex, polyurethane, or animal tissue that fits over the penis. Polyurethane and animal tissue condoms are available for those allergic to latex. However, animal tissue condoms are not recommended for protection against STDs. The condom acts as a physical barrier by preventing sperm from entering a woman’s vagina. Some condoms are lubricated, some also come with spermicide (but the SHPRC does not carry these condoms any more, see below for more information). Effectiveness (failure rate): 3%-14%. In 100 users who use a condom correctly and consistently, the lowest estimated failure rate would be 3 pregnancies in one year. In 100 typical users however, the estimated failure rate is 14 pregnancies in one year. The large difference between these two failure rates can be attributed to incorrect and inconsistent use of the condom. Therefore it is crucial that a condom is used every time one has intercourse, and is used correctly. The condom is even more effective when used with additional spermicide. Contraindications: Allergy to latex Possible side effects, risks, and considerations: May cause some loss of feeling (Lubrication may lessen this effect) Approximately 1 in 165 condoms tear during vaginal intercourse Using a condom may be considered an interruption, but partner participation can make condom usage more pleasurable Animal tissue condoms have been shown to be permeable to the AIDS virus and therefore should not be considered protection against HIV. How to use it: Some packaging is difficult to open. Practice this so that you don’t tear the condom. In addition, be sure to check the packaging for damage and look for the expiration date. Wait until the penis is erect before putting on the condom. Put the condom on before any genital contact occurs. Place the rolled condom over the tip of the hard penis Leave a half-inch space at the tip to collect semen Pinch the air out of the tip with one hand; unroll the condom over the penis with the other hand. Roll it all the way down to the base of penis. After intercourse, remove the penis before it softens. Hold the condom against the base of the penis while it is pulled out. How to get it: Condoms are free at the SHPRC, located on the second floor of Vaden Health Center. They can also be purchased over the counter at a drug store, Tressider Express, or at the student health pharmacy. Cost:The average cost is $6 for a dozen condoms. Prices range up to $25 for a dozen polyurethane condoms. Important extras: Oil-based products (Vaseline, lotion, Monistat) cannot be used with latex because they degrade it and make it more likely to break. Water-based lubes can be used. Spermicidal condoms do not have enough spermicide on them to make them any more effective. Actually, studies have shown that spermicide may increase the transmission of some STDs because it causes micro-abrasions in the vagina or the anus. Spermicide should only be used to prevent pregnancy. Female Condom How it works: The female condom is a polyurethane pouch with a flexible ring at each end. The ring at the closed end holds the female condom in the vagina. The ring at the open end stays outside the vaginal opening. Female condoms prevent sperm from entering the vagina by acting as a physical barrier. Effectiveness (failure rate): 5%-21%. Of 100 women who use female condoms, 5 will become pregnant after perfect use. During the first year of typical use, 21 out of 100 will become pregnant. The high failure rate with typical use indicates that care must be taken to use the female condom correctly every time. Contraindications: Discomfort with touching genitals to insert condom Possible side effects, risks, and considerations: Female condoms are less effective at preventing pregnancy than male condoms Female condoms are more expensive and harder to find than male condoms The condom may squeak during intercourse; this can be remedied by using more lube Female condoms may cause vaginal irritation in some women Benefits: Women who use female condoms do not have to depend on their partners to wear condoms Female condoms can be inserted up to 8 hours before intercourse Female condoms are suitable for those women with latex allergies because they are polyurethane How to use it: Lubricate the closesd end of the condom Squeeze together the sides of the inner ring at the closed end and insert into the vagina like a tampon. Push it in as far as the ring can go, until it reaches the cervix When removing, pinch the open end to hold the semen inside the condom Pull out the female condom and discard; do not reuse. How to get it: Female condoms are available at some drugstores, and are available at reduced cost at the SHPRC Cost: Typical cost is around $2.50 per condom. Dental Dams These are basically squares of latex that are to be placed over the vagina or the anus during oral sex. More on dental dams can be found in the STD chapter. Dental dams are available at the SHPRC.