Barrier contraception

Barrier contraception
Background
Birth control type	Barrier
First use	Plastic & silicone (1900s) Rubber/latex (1800s) Other materials (Ancient)
Failure rates (first year)
Perfect use	method dependent%
Typical use	method dependent%
Usage
User reminders	Must be applied prior to intercourse.
Clinic review	Size assessment for some methods
Advantages and disadvantages
STD protection	Method dependent
Weight gain	No
Benefits	No external drugs taken

Barrier contraception methods prevent pregnancy by physically preventing sperm from entering the uterus.

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 vulcanization 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."

Methods

The following are barrier methods of contraception.

• Condom
• Female condom
• Cervical cap (including Lea's Shield)
• Diaphragm
• SILCS diaphragm (still in clinical testing)

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".

Risks

Barrier contraceptives may increase the risk of pregnancy complications such as pre-eclampsia and miscarriage by interfering with the process of paternal tolerance.^[1]

See also

• Dental dams have no contraceptive use, but offer STD protection during oral sex (see unprotected sex).

References

1. ^ Fox, Douglas (2002-02-09). "Gentle Persuasion". The New Scientist. http://www.newscientist.com/article/mg17323294.200-gentle-persuasion.html. Retrieved 2007-06-17.