Birth Control

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Male Condom

The male condom is a thin sheath made of latex, polyurethane, or less commonly, animal membrane, that fits over an erect penis. During ejaculation (when semen ejects from the penis), the condom catches and holds sperm before it can travel into a woman’s uterus. After each act of sexual intercourse the condom is removed and thrown away. The condom is inexpensive, easy to use, and does not require a prescription. It has no known side effects, although those people who are sensitive or allergic to latex should use polyurethane condoms.

Male condoms made of latex or polyurethane also protect users against many STIs, including human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), which causes acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). With typical use, male condoms are 86 percent effective in preventing pregnancy. Using a condom with other types of birth control, such as a spermicide (chemical that kills sperm) or withdrawal (removing the penis from the vagina just before ejaculation) greatly improves condom effectiveness.

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Female Condom

The female condom, available without a prescription, is an elongated polyurethane sac. A woman inserts the closed end of the sac into the vagina to cover the cervix (the opening of the uterus) and prevent sperm from entering the uterus. The open end of the sac remains outside the vagina for the penis to enter. Like the male condom, the female condom must be thrown away after use and a new one used for each act of intercourse. With typical use, the female condom is 79 percent effective in preventing pregnancy. It also reduces the risk of many STIs. Some people experience genital irritation from the female condom.

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Diaphragm

The diaphragm is a shallow, molded cup of thin rubber with a flexible rim. Before intercourse, spermicide must be placed inside the cup and around the inside of the rim of the diaphragm. The woman then inserts the diaphragm into her vagina so that it covers the cervix, preventing the passage of sperm from the vagina to the uterus. The spermicide kills any sperm that are able to pass by the diaphragm. Diaphragms come in various sizes to fit the cervix. They are available only from health-care professionals who ensure that the device fits properly. With typical use, the diaphragm is about 80 percent effective in preventing pregnancy.

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Cervical Cap

The cervical cap is made of flexible latex rubber and shaped like a thimble. It is smaller than a diaphragm and fits more tightly onto the cervix, where it is held in place by suction. Like the diaphragm, the cervical cap must be fitted by a health-care professional and it should also be used with a spermicide. With typical use, the cervical cap is about 80 percent effective in preventing pregnancy in women who have not given birth, and about 60 percent effective in those who have given birth.

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Spermicides

Spermicides are jellies, creams, foams, suppositories, tablets, or films that block the entrance to the cervix and contain a sperm-killing chemical. They can be purchased without a prescription and used alone or with a condom, diaphragm, or cervical cap. Spermicides used alone must be inserted deep into the vagina before each act of intercourse and a woman should not douche for six to eight hours after intercourse. With typical use, spermicides used alone are effective in preventing pregnancy about 74 percent of the time. They may cause an allergic reaction such as irritation of the vagina or penis.

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