BARRIER
METHODS
Barrier
methods rely on setting up a barrier or physical separation
between the sperm ejaculated from the man and the egg released
by the ovulating woman. These methods set up the barrier
within the vagina and serve to stop sperm from entering
the opening of the cervix (the os), beyond which the egg
may wait. Barrier methods prevent contact between any sperm
and the egg (it only takes one out of the millions of sperm
in each ejaculate to fertilize an egg and lead to a pregnancy).
It
is crucial to note that the effectiveness of these barrier
methods is significantly improved by the use of spermicides.
In fact, one should always use a spermacide in addition
to these methods below (some condoms already come with spermicide
added). The most common barrier methods are as follows:
-
Male Condoms
- Female
Condoms
- Diaphragm
- Cervical
Cap
