Barrier Methods: Alternatives to Condoms Exist?

Good morning fellow sexual health information seekers!

There are many different categories of contraception methods (as I'm sure you know!).

These include:

• Barrier methods
• Hormonal Methods
• Intra-uterine Devices
• Sterilization
• Spermicidal Methods
• Fertility Awareness Methods

Every post will focus on a different method of contraception and explain the options, followed by the reliability of the method, whether or not the method is able to protect against STI's and a list of pros and cons of each method.

Method	Reliability	Protection against HIV/STI's?	Pros & Cons
Barrier Methods
• Male condom	87–98%	Yes, except for STI's contracted from genital areas not covered*	Pros: Convenience and availability Multiple options Inexpensive Allows greater male partner participation Cons: Reduced spontaneity Reduced sensation Some users experience allergies
• Female condom	79–95%	Yes; only abstinence provides better protection*	Pros: Can be placed up to 8 hr in advance Good protection against STI’s Does not require fitting by health care practitioner Cons: Only 1 style currently available More costly than male condoms
• Female cervical cap	Varies: 68–91%	No	Pros: Can be inserted up to 6 hr in advance Very few side effects Several designs on market Cons: Relatively low efficacy,* especially in women who have given birth Some types require fitting by health care practitioner; limited to 4 sizes Not widely available Some users experience allergies

So, according to this chart from womentowomen , there are three available barrier methods. Two of the three protect against STI's. It seems to me from the chart, that the male or female condoms show less cons than the cervical cap.

Thanks for checking out "Clues on Contraception!"