Barrier methods of birth control

Barrier methods of birth control - series

Barrier methods of birth control - Series

During a normal monthly cycle, one of a woman's ovaries will produce a mature egg that will travel through the fallopian tube into the uterus. If sperm fertilizes this egg, the egg will attach itself to the uterine wall and begin developing into a fetus.

Barrier methods of birth control - series

Barrier methods of birth control - Series

During a normal monthly cycle, one of a woman's ovaries will produce a mature egg that will travel through the fallopian tube into the uterus. If spe...

Pathway of sperm

Barrier methods of birth control prevent pregnancy by making sure that sperm and egg do not meet.

Barrier methods of birth control - series

Pathway of sperm

Barrier methods of birth control prevent pregnancy by making sure that sperm and egg do not meet.

Barrier methods of birth control - series

Cervical cap

The cervical cap is made of soft rubber and is designed to fit completely over the cervix. Spermicide is placed on the outer rim of the cap and in the portion of the cap facing the vagina. The cervical cap prevents pregnancy by blocking the sperm from entering the uterus.

Barrier methods of birth control - series

Cervical cap

The cervical cap is made of soft rubber and is designed to fit completely over the cervix. Spermicide is placed on the outer rim of the cap and in th...

Diaphragm

The diaphragm is available by prescription only and must be fitted by a physician. Once the diaphragm is fitted, a woman can insert and remove it by herself. This dome-shaped rubber disk protects from pregnancy in two ways. The diaphragm blocks sperm from entering the cervix. Spermicide jelly placed inside the rubber dome before insertion will kill any sperm it comes in contact with. Once inserted, the diaphragm is effective for up to six hours.

Barrier methods of birth control - series

Diaphragm

The diaphragm is available by prescription only and must be fitted by a physician. Once the diaphragm is fitted, a woman can insert and remove it by ...

Female Condom

The female condom is a lubricated polyurethane sheath, similar in appearance to a male condom. It is inserted into the vagina. The closed end covers the cervix. Like the male condom, it is intended for one-time use and then discarded.

Barrier methods of birth control - series

Female Condom

The female condom is a lubricated polyurethane sheath, similar in appearance to a male condom. It is inserted into the vagina. The closed end covers ...

Sponge

The sponge is inserted by the woman into the vagina and covers the cervix blocking sperm from entering the cervix. The sponge also contains a spermicide that kills sperm. It is available without a prescription.

Barrier methods of birth control - series

Sponge

The sponge is inserted by the woman into the vagina and covers the cervix blocking sperm from entering the cervix. The sponge also contains a spermic...

Review Date: 1/10/2022

Reviewed By: John D. Jacobson, MD, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. No warranty of any kind, either expressed or implied, is made as to the accuracy, reliability, timeliness, or correctness of any translations made by a third-party service of the information provided herein into any other language. © 1997- A.D.A.M., a business unit of Ebix, Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.