❶ Barrier Contraception

Barrier contraception is a method of preventing unwanted pregnancy by preventing sperm from entering the vagina or cervix. Location: Location:

There are 3 types of barrier contraception: mechanical, chemical and combined.

Mechanical contraception. It includes products that prevent sperm from entering the uterus: condoms, cervical caps, vaginal diaphragms. There are both male and female condoms. The female condom is similar to the male condom in principle of action, the differences are only in the appearance of the product and the method of use. It is cylindrical in shape with 2 rings at the ends, one of the rings is put on the cervix, the second is removed from the vagina. Female condoms, like male condoms, are used once. The advantage of condoms is that they not only prevent pregnancy, but also protect against sexually transmitted infections.

The vaginal diaphragm and cervical (cervical) cap are put on the cervix before intercourse. Their size is selected individually according to the shape and size of the cervix. Before putting on, the diaphragm and the cap are filled with spermicide, a substance that has a detrimental effect on sperm cells. These methods of contraception are retrieved 6-8 hours after intercourse.

Pearl index (an indicator reflecting the possible percentage of pregnancy when using this method of contraception during the year) for mechanical means is 4-20.

Chemical contraception. Based on the use of spermicides - substances that destroy the cell wall of spermatozoa, disrupt their mobility and lead to death. In addition to contraceptive action, spermicides provide protection for some genital infections. Chemical contraceptives come in aerosols, creams, gels, suppositories, and vaginal pills. They are inserted into the vagina before intercourse. The Pearl index for chemical contraception is 6-20. Spermicides are rarely used alone, usually in combination with mechanical contraception.

Combined contraception. Combines both chemical and mechanical. Combined contraception includes a contraceptive sponge. It is inserted into the vagina before intercourse and placed in front of the cervix. The fibers of the sponge mechanically impede the movement of sperm into the cervix, and the spermicides with which the sponge itself is impregnated, cause the death of sperm. The Pearl index for the contraceptive sponge is 10-15.