Barrier Methods

It has been reported that one of the earliest examples of use of a barrier contraceptive was illustrated on a cave painting in France, dating  between 15,000BC-10,000BC. The painting is of a man shown in the act, wearing a sheath.

Condoms

Male and female condoms provide protection by blocking the transfer of fluids and/or sperm. Made of latex, animal membrane or polyurethane, condoms are easy to use, inexpensive and widely available without prescription at pharmacies, grocery and convenience stores. They are most effective when used with a lubricant to prevent breakage and provide good protection against Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STD). Condoms are used close to the time or just before intercourse.

Male Condoms

Male condoms are worn over the penis and can be used for vaginal or anal intercourse, or oral sex.  They are most effective when applied before any sort of sexual activity begins.  After intimacy, the condom should be removed and disposed of in the trash.  Do not reuse condoms, or use more than one at a time, as this will increase the risk of tearing the condom.  If engaging in more than one type of sexual behavior, such as vaginal and anal sex, a different condom should be used for each act.

Female Condoms

A female condom is a thin, loose-fitting and flexible plastic tube worn inside the vagina. A soft ring at the closed end of the tube covers the cervix during intercourse and holds it inside the vagina. Another ring at the open end of the tube stays outside the vagina and partly covers the lip area. A female condom provides a barrier between partners to prevent sharing bodily fluids like semen, blood, or saliva. Female condoms can be inserted up to 8 hours before intercourse and are only effective when placed prior to intercourse.  After sex, the female condom should be removed from the woman's vagina and discarded in the trash.

Diaphragm

The diaphragm is a latex device in the shape of a shallow "cup" that covers the cervix and part of the vaginal wall, and is held in place by a flexible rim. It is most effective used with spermicidal foam or jelly inside the "cup" and around the rim for added protection. It provides a solid barrier to prevent sperm from traveling through the cervix to an egg. Diaphragms are available by prescription from a health care provider. It may help reduce the risk of Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STD).

Spermicides

Spermicides are used to kill sperm before it reaches the vaginal tract. They can be used alone as a preventative method but are best used with another barrier method such as condoms. Spermicides are widely available, come in a variety of textures (e.g. creams, foams, jellies) and can be purchased without prescription at most pharmacies and markets.

*Barrier birth control methods can also help reduce the risk of Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STD).