Advantages of mechanical contraception:
- exclusively local application / impact;
- does not provoke systemic violations;
- limited number of side effects;
- has no serious contraindications;
- protects against STDs;
- does not require the involvement of medical personnel.
Disadvantages of barrier contraception:
- has less reliability in comparison with hormonal contraceptives;
- can provoke allergic reactions;
- successful use implies constant attention;
- the possibility of applying only before / during sexual intercourse.
Indications for use:
- the presence of contraindications to the use of the intrauterine device and the intake of oral contraceptives;
- lactation, the need for treatment with drugs that reduce the effectiveness of oral contraceptives;
- period after miscarriage when it is impossible to take OK.
Sponges and swabs
Contraceptive sponges and tampons delay the sperm, preventing spermatozoa from entering the cervical canal, secreting the spermicidal substance in parallel. The contraceptive effectiveness of the method does not exceed 75-80%. The sponge inserted into the vagina "works" for 24 hours. Contraindications: childbirth, miscarriage 1,5-2 weeks ago, cervicitis, colpitis, a syndrome of an infectious-toxic shock in an anamnesis.
Neck caps
Contraceptive caps have the form of a thimble, close the cervix of the uterus, closing access to spermatozoa in the uterine cavity. The reliability of the method is 80-85%. Neck caps are indicated for use by women with a reduced risk of pregnancy (advanced age / rare sexual intercourse), as an additional contraceptive during a break in taking hormone tablets. Contraindications: cervical abnormalities, vaginitis, excessive secretion of cervical mucus, erosion of the cervix, vaginal discharge, chronic inflammatory diseases of the urinary tract.
Recommendations for use:
- dome cap fill with spermicidal means, insert into the vagina and press against the cervix. Important point: it is necessary to create a vacuum space between the cap and the neck in order to achieve a suction effect;
- The cap should be injected 25-35 minutes before coition, leave in the vagina for 7-9 hours. More than 48 hours of contraception can not be left to avoid the development of inflammation of the pelvic organs.
Condoms
Condoms are effective when applying them during each coitition, the obligatory condition is one-time use. Sexually transmitted diseases are protected only by latex condoms, which do not allow microorganisms, water and air to pass through. Condoms made from a different material do not have this ability. The contraceptive effectiveness of condom is 80-86%, therefore the condom can not be considered the most reliable method of protection. For comparison: the effectiveness of COC is 99-100%, intrauterine devices - 97-98%.
Indications for use:
- protection from genital infections;
- episodic sexual intercourse;
- Contraindications to other methods of contraception;
- prevention of allergic reactions to sperm. With regular contact with sperm in the body of a woman sensitive to individual components of the sperm, sperm-destroying substances are produced - this is fraught with the development of infertility in a constant pair.
Contraindications:
an erection disorder in a man, an allergy to latex.
General recommendations:
- Condom should be worn on the erect penis, leaving at the end of 1-1.5 centimeter of free space; Learn more about how to put on a condom here
- Before use, it is necessary to check the quality mark and the expiry date of the product;
- It is forbidden to use oil or petroleum jelly as an additional lubricant - they weaken the barrier effect of the condom;
- after ejaculation, the integrity of the condom should be carefully checked, in case of rupture, take an oral contraceptive, insert a sponge, cream or douch into the vagina.