Barrier Methods of Birth Control
Female Condom
The female condom is a non-prescription, pre-lubricated, pouch-like device that lines the walls of the vagina.  It is made of polyurethane and has a soft ring at each end.  The ring at the closed end is used to put the condom against the cervix and helps to hold it in place.  The open end of the condom stays outside of the vagina and is held in place by the outer ring.  The female condom acts as a barrier to prevent the sperm and egg from joining.  It can be inserted six hours prior to intercourse so it does not decrease spontaneity.  This method of birth control is between 79% - 95% effective and a new condom must be used every time a person has intercourse.  The female condom also protects against many sexually transmitted infections (STI).
Advantages
·        Easy to buy in drugstores, supermarkets, etc.
·        Can be used by people with latex allergies
·        External ring may stimulate the clitoris
·        This method allows women to have control over
         reducing the risk of STI
Disadvantages
·        May be difficult to insert and has been reported as being
         noisy during intercourse
·        Female condoms are more costly than male condoms
·        Some women may feel slight discomfort or irritation while using
         a female condom  
        Female Condom

Male Condom
This is a latex or polyurethane sheath that fits over an erect penis before the penis enters the vagina. A condom prevents pregnancy by containing sperm during intercourse, preventing the sperm from entering the uterus and fertilizing the egg.  To work effectively, a new condom must be used every time an individual has intercourse.  The male condom is between 88% - 98% effective and is one of the best forms of protection against sexually transmitted infections (STI).
Advantag es
·        Condoms give the greatest protection against STI
·        Condoms let men and women share the responsibility
         for birth control
·        Condoms are easy to obtain; they can be found at
         drug stores, supermarkets and may be free at various agencies
Disadvantages
·        Some people are allergic to latex and may need to
         buy polyurethane condoms, which are more expensive
·        Condoms may dull the sensation for either partner.  This can
         be helped by using a water based lubricant both inside and
         outside of the condom

Diaphragm & Cervical Cap
A diaphragm is a round piece of thin rubber attached to a round rim.  The muscles of the vagina hold it in place.  A cervical cap is a small piece of rubber with a hard rim and soft, domed top. It stays in place by suction over the cervix (the opening to the uterus at the top of the vagina).  Either method can be inserted up to six hours before intercourse, and must not be removed until at least six hours after ejaculation.  It is recommended that both of these methods be used with spermicidal jelly.  Both methods block sperm from entering the uterus and fertilizing the egg.  Diaphragms and cervical caps come in different sizes.  In order to ensure a correct fit, a woman must consult her doctor to get a prescription. The diaphragm is 81% to 95% effective and the cervical cap is 82% to 94% effective.  These methods do not protect against sexually transmitted infections.
Advantages
·        No major health concerns are related to using either method
·        Can be used during breast feeding
·        Only needs to be replaced every 6 – 12 months or after losing
         or gaining more than 10 pounds or after a vaginal birth
Disadvantages
·        Some people are allergic to the diaphragm or cervical cap
         and/or the spermicide that is recommended with these methods
·        Some women are more likely to have bladder infections when 
         they use a diaphragm
·        Although rare, women can get Toxic Shock Syndrome
         from leaving   either the diaphragm or cervical cap in for
         long periods of time  

         Diaphragm   Cervical cap

Sponge
The contraceptive sponge is a small, disposable plastic (polyurethane) foam device that measures approximately five centimeters in diameter.  Spermicide, which kills the sperm or leaves them inactive, is released from the sponge for up to 12 hours while the sponge is in place.  Before intercourse, insert the sponge into the vagina far enough to cover the cervix (the opening to the uterus at the top of the vagina). Insert the sponge any time prior to sexual intercourse. It remains effective even if intercourse takes place more than once and needs to be left in at least six hours after intercourse (for a maximum of up to twelve hours after being inserted).  The sponge is 72% to 82% effective.  The sponge does not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STI).
Advantages
·        No major health concerns are related to using the sponge
·        Women do not need a prescription for the sponge and it is
         readily available in drugstores and supermarkets
Disadvantages
·        It does not protect against STI
·        Some women may be allergic to the spermicide contained
         in the sponge
·        The sponge cannot be used during menstruation
·        Women can get toxic shock syndrome if the sponge is left in
         for more than 12 hours

            Sponge


Lea’s Contraceptive
The Lea’s contraceptive (or Lea’s shield) is a reusable soft silicone device that can be inserted into the vagina to cover the cervix.  Lea’s contraceptive acts as a barrier to prevent the sperm and egg from joining.  Women do not need to have the Lea’s contraceptive fitted by a doctor as one size fits all, and it can be bought over the counter at most pharmacies (often, the pharmacy may not have Lea’s contraceptive in stock and may have to order it in).  Lea’s contraceptive can be inserted anytime before intercourse and can be left inside a woman’s vagina for up to 48 hours.  Women must leave Lea’s contraceptive in place for at least eight hours after ejaculation.  When used with spermicide, Lea’s contraceptive is 79% to 92% effective.  Lea’s contraception does not protect against sexually transmitted infections.
Advantages
·        Lea’s shield can be left in the vagina for up to 48 hours
·        Available without a prescription

Disadvantages
·        Male partner may feel Lea’s contraceptive during intercourse
        (if this happens it is usually because it is not inserted correctly)
·        May be awkward for women to insert  
 
           Lea’s contraceptive (or Lea’s shield) 

Spermicides
Spermicides are chemicals that either kill sperm or leaves them inactive.  The chemical that is used in spermicides is called nonoyxynol-9 and it comes in many forms including: foam, cream, gel, film and suppositories.  It is recommend that spermicides be used in conjunction with other forms of birth control to decrease the chances of pregnancy.  When used alone spermicides are 79% effective.  Spermicides do not offer protection against sexually transmitted infections.  Using the spermicide nonoxynol-9 many times a day, by people at risk for HIV, may irritate tissue and increase the risk of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections.
Advantages
·        Minimal side effects
·        Available in drugstores, supermarkets, etc.
·        Certain types of spermicides can add extra lubrication for intercourse
Disadvantages
·        The perfume or nonoxynol-9 used in spermicides might
         cause itching, swelling or burning in some people
·        Some people do not like the taste of spermicides  

           Spermicides

We have free male condoms available. 

All of the counselling services at CBCA are free and confidential.

Contact us at:
Phone: (403) 283-5580 Fax: (403) 270-3209
E-mail at generalmail@calgarysexualhealth.ca
We are located at
304, 301-14th. Street NW
Calgary, Alberta T2N 2A1
Canada

Hours of operation are:
Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm
New drop in hours starting September 28, 2009
Monday all day from 9am to 5pm
Tuesday and Wednesday from 9am to 1pm
Thursday and Friday from 12pm to 5pm