Barrier Methods

As the name suggests, these methods act as barriers to prevent the sperm from reaching and fertilising an egg. Barrier methods are those methods that prevent the physical meeting of sperm with ovum by acting as a barrier between them for the prevention of pregnancy at the time of sexual intercourse. Also, they prevent the transmission of certain communicable and infectious diseases. We can also objectify that their basic aim is the prevention of fertilisation of the eggs.

Certain examples of them are male condoms, female condoms, cervical caps, diaphragm and spermicides. As a concern against different sexually transmitted diseases such as AIDS, they are widely used and can be used individually or in multiple combinations.

Need for barriers 

• Due to a devastating risk of sexually transmitted diseases such as HIV, TB, etc., the need for such a barrier is felt. 

• Overpopulation can destroy the economic growth of any country.

Types of Barrier Methods

1. Condoms: These are made up of latex or rubber-like materials and are used to cover up reproductive organs at the time of sexual intercourse.

   • During the time of intercourse, condoms act as a barrier to obstruct sperm from fertilising eggs.

   • Female condoms cover up the vagina of women to prevent unwanted pregnancy and transmission of sexual diseases or any other communicable diseases.

   • Benefits of using condoms: Pocket friendly and easily affordable.

   • Risks: Rare. In some cases, allergic reactions can be observed.

2. Diaphragm  

   • It is also a latex and rubber tool, dome in shape, and fits the vagina to cover the cervix. 

   • The use of diaphragms requires a prescription and should be guided and operated by a health expert. 

• Benefits

  1. No Effect on hormones.

  2. It can be used during breastfeeding.

• Risks

  1. Fluffy and to be used on the advice of a health expert.

  2. The risk associated with the spread of infectious diseases.

3. Spermicide: It is a type of lubricant, like foam or cream, which is solid and melts when applied to the vagina, and it should always be applied near the cervix half an hour before intercourse.

   • Benefits

     1. Casy to use

     2. Affordable cost

     3. No effect on natural hormonal health

   • Risks

     1. Not effective in the case of sexually transmitted diseases.

     2. Frequent use can be risky to communicate diseases.

4. Cervical cap

   • It is a cap-like tool that, by suction force, fits over the cervix and holds the place and is used with spermicide.

   • For removal, it comes with a strap. It cannot be used by owners and hence needs to be fitted with the guidance of a health expert.

   • Benefits

     1. No risk to women’s hormonal health.

     2. It can be used before 6 hours during sexual intercourse.

     3. It can be used while breastfeeding.

   • Risks

     1. Requires a health expert.

     2. It can be subject to allergies in some cases.

Barrier method explanation

• India is considered to be the first country who initiate plans and programmes at national levels to achieve reproductive health as a goal.

• It was during 1951 that programmes related to the management of family plans were duly popular. It was a time when the government was in full action in implementing these schemes by way of advertisements, hoardings and audio-video mediums.

• At that time, population explosion and scarcity of resources were disturbing the economic development of the country, and the government was forced to introduce barrier methods.

How barrier methods work to prevent pregnancy

• Barrier methods are the ways by which the physical meeting of sperm and ovum is stopped by way of barriers to reduce sexually transmitted diseases and unwanted pregnancy.

• An ideal barrier method should be easy to use and should be available easily. Carries will have little or no side effects. It should not act as an obstruction to sexual desires.

• Different kinds of barriers that are available are: 

  1. Natural methods: This is the time when sperm and ovum are unable from meeting during periods of 8 to 10 days and is considered to be a natural method to prevent pregnancy as well as sexually transmitted diseases.

  2. Surgical methods: These are ways by which male and female parts are stitched from the inside to prevent ejaculation and meeting.

  3. Oral contraceptives: Pregnancy can be stopped by way of oral contraceptives such as various medicinal pills. But in the long run, they have a huge side effect on the health of women’s hormones and sometimes can cause allergies and reactions.

  4. Injectable methods: These are methods of injection with the help of health experts to avoid unwanted pregnancies using cervical caps, spermicides, etc.

Conclusion 

• A huge level of population explosion and higher risks of sexually transmitted diseases was a huge concern.

• Even though science has done wonders, it is unable to find a cure for diseases like HIV and the number of diseases concerned with them. It is huge in numbers. Hence, these methods need to be in popular awareness to stop such transmission and pregnancies.