Barrier methods are birth control methods that utilize various objects such as devices and preparations to stop fertilization. They are also known as contraception, anticonception, and also fertility control. The main objective of using birth control or barrier method is to prevent pregnancy. Birth control is an important part of family planning and thus, plays an important role in the sex life of human beings too. The usage of birth control dates back to ancient times and various methods have been used over the centuries to prevent pregnancy. 

However, none of these methods can be considered medically accurate and completely safe, and very often, they failed to serve their main purpose. It was only recently, that is, in the 20th century, that truly effective and medically safe methods of birth control became available and began to be used. Various world organizations and medical organizations try to spread awareness about safe sex and promote the use of barrier methods as some forms of barrier methods such as female and the more commonly used male condom. The male condom is the most widely used form of barrier method.

What are barrier methods?

Do you know what are barrier methods? There are various kinds of barrier methods, and each of these is very different from the other. The most common is the male condom, which is used most commonly around the world and is one of the best and safest barrier methods as it also reduces the risk of sexually transmitted diseases. 

Unfortunately, other barrier methods do not provide any protection against sexually transmitted diseases and thus, there is a high risk of transmission of such dangerous diseases. 

Studies have shown that the most effective barrier methods are sterilization, which is most commonly done by the process of vasectomy in males, and tubal ligation in females. There are also highly effective methods such as intrauterine devices (IUD), copper-T being the most common of all, and also implantable birth control methods. 

There are also quite a few hormone-based methods such as vaginal rings, patches, injections, and then there are the barrier methods that are not as effective, which are, diaphragms, condoms, and fertility awareness methods. There also exist less favored methods such as spermicide, which is a contraceptive device that is used to destroy sperm and is inserted by the means of the vagina before the action of sexual intercourse takes place. And lastly, there is the method in which the male withdraws before ejaculation.

Barrier methods and sex education

Sex education is the imparting of instructions about human sexuality and involves the imparting of education regarding safe sex, birth control methods, sexual health, age of consent, sexual reproduction, reproductive rights, sexual reproduction, and sexual anatomy. 

Sex education also teaches about the proper use of safe and effective barrier methods such as condoms and diaphragms. Abstinence is also a method of contraception however the major problem that is encountered by abstinence is the failure of teenagers and youngsters to comply. Sex education is highly important as it promotes sexual awareness and safe sex and awareness about birth control and pregnancy.

What are some barrier method examples?

You might wonder what are some barrier methods examples. There are various kinds of barrier methods that are used today and they have varying degrees of effectiveness and varying degrees of medical safety as well. Let us take a close look at the most well-known barrier methods that are in use today.

• Spermicide –It is inserted vaginally and is used to kill the sperm cells. It may be used alone. It is inserted before the act of sexual intercourse to prevent pregnancy. However, it has proven to be less effective than other birth control methods and is thus combined and used with other methods such as diaphragms, sponges, condoms, and cervical caps.

• Condom –It is the most commonly used barrier method and is available both for men and women. It is one of the few barrier methods that protect against sexually transmitted diseases and is a sheath-shaped object that is used during the act of sexual intercourse to prevent pregnancy.
• Cervical Cap –It is also a very well-known form of barrier method and fits over the cervix and acts as a barrier against the sperm and prevents it from entering the uterus. The only side effect is the odor that may be developed.
• Diaphragm –It is another very well-known barrier method that is used widely, all over the world. It has average effectiveness and has a one-year failure rate of 12% in the case of typical use. It is usually used with spermicide and is placed over the cervix.
• Sponge –A contraceptive sponge is a combination of barrier and spermicide methods and is another one of the better-known barrier methods that are in use. There are three brands that market sponges all over the world and they are Pharmatex, Today, and Protected. They are inserted through the vagina and should be placed before the act of sexual intercourse takes place. Unfortunately, they do not protect from sexually transmitted diseases and thus, are not considered safe when it comes to protection against STDs.

Side-effects of barrier methods

There are also some side effects and disadvantages of using barrier methods of contraception. They are as follows.

• Many barrier methods cause interruption of sexual intercourse and sexual activities.
• There is a risk of developing Urinary Tract Infections that are UIDs in case of some barrier methods.
• Many of them cause toxic shock syndrome.

Conclusion

These are some of the best-known barrier methods that are reused worldwide, and thus, by reading this article, one might understand the full scope of the usage of barrier methods.