Cervical barriers can be left in place for up to 48 hours, and can be inserted earlier and left in longer than a diaphragm. They do not affect hormonal levels, are immediately ef­fective, and not permanent. In addition, they are made of silicone and users do not ex­perience latex-related allergies. Partner involvement is possible, but […]

Cervical barriers work by blocking the entrance to the uterus and deactivating sperm through the use of spermicidal cream or jelly. After insertion, a woman must check to see that the barrier is covering her cervix. The barriers should be left in place for 8 hours after the last intercourse. Both cervical barriers have straps […]

As we’ve discussed, the Today contraceptive sponge is available in Canada and many parts of Europe. However, there is little research on the cross-cultural use of the contra­ceptive sponge. We do know that for years women in France have been using vaginal sponges that have been dipped in various chemicals to avoid pregnancy. These sponges […]

ollege students were asked about their contraceptive methods. Here are some of their personal stories and their opinions of their method. Female: I recently tried the hormonal patch. It was rel­atively new, and I wanted to see what it was all about. I always had trouble remembering to take my pill at the right time, […]

Although the Today contraceptive sponge was approved by the FDA in 1983, it was pulled off the market in 1995 because of stringent new government safety rules that had to do with the manufacturing plant. In late 2005 the sponge was reintroduced and avail­able over the counter in the United States. The one-size-fits-all sponge covers […]

A physician fitting and prescription are necessary to use the diaphragm. In addition, a woman must be taught insertion and removal techniques and be comfortable touch­ing her genitals. The diaphragm has also been found to increase the risk of toxic shock syndrome, urinary tract infection, and postcoital drip (Hatcher et al., 2004). It may also […]

Effectiveness rates for the diaphragm range from 84% (typical use) to 94% (perfect use). Correct and consistent use has been found to be an important factor in effec­tiveness rates. It is estimated that half of diaphragm users who become pregnant were using the method incorrectly (Hatcher et al., 2004). Women who have not had chil­dren […]

The diaphragm is a barrier method of contraception, and it must be used with a spermi­cidal jelly to ensure that sperm do not live if they should get past the barrier. Diaphragms come in a variety of different sizes and shapes, and they must be prescribed by a physi­cian or other healthcare provider to ensure […]

Overall, female barrier methods, including the diaphragm (DIE-uh-fram), have not been widely used or accepted (J. L. Schwartz & Gabelnick, 2002). The number of women using diaphragms dropped from 5% in 1988 to 2% in 1995, and to nearly zero in 2002 (Alan Guttmacher Institute, 2005a). However, the diaphragm works well to block the cervical […]

Condoms are popular in many countries throughout the world, including Australia, Canada, Croatia, Czech Republic, Greece, Hong Kong, India, Iran, Italy, Japan, Ireland, and Germany. In fact, German couples will often avoid intercourse when no condom is available (Lautmann & Starke, 2004), and in Ireland men have been known to make their own condoms out […]