Female Condom

One of the newer contraceptive devices, the female condom allows the woman to protect herself from unwanted pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases. There is encouragement for the use of the female condom from WHO and UNAIDS since it is effective in attending to the reproductive health needs of women. It can be effective in the prevention of HIV and AIDS and STDs. Female condoms are made of polyurethane and are about 17 cms long with a flexible ring at both ends. This contraceptive device is worn by a woman and acts a barrier method of preventing pregnancy.

Spermicide

Using a spermicide is a form of contraception that is best used in combination of diaphragm, female condom or sponges. It can be safely used during breast feeding. A spermicide can be used in the form of a cream, foam or suppository. It prevents sperms from moving, thereby preventing fertilization. Some spermicides act as a barrier to entry of sperm into the cervix. A spermicide must be used about 10 minutes before you have intercourse. It is effective for about an hour after insertion. Some brands of spermicides cause irritation. Many women complain of spermicides being messy. Nonoxynol-9 is a commonly used spermicide. Read instructions on inserting spermicides carefully. Failure to use it correctly reduces its effectiveness.

Contraceptive diaphragm

The contraceptive diaphragm is a barrier type of birth control like the condom or female condom. Made of soft latex, the diaphragm must be inserted carefuly after squeezing it into an arc. Then it springs against the walls of the vagina acting as a protection against pregnancy. It must not be left inside but removed within 24 hours. The contraceptive diagphragm can be used by washing it with warm soapy water. It offers some amount of protection against sexually transmitted diseases. But the woman is more prone to UTI. Also it might be uncomfortable if the wrong size of diaphragm is chosen.