barrier contraceptive

Last reviewed 01/2018

Condoms, cervical caps, vaginal diaphragms, and chemically impregnated sponges may be used to prevent viable spermatazoa from gaining access to the endometrial cavity, fallopian tubes and peritoneal cavity.

Advantages include:

  • obtainable without prescription
  • no serious complications
  • low failure rate if couple well motivated - 5% failure rate achievable

Disadvantages include:

  • high coital dependence
  • high failure rate if couple poorly motivated