Mechanical or barrier contraceptive methods

Condom

• The condom is a thin elastic sheath that is made to adhere to the erect penis. The aim is to collect the ejaculate and prevent it from entering the vagina during sexual intercourse.
• The condom is the only contraceptive method that offers excellent (but not absolute) protection from venereal diseases

• It offers excellent protection against unwanted pregnancies and STIs
• Easy to find
• Relatively low cost
• No medical prescription needed
• Long shelf life (about 2 years). However, condoms need to be stored in a dry place, away from heat
• Suitable for occasional sexual relations
• It can be used in combination with spermicides compatible with the condom material (eg nonoxynol-9)
• It fits perfectly to the size of the penis

• It cannot be used more than once
• When not used properly, the risk of failure of the contraceptive method increases (condom rupture)
• Latex condoms should not be used by individuals who are allergic to them. Alternatively, prefer condoms made with synthetic materials (eg polyurethane)
• Combined with oil-based lubricants, condoms can break or tear
• Possible (though modest) decline in male sexual pleasure

• Used correctly, the "common" condom (in latex) offers excellent protection against unwanted pregnancies and venereal diseases (85-99.8%)
• Condoms in animal skin do not offer any protection from MST

Diaphragm

• Small soft rubber dome mounted on a malleable and foldable metal ring, which the woman inserts near the cervix (transvaginally) a few moments before sexual intercourse
• It must be used together with spermicides to reduce the risk coefficient (ie the contraception of the contraceptive method)

• It is a mechanical contraceptive method, which does not interfere with the normal functions of the reproductive system
• The diaphragm does not interfere with sexual intercourse, since the presence of the same is not perceived by either man or woman

• Contraceptive method now out of use because not entirely reliable.
• Rather difficult to insert (especially for the very young)
• Remove the diaphragm from the vagina only 6-8 hours after the complete report, in order to give the spermicide a chance to act
• Do not hold the diaphragm in the vagina for more than 24 consecutive hours
• The contraceptive method is not indicated for women with vaginal malformations or allergies to spermicides
• This contraceptive method cannot be used in the case of vaginal inflammation
• The first applications of the diaphragm can be quite complicated
• The use of this contraceptive method requires a certain programming of the sexual act
• Poor or no protection from sexually transmitted diseases

• Poor. The failure rate is estimated at around 20% (Pearl index of 2-3)
• Protection against unwanted pregnancies and is influenced by the correct application of the contraceptive method

Cervical Hood

• It is a barrier contraceptive method, consisting of a bell-shaped rubber device (latex or silicone) to be inserted into the vagina in close contact with the cervix. Very similar to the diaphragm, it differs from the latter in that it is smaller in size and able to adhere closely to the tench snout
• The cervical cap should be inserted into the vagina before intercourse. He must remain in this position for at least 6-8 hours following the report

• It fits perfectly to the portion of the cervix that protrudes into the vagina
• For additional protection from unwanted pregnancies, it is recommended to fill the cervical cap with spermicide. By doing so, the spermicide damages or kills any spermatozoa that pass the narrow gap between the cap and the cervix
• A variant of the classic cervical cap is the so-called SCUDO DI LEA, which does not require dimensional adjustment, given that it remains in its correct position thanks to a "suction" mechanism.

• Indicated exclusively for young women who have never given birth vaginally, for which it offers superior protection to the diaphragm.
• Before using a cervical cap, the woman must undergo a gynecological examination to determine the size of the device that best suits her genital anatomy
• The contraceptive method is not indicated for women with too deep vaginas: in this case, the woman may have difficulty placing the cervical cap correctly

• Fair coverage from unwanted pregnancies, equal to 80-98% for nulliparous women (failure rate: 2-20%).
• The contraceptive efficacy of the method decreases to 80-95% in women who have given birth. It should be remembered that vaginal delivery causes major changes in the cervix and vaginal canal, especially in terms of shape and size.

Female condom

• Contraceptive barrier method composed of two flexible rings, joined by a thin and soft sheath of polyurethane, synthetic nitrile or latex, about 17 cm long (medium size)
• The inner ring (hermetically closed) should be pushed deeply into the vagina: this will naturally position itself behind the pubic bone.
• The outer ring - at the opposite end - remains open outside the vagina, partially covering the external genitals. In this way, man can introduce an erect penis into the vagina from this opening.
• The female condom protects against unwanted pregnancies by preventing the contact between spermatozoon and egg cell

• It is not necessary to extract the female condom immediately after intercourse
• This barrier contraceptive method guarantees a fair / valid coverage from unwanted pregnancies and venereal diseases
• It can be inserted into the vagina a few hours before intercourse
• There are different sizes of the female condom; therefore, the woman can choose the variant that best suits the anatomy of the genitals
• It is possible to associate this contraceptive barrier method with water and oil based lubricants (except, in the latter case, for the female condom composed of latex)
• Unlike the male condom, the female variant ensures greater sensitivity to humans during intercourse
• It does not require a medical prescription
• Relatively low cost (slightly higher than the male condom)
• Rather effective alternative for women who cannot take hormonal contraceptives

• It must be used only once
• Women who have given birth vaginally generally need larger-than-standard female condoms
• The female latex condom cannot be used together with oil-based lubricants
• Do not use the latex female condom in case of latex allergy. In such circumstances, prefer nitrile
• During intercourse, the friction triggered by the contact between condom and skin creates a "buzz" or a "rustling" not always appreciated by the couple
• The lubricant with which the female condom is coated is sticky and can stick to the skin of the fingers during insertion
• This method of contraception requires a certain "exercise" for correct insertion

• Fair (79-95%)

Vaginal sponges

• Vaginal sponges are small soft and ruddy contraceptive devices, similar to sponges. They are made of a synthetic material (polyurethane) and soaked in spermicide.

  After being soaked in water, the device - becoming soft and spongy - can be applied to the vagina shortly before intercourse.

• They are contraceptive methods little known in Italy, currently on sale in the USA
• Contraceptive sponges prevent an unwanted pregnancy by combining the "barrier" method (covers the cervix) with the "chemical" contraception (performed by spermicides)

• It does not require a medical prescription
• The sponge moistened with water adapts perfectly to the size and structure of the cervix
• Good alternative to the diaphragm
• It is possible to increase the contraceptive efficacy of sponges by combining an additional contraceptive method (eg condom)

• The contraceptive device must be held in the vagina for a period not exceeding 24-30 consecutive hours to the report.
• When held for longer than 30 consecutive hours, the contraceptive sponge can cause serious side reactions (eg toxic shock syndrome)
• Before removing the contraceptive sponge, wait at least 6 hours after the last report to allow the spermicide to act, thus ensuring further coverage against unwanted pregnancies
• Do not use this contraceptive method in case of allergy or hypersensitivity to the spermicide used (nonoxinol 9)
• The extraction of the contraceptive sponge is not always immediate and simple
• The contraceptive method is not indicated for women with a retroverted uterus

• They present a modest contraceptive efficacy: vaginal sponges protect against unwanted pregnancies in 77-91% of cases (failure rate ranges from 9 to 23%).
• It does not offer any protection from venereal diseases