MECHANICAL

METHODS OF FAMILY
PLANNING
Mechanical Methods of Family Planning

Also known as Barrier Methods, are among the most
common forms of contraception
This method prevents the sperm from coming in
contact with the egg, which in turn prevents its
fertilization
Advantages
Do not affect a womans or mans future fertility
Are only used at the time of sexual intercourse
Are safe for a woman to use while she is breast-feeding
Do not affect other health conditions, such as high blood pressure
or diabetes
Are less expensive than hormonal methods of birth control, and
some are available without a prescription
Condoms and diaphragms may reduce the risk of cervical cancer
Condoms are the best method for reducing the risk of STIs,
including HIV
Disadvantages
Find it embarrassing to use
Do not want a barrier method to interrupt foreplay or intercourse
Some people have allergies to spermicides
Some people have allergies to latex
MALE
CONDOM
Made out of latex
(rubber), OTC
barrier method of
birth control
Effectiveness: 86-
97%

Male Condom
Advantages:
Easy to get and relatively inexpensive
Can be discontinued at any time
Provides some protection from STDs and HIV
Reliable method for people who cannot use hormonal birth control
methods
Responsibility of both partners
Can be purchased without prescription
Does not interfere with breast-feeding

Male Condom
Disadvantages
Non-cooperative partner
Some irritation or sensitivity to latex
Difficulty using condoms correctly
Must use a new condom every sex act
Some men say it reduces sexual feelings
Must be rolled onto an erect penis before sexual intercourse, can interrupt
foreplay
Spillage or leaking of sperm is possible if condom is put on or removed
incorrectly
FEMALE
CONDOM
OTC barrier method
of birth control,
Effectiveness: 79-
95%
It is a polyurethane
(plastic) sheath
with an inner ring
that fits inside the
vagina, around the
cervix and an outer
ring that covers the
outside labia

Female Condom
Advantages:
Can be inserted into the vagina up to eighth hours before sexual
intercourse
Can be used with spermicides to increase STD protection
Provides protection against some STDs and HIV
Can be used by people allergic to latex or spermicides or by those who
cant take hormones
Erection unnecessary to keep female condom in place
Some women and men have an increased sensitivity or natural feel
compared to male condoms

Female Condoms
Can be purchased without a prescription
Does not interfere with breast-feeding
Disadvantages
Difficulty inserting and/or keeping in place
Cannot be combined with male condoms as they pull each other off
May be noisy
May irritate vagina or penis
More expensive than male latex condoms
Must be used every time you have sex

DIAPHRAGM
A dome-shaped
rubber cup with
flexible rim that
covers the cervix
and is inserted into
the vagina before
intercourse
Used in
combination with
spermicidal jelly or
cream,
effectiveness: 80-
94%

Diaphragm
Advantages:
Simple to use
No serious systemic side effects
Does not require partner involvement
Good for persons who do not have sex on a regular basis
Decreases risk of some STDs
Does not interrupt lovemaking
Decreases risk of cervical cancer
Does not interfere with breast-feeding
Diaphragm
Disadvantages
Consistent and correct use is required to prevent pregnancy
Persons with allergies to latex or spermicides cannot use
Increased risks for developing UTIs
Remains in vagina for at least 6 hours after intercourse
Repeated sexual intercourse requires additional spermicide
Must remove within 24 hours to avoid risk of TSS
Must replace diaphragm every two years
CERVICAL
CAP
A soft rubber cup-
like device that fits
snuggly around the
base of the cervix
It is used with
spermicide for
prolonged and
additional
pregnancy
prevention,
effectiveness: 60-
90%

Cervical Cap
Advantages
Simple to use
No serious side effects
Does not require partner involvement
Good for persons who do not have sex on a regular basis
May decrease risks of some STDs
Provide contraceptive protection for up to 48 hours, no matter how many
times lovemaking occurs
Does not interrupt lovemaking
Does not interfere with breast-feeding
Cervical Cap
Disadvantages
Consistent and correct use is required to prevent pregnancy
Persons with allergies to latex or spermicides cannot use
Remains in vagina for at least 6 hours after intercourse
Possible risk for TSS, if worn longer than 48 hours
May experience vaginal odor after prolonged use
BIRTH
CONTROL
SPONGES
Inserted deep into
the vagina for
effective inhibition
of joining sperms
with an egg.
A small round-
shaped foam that
releases
spermicide,
restricting the
movement of
sperms,
effectiveness: 75-
85%
INTRAUTERINE
DEVICE (IUD)
Small plastic device
which is placed in the
uterus by a clinician
Prevents sperm from
fertilizing egg,
Effectiveness: 98-99%
Some contain
synthetic
progesterone others
have copper on them
It is a reversible
method of birth
control given only by
prescription

Intrauterine Device (IUD)
Advantages
Easy to use, low maintenance method
Easily inserted and removed in a clinic or doctors office
Has no systemic side effects
Depending on the type they can be left in place 1, 5 or 10 years
Reduces the risk of tubal pregnancy
Does not interfere with breast-feeding
IUD
Disadvantages
Must be inserted and removed in a clinic or doctors office
May be some cramping or pain at the time of insertion
May experience increased bleeding or cramping during periods
May experience spotting between periods
Should not be used by women with multiple sex partners because this
increases exposure to STDs, which significantly increases the risk of PID

VAGINAL
SPERMICIDES
A chemical birth
control method
that kills sperm and
prevents pregnancy
Comes in the form
of gel, foam, cream,
film, suppository or
tablet,
effectiveness: 50-
95%

Vaginal Spermicides
Advantages:
A relatively safe contraceptive method when combined with the use of a
barrier method
May lower the chance of becoming infected with a bacterial STD
Can be purchased without prescription
Depending on the amount purchased is relatively inexpensive
Immediate protection is available
Good method for persons who have sexual intercourse infrequently or not
very often

Vaginal Spermicides
Simple back up method for women waiting to start the pill or have an IUD
inserted, or for forgetting to take the pill or running out of pills
Provides lubrication during intercourse especially with condom use
Male partner does not need to be involved in decision to use product
Does not interfere with breast-feeding
Disadvantages
Allergic reactions or hypersensitivity to ingredients may occur
Some persons may have difficulty inserting properly
Abnormal vaginal anatomy (e.g. prolapsed uterus) may interfere with
proper insertion
Poor protection from HIV exposure