Is a barrier contraceptive the best type of birth control for you? Which kind should you use? The answers will depend on your health, life-style, and personal preferences.
Health Factors
If your health prevents you from using other forms of birth control, a barrier contraceptive may be a good alternative. Heart disease or high blood pressure, for example, rules out the Pill for some women, and a history of pelvic inflammatory disease can make an IUD risky.
Life-Style Issues
Anyone who has more than one sexual partner is at increased risk of contracting HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases. And even if you have only one sexual partner, your risk increases if he has more than one. In either situation, a barrier method particularly the male or the female condom may be a wise choice even if you are using another birth control method such as the Pill.
All of the barrier contraceptives require some degree of planning. Although some methods, such as the diaphragm and the cervical cap, can be inserted hours in advance, you must still have them and spermicide with you when the need arises. If you prefer spontaneity to planning every encounter, a barrier method may not be for you.
Personal Preferences
Some barrier methods require a certain amount of willingness and cooperation on the part of both partners. Applying condoms and spermicides in a moment of intimacy puts many people off. If either you or your partner feels this way, you'll be tempted to neglect the barrier device and should probably consider another method.
Here are some questions to ask yourself when considering a barrier method:
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How easy is it to use?
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Am I likely to use it every time I have sex?
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Does it require cooperation from my partner all or some of the time? What are his feelings?
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Does it provide enough protection from pregnancy on its own, or do I need to use a second contraceptive as well?
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Is it readily available? Do I need an exam and/or a doctor's prescription?
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How much does it cost?
Whatever method of contraception you choose, it's important that both you and your partner feel comfortable with it. If you're not sure you'll like a particular device, try it out. You can always switch to another method. Many couples rely on more than one barrier method, using a diaphragm, for example, some of the time, and condoms and spermicide at other times.
The availability, effectiveness, and disease-fighting properties of many barrier contraceptives have made them the choice of many women looking for alternatives to hormonal birth control and IUDs. Weigh the pros and cons. Talk with your partner. In this wide array of choices, there's bound to be one that's right for you.