How To Do Just About Everything
By Robin Noelle
Condoms are the only barrier method to prevent HIV transmission
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With the risks of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) or STDs, barrier methods like the male and female condom are gaining in popularity because of their ability to protect people from infection, including HIV. Barrier methods also allow for spontaneity in sexual encounters because of the little preparation involved. For people who have side effects from the birth control pill, barrier methods are only used prior to and during sex. Because barrier methods do not rely on hormones, they are excellent for after pregnancy, during breast feeding, or if you know you will want to try to get pregnant soon and want a method you can stop without issues.
Your local clinic can give you more information on how to use a condom
Male condoms. Male condoms are probably the most popular of the barrier methods. They are easy to obtain and free at most clinics. Spermicidal condoms are the most effective in preventing pregnancy. Condoms overall are the most effective in preventing transmission of STIs like herpes, HPV, HIV, and Gonorrhea. The possible risks of using condoms are having it fall off if it is too loose or tearing if it is too tight. If this happens, use emergency contraceptives and get tested for STIs.
Condoms are the most reliable at preventing sexually transmitted diseases
The female condom is a tube of soft plastic that has a closed end. Each end has a rim. The closed end is inserted into the woman's vagina over the cervix, like a diaphragm, to hold the tube in place. The ring at the open end remains outside the opening of the vagina. The female condom can be inserted up to 8 hours before sexual intercourse. Do not use it with spermicide or at the same time as a male condom. Remove the female condom immediately after intercourse, while the woman is still lying down. This method also protects against STIs and pregnancy. There are few risks with the female condom.
Always use spermicide with your diaphragm
Diaphragm. The diaphragm is a dome-shaped rubber cap that fits inside a woman's vagina and covers the cervix. It should always be used with spermicide or it becomes ineffective. You must insert your diaphragm no sooner than 6 hours before having sex. The diaphragm must be left in place for 6 hours after intercourse and can be left in place up to 24 hours. Because the diaphragm must be fitted to your specific body, you must see a health practitioner in order to obtain one.
Be sure to moisten the sponge before use
The sponge. The sponge is a disposable foam sponge that contains spermicide. It is moistened and inserted prior to sex. They are easy to use and cheap, making them fairly popular but they do not protect against STIs and HIV. The sponge can be used for 12 to 24 hours and no additional steps are needed during that time to maintain protection. You must leave the sponge in for six hours after having sex. The sponge is not a good idea for women who are allergic to spermicide or who have a high risk of toxic shock.
Use spermicide with a cervical cap
Cervical cap. The cervical cap is similiar to the diaphragm but smaller. It fits directly over the cervix. Like the diaphragm, it is used in conjunction with spermicide and you must see your doctor in order to get fitted properly. Unlike the diaphragm, you do not need to reapply spermicide every time you have sex. You must leave it in for 8 hours after having sex. You can wear a cervical cap for up to 48 hours.
Use spermicides in conjunction with condoms and other barrier methods
Spermicide. Spermicide gel or foam can be used just prior to having intercourse. It does not protect against STIs and is only highly effective in preventing pregnancy when used with other methods such as a condom or diaphragm. While cheap and easy to use, spermicides can be messy and cause irritation in some women.
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