Barrier Methods

 
Barrier methods, as the name implies, rely on creating a barrier to the passage of sperm into the uterus. Such methods include; condoms, diaphragms, cervical caps, etc. Often these methods are combined with the use of spermicide to further improve their effectiveness.
Contraceptive Sponge
The contraceptive sponge is a small dome-shaped spongy device which is soaked in spermicide and placed by a woman over the cervix at the back of her vagina. The sponge can be inserted well before intercourse and left in place for up to 24 hours. The contraceptive sponge is 84% effective.
Diaphragm, Cervical Cap, Cervical Shield
The diaphragm is similar to the sponge being made of a dome-shaped soft and flexible material that is positioned over the cervix at the back of the vagina. The rim is generally coated in spermicide before it is inserted. There have been various variations of the basic diaphragm introduced under various brand names, however the concept is the same as is the reliability at around 84%. Women who have previously delivered children vaginally will have lower effectiveness rates.
Female Condom

Female condoms provide women with something for those unanticipated situations. However, as a regular method of contraception, the reliability of 79% leaves 21 women out of a hundred pregnant at the end of a year – not a very impressive figure for women who really want to avoid pregnancy.

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