Barrier method - meaning and definition
Alsobarrier contraceptionbarrier methodsbarrier contraceptivesbarrier protection
Not yet reviewed by a clinician. This health entry was written from the public-health sources listed below and is general information only. It is not medical advice.
Definition
A barrier method is a contraceptive that physically stops sperm from reaching an egg, such as a condom, diaphragm, cervical cap or sponge.
At a glance
- Barrier methods physically stop sperm from reaching an egg.
- Examples include external and internal condoms, diaphragms, cervical caps and sponges.
- They contain no hormones and are used only at the time of sex.
- Only condoms also reduce the risk of most sexually transmitted infections.
- They are less effective in everyday use than long-acting methods because they must be used correctly every time.
In detail
Barrier methods are used only at the time of sex and contain no hormones, which makes them a good fit for people who cannot or prefer not to use hormonal contraception. Some are used together with spermicide to improve effectiveness.
External and internal condoms are the only contraceptive methods that also reduce the risk of most sexually transmitted infections. Diaphragms, caps and sponges do not offer reliable protection against infections.
In everyday use barrier methods are less effective at preventing pregnancy than long-acting methods, mainly because they must be used correctly every time.
In a sentence
- I prefer a barrier method because I don't want to take hormones every day.
- The leaflet listed condoms and diaphragms under the heading barrier methods.
Not to be confused with
- Dental dam
A dental dam is a barrier for reducing infection risk during oral contact and is not a contraceptive.
Common questions
Which barrier method protects against STIs?
Only external and internal condoms reduce the risk of most sexually transmitted infections. Diaphragms, caps and sponges do not offer reliable protection against infections.
Why are barrier methods less effective in typical use?
They have to be used correctly every single time, so late use, slipping or forgetting lowers their real-world effectiveness compared with methods such as the implant or IUD that need no action.