Achieve contraception by physically preventing sperm access to ovum.
Male Condoms (Pearl index 3.6 i.e. not perfect)
- Incorrect use is a common problem and the use of oil based and/or spermicidal lubrication causes problems too
- They are a male method (but are visible to the female) and require motivation (not independent of intercourse)
- However, they are cheap, effective, almost no contraindications, not reliant on the medical profession
- They also provide the extra protection against STI/cancer of the cervix
The diaphragm, cervival cap and female condom
- Both the diaphragm and cap require fitting prior to sexual intercourse
- The use of spermicide is recommended to increase protection (this may require ‘topping up’ if more than 4 hours have passed since insertion)
- They should be left in 6 hours after intercourse.
- As a result, there are problems with loss of spontaneity, patient motivation, annoyance and poor vaginal tone etc
- But they do provide an alternative to hormonal contraception if the individual does not wish to use hormonal methods.
Notes on Medicine/Surgery 