Methods are more effective if used correctly during every act of intercourse - about 97
percent for the condom and 94 percent for spermicides. "Typical use" includes
people who do not always use the method correctly, or who use it inconsistently.
Male Condom
Typical one-year contraceptive effectiveness
- 88%
Effect on STDs
- Latex condoms provide substantial protection against STDs including HIV, if used
consistently and correctly and are the recommended method for STD protection
Health and other concerns
- Irritation and allergic reactions to latex (rare); may interrupt sexual activity and may
reduce sensation
Female Condom
Typical one-year contraceptive effectiveness
- 79%
Effect on STDs
- Probably protects against STDs, including HIV, if used consistently and correctly; under
study
Health and other concerns
- Irritation possible (very rare); can be inserted prior to sexual activity; may be
difficult to learn to insert; relatively expensive
Spermicides
Typical one-year contraceptive effectiveness
- 79%
Effect on STDs
- Some protection against bacterial STDs such as gonorrhea and chlamydia; effect against
viral STDs such as HIV is uncertain
Health and other concerns
- Can cause irritation with frequent use; may cause minor
Diaphragm
Typical one-year contraceptive effectiveness
- 82% (with spermicide)
Effect on STDs
- Some protection against bacterial STDs such as gonorrhea and chlamydia; effect against
viral STDs, such as HIV, is uncertain
Health and other concerns
- Not recommended for those with allergy to latex or spermicides or history of toxic shock
syndrome; may lead to urinary tract infection
Cervical Cap
Typical one-year contraceptive effectiveness
- 82% (nulliparous women)
Effect on STDs
- May protect against gonorrhea and chlamydia, but not studied
Health and other concerns
- Not recommended for those with allergy to latex or spermicides or with history of toxic
shock syndrome
Sponge
Typical one-year contraceptive effectiveness
- 82% (nulliparous women)
Effect on STDs
- Probably protects against bacterial STDs, such as gonorrhea and chlamydia; only study
done on HIV did not show any protection
Health and other concerns
- Irritation and allergic reactions (rare); limited availability; may be less effective
among parous women
Sources:
- Feldblum P, Joanis C. Modern Barrier Methods: Effective Contraception
and Disease Prevention. Research Triangle Park: Family Health International, 1994;
Hatcher RA, Trussell J, Stewart F, et al. Contraceptive Technology Sixteenth Revised
Edition. New York: Irvington Publishers, Inc., 1994.
For more information, visit Family Health International's Website at www.fhi.org
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