Barrier Methods of Contraception

So barrier methods are what is preventing the sperm from getting to the egg. Typically that's condoms, cervical caps, sponges, spermicides and IUDs and diaphragms. So one of my favorite barrier methods is a diaphragm. Believe it or not, I was actually given a diaphragm when I was 18 years old. After I had my baby in 11th grade, my doctor gave me a diaphragm and said, good luck. Somehow, by the grace of God, I didn't get pregnant again. Honestly, I think the diaphragm works really well. It's a barrier method. It prevents the sperm from getting to the egg. You do need to use it with a spermicide for maximum effectiveness. It takes the spontaneity out of things because you got to know going to be intimate, right? So you have to have time to go put it in and then you have to leave it in for like four to six hours afterward. But say you're having sex at night, you can just leave it in, go to sleep and take it out in the morning. And that gives this sperm ample time to be killed off. So, you know, it's a little bit cumbersome, but I would say it's a really good option if you're trying to avoid hormones. So back in the day, you used to have to have a pelvic exam and they would decide what size diaphragm you would get and then you would get a prescription for that. Now there's something called the Kaya diaphragm. It's C, A, Y, A and it fits almost all women. It's pretty cool. You don't need a pelvic exam, you don't need to be fitted for it. Even if you're gynecologist type that doesn't normally prescribe diaphragms and they're not used to that, they can prescribe you the Kaya. It's super easy and they have it at Target and CVS and Walgreens and all those places and you just use it. So it's a super good option if you're trying to avoid hormones. I mentioned you could do the over the counter sponges and spermicides and condoms and all of that stuff. And their effectiveness is very much dependent on the user and are you using it as instructed or not? And so typically you're protected like 85 to 95% of the time. So it's not the most effective, but it's pretty darn good. You can add in cycling like the rhythm method with that. So if you know when your period is. If it's regular, every month, every 28 to 30 days, and you know when you are ovulate, then you can avoid intercourse during that time. Typically, you want to start avoiding two days before you ovulate, because sperm can live in the vagina and uterus for up to two days. And then you want to wait at least two to three days after you ovulate, because the egg lasts for a few days after you release it. And so if you know when you're going to have your period and you're consistent, the rhythm method can be very helpful. Putting that on top of a barrier method, you're good to go.