Barrier methods keep sperm from entering the uterus and reaching the egg. In general, barrier methods are less effective but have fewer side effects than hormonal methods or IUDs.

Barrier methods include condoms (male and female), diaphragms, cervical caps, contraceptive sponges, and cervical shields.

A male condom is a thin, flexible tube of latex rubber, polyurethane, or sheep intestine that has a closed end. The condom is placed over the erect penis before intercourse.

A female condom is a tube of soft plastic (polyurethane) with a closed end. Each end has a ring or rim. The ring at the closed end is inserted deep into the vagina over the cervix, like a diaphragm, to hold the tube in place. The ring at the open end remains outside the opening of the vagina.

A diaphragm is a round, dome-shaped device made of rubber with a firm, flexible rim. It fits inside the vagina and covers the cervix, the opening of the uterus. It should always be used with a sperm-killing cream or jelly (spermicide).

A cervical cap is made of rubber and shaped like a large thimble. It fits tightly over the cervix and is used with a spermicide.

A contraceptive sponge contains a spermicide, nonoxynol-9, that is released over the 24 hours that the sponge may be left in the vagina. The sponge also blocks the cervix so sperm can't pass.

The cervical shield (such as Lea's Shield) is a new diaphragm-type device. The shield is made of silicone, so latex allergy is not a concern. The device comes in one size only, which makes the fitting process simpler.