Barrier Methods

When talking about birth control, the commonly used and probably the most commonly accessible option is the barrier method of contraception. Barrier methods function to cause a physical or chemical impediment to the occurrence of fertilizing the female egg.

Female condom

In the event of fertilization, the female egg or ovum must undergo ovulation in order to accept male sperm. Once sperm penetrates the walls of the ovum, the cell multiplication takes place and forms the embryo. After nine months of gestation, the once little ball of embryo becomes a fully formed fetus ready to go out into the world.

Barrier methods may be used in both males and females with the same objective—to prevent the union of male sperm and the female ovum. With the use of barrier contraception such as condom, birth control can be achieved, plus the prevention of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) spread.