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.
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