Métodos de barreira contraceptiva

O que é contracepção de barreira?

Os contraceptivos de barreira fazem exatamente o que as palavras sugerem. Eles fornecem uma barreira física entre o esperma e o óvulo. Se o esperma for impedido de encontrar um óvulo, ele não pode começar a criar um bebê.

Existem três grandes grupos de contracepção de barreira:

• Preservativos (also known as sheaths). These are placed on the man's penis before having sex. This stops the semen entering the woman's vagina. Read about camisinhas - their pros and cons, how effective they are, where to get them, and how to use them.

• Preservativos femininos. These are put inside the vagina, and form a barrier to the sperm during sex. Read about preservativos para mulheres.

• Diafragmas e capuzes. These are dome-shaped devices which are put right at the top of the vagina before having sex. They are rather more solid than female condoms, with a firmer ring at the edge. Most types come in specific sizes, and you need to see a health professional to determine the right size for you. Read about diafragmas e capuzes.

All types of contraception have pros and cons. You have to weigh up each option and figure out which is best for you personally. The advantages and disadvantages of each type of barrier method are laid out in the specific leaflets linked above. Broadly speaking, barrier methods are not as effective as many other methods, and you have to remember to use them at the time when you are having sex. On the plus side, they have few side-effects or medical risks. Some of the options have the added advantage of protection against infecções sexualmente transmissíveis and possibly also protect against câncer do colo do útero (cérvix). Veja os folhetos individuais para mais detalhes.

Para uma lista de todos os tipos de contracepção disponíveis, veja também o folheto separado chamado Métodos Contraceptivos.