Quick Facts:Barrier Contraceptives - MSD Manual Consumer Version (2025)

Condoms are thin protective coverings that go on the penis (male condoms) or in the vagina (female condoms). Both kinds block sperm from entering the vagina. Condoms may be made of latex, polyurethane, or lambskin. Latex condoms are the only type that also protect you from common STIs.

Condoms must be used correctly to be effective. Condoms should be applied before penetration.

To use a male condom:

• Use a new condom for each act of sexual intercourse

• Use the correct size condom

• Carefully handle the condom to avoid damaging it with fingernails, teeth, or other sharp objects

• Put the condom on after the penis is erect and before any genital contact with the partner

• Determine which way the condom is rolled by placing it on the index finger and gently trying to unroll it, but only a little bit

• If it resists, turn it over, try the other way, and then re-roll it

• Place the rolled condom over the tip of the erect penis

• Leave 1/2 inch at the tip of the condom to collect semen

• With one hand, squeeze trapped air out of the tip of the condom

• If uncircumcised, pull the foreskin back before unrolling the condom

• With the other hand, roll the condom over the penis to its base and smooth out any air bubbles

• Make sure that lubrication is adequate during intercourse

• With latex condoms, use only water-based lubricants (oil-based lubricants, such as petroleum jelly, shortening, mineral oil, massage oils, body lotions, and cooking oil, can weaken latex and cause the condom to break)

• Hold the condom firmly against the base of the penis during withdrawal to prevent the condom from spilling semen

To use a female condom:

• Push the inner ring of the female condom as far as it can go into the vagina keeping the outer ring outside

• Carefully push the penis through the outer ring into the pouch

• If the penis slips out of the pouch or the outer ring is pushed inside, remove the female condom and put it back in as long as the man hasn’t ejaculated

• Right after ejaculation, pull the penis out

• Squeeze the outer ring together and twist it so semen doesn’t spill out

• Carefully pull the used female condom out of the vagina

• Throw it away

Use a new condom each time you have sex, and never use a condom that is old or may have a hole in it. Spermicide makes condoms work better, so add it each time you put on a new condom.

The diaphragm is a dome-shaped rubber cup that's pushed into the vagina and over the cervix to keep sperm out. Your cervix is the lower part of your uterus. You get a diaphragm from your doctor, who will make sure you have the right size and will teach you how to use it. You and your partner shouldn’t be able to feel the diaphragm once it’s in place.

Diaphragms help keep you from getting pregnant, but they don't protect you from STIs.

To use a diaphragm:

• Put spermicide cream or gel inside the cup

• Put the diaphragm in before you start having sex

• Keep the diaphragm in for 6 to 8 hours after sex (but don’t keep it in for more than 24 hours)

• If you have sex again with your diaphragm in, put more spermicide in your vagina first

You can wash and reuse your diaphragm. You should check the diaphragm regularly for tears. You may need a new size if you have:

• Gained or lost more than 10 pounds

• Had a diaphragm for more than a year

• Had a baby or an abortion

The cervical cap is a hat-shaped silicone cup that's a bit like a diaphragm but smaller. The cap is pushed into the vagina and over the cervix to keep sperm out.

You can get a cervical cap from your doctor, who will make sure you have the right size.

To use a cervical cap:

• Put spermicide cream or gel inside the cup

• Put the cervical cap in before you start having sex

• Keep the cervical cap in for at least 6 hours after sex, but don’t keep it in for more than 48 hours

You can wash and reuse your cervical cap for 1 year.

A contraceptive sponge is a sponge with spermicide in it that's put in the vagina to keep sperm out of the uterus. Contraceptive sponges help keep you from getting pregnant, but they don't protect you from STIs.

You can get a contraceptive sponge in a store without seeing a doctor. You and your partner shouldn’t be able to feel the sponge once it’s in place.

You can put in a contraceptive sponge up to 24 hours before you have sex.

To use a contraceptive sponge:

• Wet the sponge with water

• Fold it and push it deep inside the vagina

• Have sex as many times as you want while it’s in

• Leave the sponge in for at least 6 hours after sex (but don’t keep it in for more than 30 hours)

Possible problems with contraceptive sponges:

• Allergic reactions

• Dryness or pain in your vagina

• Difficulty taking the sponge out

Spermicides are chemicals that kill sperm. Spermicides are available as foams, gels, creams, or suppositories (a soft, dissolving pill-shaped medicine that is placed in the vagina). You put a spermicide in your vagina before having sex. Because a suppository has to melt, you should put it in about 10 to 30 minutes before sex.

Don't use spermicides more than once a day. They can irritate the vagina, which increases the risk of HIV infection.

• You shouldn't use spermicides alone for birth control—use them with a barrier birth control, such as a condom or diaphragm

• Although spermicides kill sperm, they don't kill the germs that cause STIs