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Prescription Barrier Methods

Shields, caps, and diaphragms are all types of Prescription Barrier Methods. They are small and portable to carry.  They are also small so that most women and men do not notice them during sex.

These methods are reusable after washing, and so do not cost you money each time.  They are environmentally friendly.  However, you will need to pay to see a doctor for them.  Often, these doctor’s visits and the shield, cap, or diaphragm itself will be covered on your health care plan.  You will need to pay for spermicide to use with the barrier.

Shields, caps, and diaphragms do not interfere with your hormones.  They are suitable for women who cannot remember to take a pill or are unable to take hormones.  They can be used by women who are breastfeeding.  They are, however, not as effective as hormonal methods of birth control.

Not everyone can use these methods: see who can use prescription barrier methods for clarification.

These methods are subtle and do not interfere with foreplay or sex.  There is no interruption to put them in if they are inserted earlier.  They must be left in for at least eight hours following sex. 

You can use them for more than one sex act each time they are inserted: simply check to make sure your protection is in place, and add more spermicide.

These methods are immediately effective as soon as you put them in (unlike having to wait seven days for hormonal birth control pills).  They are easily reversible by simply removing them to return to full fertility.

These shields, caps, and diaphragms may be difficult to insert.  They might even be knocked out of place by certain sexual positions or penises.  This is why they are not as effective as hormonal birth control.

One advantage of these methods is that they rely entirely on the woman, so you will always know that you are protected. 

There are some slight risks involved with shields, caps, and diaphragms, though these are generally much less than the risks associated with hormonal birth control.

Compare prescription birth control methods with our handy chart.