What are the disadvantages of barrier methods of birth control?
• These methods do not prevent pregnancy as well as IUDs or hormonal forms of birth control. • Barrier methods prevent pregnancy only if you use them every time you have sex. • You may have to interrupt sex to use some barrier methods of birth control. • A woman needs a doctor’s prescription to get a diaphragm or cervical cap. • The cervical cap and contraceptive sponge do not work as well as the other barrier methods for women who have delivered a child through the vagina. • The cervical cap and diaphragm cannot be used by people who are allergic to latex or by women who have had toxic shock syndrome. • The cervical cap should not be used during a menstrual period.
