Switching off ovulation with hormonal birth control or implanting a foreign object like a coil or IUD to prevent implantation are drastic measures that we’ve come to accept as the standard birth control options. However, there are other choices available!
Barrier contraceptives are the majestic underdogs of natural birth control. As the name suggests they create a barrier between sperm and the cervix, stopping the sperm from ever entering the uterus, and therefore eliminating the chance of pregnancy. So instead of playing all sorts of games with your natural hormones and internal functioning, you close the door. Problem solved!
Condoms are the most well known barrier contraceptive. After all, they block sperm from travelling to their target. But while condoms are the safe sex kings, if you are in a long term relationship with no concern of STDS, condoms can become a drag, interrupting that sexy skin-on-skin sensation and pausing the flow of an intimate moment.
Reusable Barrier Contraceptives
Enter Diaphragms (Caya diaphragm or traditional diaphragms like Singa and Milex) and cervical caps (FemCap). These lesser known barrier contraceptives are inserted into the vaginal canal before the start of intimacy, and sit inside the vaginal canal to block sperm from traveling upwards. Six hours after intercourse, when sperm is no longer viable, you simply take the diaphragm or FemCap out, similar to removing a tampon.
Diaphragms are the classic barrier contraceptive that was the go-to option before hormonal birth control became popular. A circular silicone dome is held in place by the vaginal walls to block sperm from passing and traveling up towards the cervix and uterus. During fertile times, you can use the diaphragm in conjunction with the Natural Family Planning (NFP) or the Fertility Awareness Method (FAM) to track your ovulation cycle. When used correctly with a contraceptive gel, diaphragms offer an impressive 94% effectiveness.
Size Really Does Matter!
A downside to the traditional diaphragm is its sizing. You must be fitted by a trained healthcare professional, usually a doctor, gynecologist, or midwife. Since the effectiveness decreases significantly with an incorrect diaphragm size, regular checks are necessary to ensure that your diaphragm size hasn’t changed.
The new Caya diaphragm aims to address this issue by offering a single size design. While fitting is still required, once you know your size falls within the range of Caya’s compatible sizes, you can use it without worrying about size changes. Regardless of the diaphragm option you choose, most women are delighted with this natural, effective, and virtually side-effect-free birth control method.
FemCap. Better Than Diaphragms?
FemCap was designed to enhance the diaphragm and expand the world of barrier contraception to more women seeking hormone-free birth control. It gently adheres to the cervix, effectively capping it and preventing sperm from entering. Unlike diaphragms, FemCap is significantly smaller and less intimidating.
Controlled studies demonstrated that more women could correctly place FemCap without prior instruction. Its design features a dome that caps the cervix, a ring for easy removal, and a brim that holds contraceptive gel securely.
FemCap offers three easy-to-access sizes: one for women who have never been pregnant, one for women who were pregnant but did not deliver vaginally, and a third for women who had a vaginal delivery.
Don’t forget, FemCap, Singa Diaphragms, and Caya all need to be used along with a spermicide or the non-toxic spermicide alternative ContraGel.
For two decades David has been the owner and director of several marketing and distribution companies. During this time he has learned the indisputable benefits of looking after customers, colleagues, workers, suppliers and the local community, treating them all as respected stakeholders in a common project. Recently he consolidated his personal beliefs and business ethics by founding and developing several ethical companies.
