Barrier methods of birth control: Pros and cons
By Mayo Clinic staffBarrier methods offer both advantages and disadvantages. To help you decide if they're right for you, keep the following points in mind:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| They're reversible and easy to discontinue if you decide you want to become pregnant. | They require advance planning. |
| Condoms are proved to protect against STDs, including HIV. | Condoms may decrease sensation during sex. |
| Several of the methods, including the condom and spermicide, are inexpensive and available without a prescription. | The cervical cap and diaphragm may be difficult for some women to insert properly, leading to higher failure rates. And both are available only by prescription. |
