Many sperm continue up to the ovary and can fertilize the egg. This means a woman avoids sex during the middle of her menstrual cycle . This method has a high failure rate. This method is not entirely reliable in preventing pregnancy. A backup method of birth control, such as a condom, should be used.
Barrier methods use physical or chemical blocks to keep sperm from fertilizing the woman's egg.
Male condoms cover the penis and keep semen from going into the vagina. Female condoms cover the external genitals and the walls of the vagina. These are chemicals that kill the sperm in the vagina. They come in the form of jellies, foams, creams, films, or suppositories. This is a flexible rubber cap that is placed inside the vagina.