A trip to the doctor is not always necessary to find reliable contraception. Although it's true that prescription birth control options are more effective, over-the-counter options can still be reliable when used correctly. Several type of non-prescription contraceptives are available.
Male Condoms
The male condom is the most common barrier method of birth control, according to the American Pregnancy Association. This contraceptive device is a thin tube of latex and works by covering the man's penis during sexual intercourse to block the semen from entering the woman's uterus. In addition to preventing pregnancy, the male condom also offers protection against sexually transmitted diseases.
Men should be careful about the condom breaking or slipping, as this decreases its effectiveness. The Family Health Institute warns men to avoid opening condoms with teeth or other sharp objects, unrolling the condom before placing it on the penis and using any oil-based lubricant, as these things may increase the likelihood of breakage or slippage. The average failure rate of male condoms is approximately 14 percent, according to the American Pregnancy Association.
Female Condoms
Although not as popular as their male counterpart, female condoms are also an effective non-prescription option to prevent pregnancy. The female condom is a polyurethane pouch that is about seven inches long and covers a woman's cervix and vaginal canal. A woman inserts this condom into her vagina before intercourse to block semen from entering her uterus. Although it works in a similar manner to the male condom, the effectiveness of the female condom is not quite as high as the male condom. The American Pregnancy Association states that the average failure rate of the female condom is approximately 21 percent.
Spermicides
Spermicides are chemicals that kill sperm or render it incapable of fertilizing an egg. They are available in many drugstores or supermarkets and come in many forms, including gel, suppositories, films or creams. Although spermicides are a great way to increase the effectiveness of other birth control methods, they also can be used alone to prevent pregnancy. However, the American Pregnancy Association puts the average failure rates of spermicides at 26 percent, so this option is not as reliable as some other non-prescription contraceptives.
Sponge
The sponge is a contraceptive device made of polyurethane foam. A woman inserts the sponge into her vagina prior to sexual intercourse to prevent sperm from entering her uterus. Although this birth control method is convenient and reliable for some, it may not be appropriate for all women. The average failure rate of the sponge is a 20 percent for women that have not gone through childbirth, explains the American Pregnancy Association, but the average failure rate is much higher at 40 percent for women that have gone through childbirth. Therefore, women who have given birth may want to consider other birth control options that would be more reliable for them.
