Barrier methods use a plastic barrier which blocks sperm from entering the uterus in order to prevent unintended pregnancy. Barrier methods include the male condom, the female condom (also known as femidom), the diaphragm and the cervical cap.

The condom is rolled onto the erect penis; the femidom is introduced vaginally or anally. This barrier prevents a direct genital mucosal contact, which protects against unintended pregnancies and sexually transmitted diseases. [VENERAL DISEASES] [1]
The diaphragm as well as the cervical cap are a rubber dome placed over the cervix and thus prevent sperm from entering. It only protects against unintended pregnancies. A consultation is needed before use. [1]

Advantages: this form of contraceptive is its complete lack of hormones.

Disadvantage: when using condoms is a possible wrong use which happens in 33% of all cases. [2] Additionally, diaphragm, femidom and cervical cap are hard to get in Austria. [3] [4]

Pearl Index*: 1-16 [2]

Condom
Most people use condoms made of latex (milk from the gum tree) which are between 0.5 and 0.8 mm thick. [5] Condoms come in a variety of surfaces and colors – ribbed, with lubricant coating or in fluorescent colors. They also come in different sizes so that they fit individually. [5] [6] [7]

Condoms protect against unintended pregnancies as well as STDs and are the most used contraceptives. [2] For ideal protection it's essential to consider the expiry date (usable approx. 3 to 5 years), quality seal (CE label) as well as the right storage (protected from light and pressure). [6]

The right use of a condom is not so easy. A third of all users report troubles such as the condom may slip off or break. To prevent failures it's recommendable to first try putting it on one's own penis or a penis-like object before first use, read through the package insert or consider tips and tricks by experts (see further material). [2]

Pearl Index*: 2-15 [2]

Costs in Austria: 5- 10 € per 10 pieces, price varies depending on the size and brand, available without prescription.

Femidom (Female condom)
Similar to a male condom, a femidom is a sheath of 15cm made from polyurethane with a flexible ring at each end. The inner ring at the closed end of the sheath is used to insert the condom inside the vagina or anal canal as far as it can go and to hold it in place during intercourse. The rolled outer ring at the open end of the sheath remains outside the vagina and covers part of the external genitalia. [1] [4] It's important to check with a finger if the femidom fits the walls of the vagina closely and is not twisted. After intercourse the outer ring has to be twisted once or twice and the femidom can be pulled out of the vagina or anus. [1] [8]
Correct use helps to reduce the risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) or an unintended pregnancy. Also intersexual people [INTERSEXUAL] can use the femidom. [1]
Pearl Index*: 1-14 [6]
Costs in Austria: 15 € per triple pack, in Austria only available on order or mail order business [7]

Diaphragm
A diaphragm consists of a soft rubber dome which is stretched over an elastic loop. Around one or two hours before intercourse it's placed over the cervix and stays there for at least eight hours. It comes in various sizes and is fitted individually by a gynecologist. A diaphragm can be used up to two years; afterwards it turns porous and thus becomes insecure. It always has to be used with spermicide. [1] [2]
Pearl Index*: 6-12 [2]
Costs in Austria: 50€ per piece, within Austria it's available in few chemist's, useable for 1 or 2 years [3]

Cervical cap
Similar to the diaphragm a cervical cap fits over the cervix. The cap remains in the vagina and is only taken out during menstruation. It's important to receive a medical introduction before the first use. The monthly removal and inserting can be done independently. [1]
Pearl Index*: 6 [2]
Costs in Austria: this product is not available in Austria. [3]

Further Material:
Dr. Sommer VERHÜTUNGS-SPECIAL: Gib Gummi! So ziehst Du das Kondom über!, BravoTV, 2014 (You Tube)
HOW TO PUT ON A CONDOM???, lacigreen, 2015 (You Tube)

* The Pearl index (PI) is used as a statistical estimation of the number of unintended pregnancies in 100 woman-years of exposure. A PI of 85 or 90 corresponds to no birth control methods used. A lower Pearl index represents a lower chance of getting pregnant. The Pearl Index can change depending on studies and observations. [9]