What Is It? Spermicides come in several
different forms: cream, gel, foam, film, and suppositories. Most spermicides
contain nonoxynol-9, a chemical that kills sperm. Spermicides can be used alone
but are more effective when used with another method of birth control such as a
condom or diaphragm.
How Does It Work? Spermicides kill the
sperm before they are able to swim into the uterus. To be effective, the
spermicide must be placed deep in the vagina. Creams, gels, and foams are
squirted into the vagina using an applicator. Other types of spermicides include
vaginal contraceptive film (VCF), a thin sheet placed in the back of vagina by
hand, and vaginal suppositories.
Spermicides must be placed in the vagina before sexual
intercourse. Some offer protection right away (like foam and gels), whereas
suppositories and VCF must be placed in the vagina at least 15 minutes before
sex so they have enough time to dissolve and spread. All forms of spermicides
are effective when inserted less than 1 hour before having sex. If more than 1
hour goes by before having sex, or if you have sex again, another application of
spermicide is needed. Spermicide should not be washed or douched away for at
least 6 hours after having sex.
How Well Does It Work? Over the course of 1 year, about
29 out of 100 typical couples who rely on spermicide alone to prevent pregnancy
will have an accidental pregnancy. Of course, this is an average figure and the
chance of getting pregnant depends on whether you use spermicides correctly and
every time you have sex. Spermicides are most effective when used in combination
with another form of birth control.
In general, how well
each type of birth control method works depends on a lot of things. These
include whether a person has any health conditions or is taking any medications
that might interfere with its use. It also depends on whether the method chosen
is convenient - and whether the person remembers to use it correctly all the
time.
Protection Against STDs Spermicides alone are not effective against sexually
transmitted diseases (STDs). For
those having sex, condoms
must always be used with spermicide to protect against STDs.
Possible Side Effects Spermicides may
irritate the vagina and surrounding skin.
Who Uses It? People who can take
responsibility for sex in advance and couples using condoms who want extra
protection against pregnancy use spermicides.
How Do You Get It? Spermicides are
available without a prescription and are found in drugstores and some
supermarkets. (In some stores, they will be in an aisle that's called "Family
Planning.") They are often found near the condoms and feminine hygiene products.
But be careful when choosing a spermicide - the packages may look like
those of some feminine hygiene products, such as douches or
washes, which don't provide any birth control at all.
How Much Does It Cost? Depending on the
type of spermicide you choose (film is more expensive than gel), spermicide
costs only about $.50 to $1.50 per use.
Remember, abstinence
(the decision to not have sex) is the only method that always
prevents pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases.
Updated and reviewed by: George A. Macones,
MD Date reviewed: April 2003 Originally reviewed by: Neil Izenberg,
MD
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