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 immobilize and kill the sperm before they are
able to swim into the uterus. To be effective, the spermicide must
be placed deep in the vagina, close to the cervix. 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. But most 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 only effective for 1 hour after
they are inserted. If more than 1 hour goes by before having sex,
or if you have sex again, another application of spermicide is
needed. When using spermicides, girls should not douche 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
every time
. Spermicides are not as effective on their own as other forms of
birth control. However, they are convenient, inexpensive, and easy
to use.
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.
Abstinence (not having sex) is the only method that always
prevents pregnancy and STDs.
Possible Side Effects
Spermicides may irritate the vagina and surrounding skin.
Another possible side effect is recurrent urinary tract infections
because the spermicide can disrupt the normal balance of bacteria
in a girl's body.
Who Uses It?
People who can take responsibility for planning birth control in
advance of having sex and couples using condoms or other barrier
methods of contraception 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're
in the "Family Planning" aisle). They're 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 protection 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 $0.50 to $1.50 per
use.
Reviewed by:
Larissa Hirsch, MD
Date reviewed: February 2007
Originally reviewed by:
Neil Izenberg, MD, and George A. Macones, MD
Note: All information is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice,
diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor.
© 1995-2009 The Nemours Foundation/KidsHealth. All rights reserved.