Spermicide
Table Of Contents
- What is Spermicide?
- How Does Spermicide Prevent Pregnancy?
- What Are the Benefits Of Spermicide?
- What Are the Disadvantages of Spermicide?
- How Effective is Spermicide?
- Is it Safe?
- How Do I Use It?
- Additional Tips
What is Spermicide?
It is a substance which reduces the risk of pregnancy by heavily reducing sperm movement. It usually comes in the form of cream, gel, foam, film or suppositories.
Spermicide is commonly used in conjunction with other birth control methods, but it can also reduce the risk of pregnancy on its own.
How Does It Prevent Pregnancy?
Spermicide is inserted into the vagina before intercourse. This prevents pregnancy by restricting the movement of sperm and keeping them from fertilizing an egg.
It blocks the cervix so that sperm cannot reach an egg, while also preventing the sperm from moving so that they cannot join the egg. This lowers the risk of pregnancy.
What Are the Benefits?
The benefits are as follows:
- Easy to use
- Convenient
- No effect on hormones
- No prescription required
- Can be used during breastfeeding
What Are the Disadvantages?
When used on it’s own, as the only form of birth control, spermicide is not as effective as other birth control methods. However, you can combine it with another form of birth control (like a Cervical Cap) for higher protection levels. This is highly recommended.
It can also be messy and easy to misuse. It needs to be applied completely over the cervix for maximum effectiveness.
In addition, it can cause irritation to some users. If users experience irritation on their penis or vagina while using a certain brand, they should consider switching brands. Those with HIV should be especially careful, as it can irritate tissue making it easier to transmit HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases (STD’s).
As with most forms of birth control, it does not reduce the risk of contracting STD’s. If infection is a concern, use a male condom or female condom as well.
How Effective is Spermicide?
When using it on it’s own, without any other form of birth control, it is not very effective.
- Among women who always use it correctly, 15 out of 100 will become pregnant
- Among women who do not always use it correctly, 29 out of 100 will become pregnant
This is why it is important to use spermicide in conjunction with other birth control options, like a Cervical Cap.
Is it Safe?
It is generally safe for anyone to use. However, some people experience irritation. This is especially concerning for those at risk of STD’s.
Read through the disadvantages above for more information.
How do I Use it?
It is used slightly differently based on the type you buy (film, cream, gel, etc). For best practices, always follow the instructions on the packaging.
Most forms require you to squat or lay down. Then, using your finger or an applicator, gently insert the spermicide deep into your vagina.
You must wait at least 10 minutes between applying it and having sex. It usually stays effective for one hour after insertion, but you have to apply more each time you have sex.
Additional Tips
It is the most effective when used in conjunction with another birth control method.
Wait 10 minutes after application before having sex.
Insert a new amount before each time you have intercourse.
Do not douche less than 6-8 hours after intercourse. Otherwise this can compromise the effectiveness.
Where To Buy It
If you are looking for a good place to purchase it in gel form, with pre-filled applicators, check out Amazon.
In addition to cheaper pricing, it will also be delivered directly to your doorstep.
Check out other Birth Control Options and speak with your doctor before deciding on your birth control method.
