Spermicide can be used alone or with a barrier method — such as a condom, diaphragm or cervical cap — to prevent pregnancy. Spermicide is a type of contraceptive that kills sperm or stops it from moving. You insert spermicide in the vagina before sex.

Who can use spermicide?

Safe and Suitable for Nearly All Women. All women can safely use spermicides except those who: Are at high risk for HIV infection. Have HIV infection.

What are the pros and cons of spermicides?

Pros and Cons of Spermicides

• They're easy to purchase in a pharmacy, and do not require a doctor's visit.
• They have no lasting effect on a woman's hormones.
• They can be conveniently tucked into your pocket or purse.
• They're inexpensive.

What are some of the main disadvantages of spermicides?

Some of the disadvantages of spermicides are that they:

• do not provide protection from sexually transmitted infections (STIs);
• are not considered an effective form of contraception when used alone;
• may produce side effects such as vaginal or penile irritation;

Should I use normal or spermicide condoms?

When used correctly, regular condoms are 98 percent effective as a form of birth control. However, no current evidence suggests that spermicide condoms are in fact any more effective than regular ones.

Spermicide Safety & Effectiveness | Birth Control

37 related questions found

What is the least effective form of birth control?

By itself, spermicide prevents just 72% of pregnancies, the least effective of any major contraceptive measure. Because of its poor success rate, spermicide is often used in conjunction with other contraceptives such as patches and condoms.

Do skyn condoms have spermicide on them?

SKYN® Selection condoms are compatible with water-based and silicone-based lubricants. ... SKYN® Selection condoms are lubricated with non-spermicidal silicone oil.

Who should not use spermicide?

Your health care provider may discourage use of spermicide if: You're at high risk of contracting HIV , or you have HIV or AIDS. You have frequent urinary tract infections. You're at high risk of pregnancy — you're younger than age 30 or you have sex three or more times a week.

Can spermicide make you infertile?

Spermicide used alone has a high failure rate of 28% for typical users. This means that in 1 year, 28 out of 100 women who use spermicide as their only method of birth control get pregnant. The perfect use failure rate is still high, at 18% (18 out of 100 women).

Is there a natural spermicide?

The citric acid in lemons acts as a natural spermicide. The lemon rind itself (with pulp and juice removed) could also be inserted into the vagina and used as a cervical cap.

Can spermicide hurt you?

Spermicide is totally safe for most people. However, the chemical in most spermicides, nonoxynol-9, has some risks. If you use it many times a day, it can irritate your vagina and increase your risk of HIV and other STDs. That's because when your vagina is irritated it's easier for infections to get inside your body.

Is spermicide considered birth control?

Spermicide is a kind of birth control that has chemicals that stop sperm from reaching an egg. You put it in your vagina before sex to prevent pregnancy. You don't need a prescription to get spermicide — you can buy it over-the-counter at most drugstores, pharmacies, and superstores in the condom aisle.

Is it bad to use spermicide?

Spermicide doesn't offer any protection against STDs. And using spermicide several times a day can actually increase your risk for HIV and other sexually transmitted infections. That's because the chemical in spermicide can irritate your vagina and make it easier for STD germs to enter your body.

Can spermicide cause BV?

There are no benefits and it is not safe because it can cause an increased risk in pelvic inflammatory disease, bacterial vaginosis (an infection of the vagina), and ectopic pregnancy (implantation of the fertilized egg outside of the uterus). Your body makes everything it needs to keep it clean.

Why is spermicide not effective?

Using spermicide alone is not recommended because it offers poor pregnancy prevention and does not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs). In fact, the nonoxynol-9 in most spermicides may increase the risk of getting HIV/AIDS from an infected partner.

Can spermicide cause UTI?

One well-known risk factor for UTIs caused by coliform organisms is exposure to vaginal spermicides. Several studies have confirmed a higher risk of UTIs among women using a diaphragm with spermicides compared with sexually active women using other types of contraceptives.

Do you have to wash out spermicide?

When using a spermicide, douching within 6 to 8 hours after the last sexual intercourse (even with just water) may stop the spermicide from working properly. Also, washing or rinsing the vaginal or rectal area may wash the spermicide away before it has had time to work properly.

When should spermicide be used?

Most must be placed in the vagina at least 10 to 15 minutes before sex so they have enough time to dissolve and spread. Many forms of spermicides are effective for only 1 hour after they are inserted. More spermicide should be used if more than 1 hour passes before sex, or if a couple is going to have sex again.

Does VCF taste bad?

Has no taste, and you don't feel anything.. It is the perfect form of birth control.

Is spermicide a hormonal or a barrier?

Barrier contraceptives physically block the sperm's access to a woman's uterus. They include condoms, diaphragms, cervical caps, contraceptive sponges, and spermicides.

Can spermicide cause a yeast infection?

Vaginal spermicides can be messy to use. Some people have allergies to spermicides. Using spermicides may increase your risk of a bladder infection, yeast infection, or bacterial vaginosis.

What can you use instead of spermicide?

Alternatives

• Condoms. Condoms are barrier methods of birth control. ...
• Diaphragms. A diaphragm is another barrier method of contraception. ...
• Vaginal rings. Vaginal rings are plastic rings that release hormones into the vagina to suppress ovulation. ...
• Intrauterine devices. ...
• The implant. ...
• Birth control injections.

Is spermicide on the outside of condoms?

Condoms are a form of barrier birth control, and they come in many varieties. Some condoms come coated with spermicide, which is a type of chemical. The spermicide most often used on condoms is nonoxynol-9. When used perfectly, condoms can protect against pregnancy 98 percent of the time.

Which method of birth control is 100% effective?

Abstinence is the only birth control that is 100 percent effective and is also the best way to protect you against STDs. You may not be ready to have sex.