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Spermicide
What is spermicide?
Spermicide is a birth control method that uses chemicals to stop the sperm from moving. It is available in many different forms, such as creams, foams, film, gels, and suppositories. Spermicides can be used alone or combined with other birth control methods to make it more effective at preventing pregnancy. It should always be used when using a diaphragm or cervical cap.
How does spermicide work?
Spermicides work by preventing the sperm from joining with an egg. Once they are inserted deep into the vagina before intercourse, spermicides work by blocking the cervix so sperm cannot reach an egg, and by keeping sperm from moving so they cannot join with an egg.
How effective is this method?
When used correctly, spermicide is 85 percent effective in preventing pregnancy. This means that 15 out of every 100 women will become pregnant if they use spermicide correctly and every time they have vaginal intercourse. Twenty-nine out of 100 women who do not always use spermicide correctly or who do not use it every time they have vaginal intercourse will become pregnant each year.
Alone, spermicide is not a highly effective method. Combined with a female condom or a male latex condom, spermicides are much more effective at preventing pregnancy. But even if you don't use another method with your spermicide, it is still much more effective at preventing pregnancy than using no method at all.
What are the advantages of using this method?
- It is very easy to get—in drugstores and supermarkets—and does not require a prescription.
- It can be carried in your pocket or purse and can be inserted as part of sex play.
- It does not have an effect on a woman's natural hormones and can be used while breastfeeding.
What are the disadvantages of using this method?
- If not used exactly as directed, spermicides may not form a good barrier over the cervix - which may make spermicides less effective.
- Some people think spermicides are messy.
- The most commonly used spermicide in the U.S. is called nonoxynol-9, which has been found to irritate tissue and increase the risk of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections for some individuals when used multiple times a day.
- Unless combined with a female or latex condom, spermicides do not protect against HIV or other sexually transmitted infections.
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The Shot (Depo-Provera)
