Contents:
- Medical Video: Spermicide
- What is spermicide?
- How does it work?
- Is spermicide effective in preventing pregnancy?
- Can spermicides prevent transmission of venereal disease?
- Are there any side effects using spermicide?
Medical Video: Spermicide
What is spermicide?
Spermicide is a contraceptive method to prevent pregnancy, which usually contains the chemical nonoxynol-9 which can kill sperm or stop its movement. This family planning device is available in the form of cream, gel, foam, or suppository.
Spermicide can be used alone, but it is more effective when used in conjunction with other contraceptives such as condoms.
How does it work?
Spermicide kills sperm and stops its movement before sperm can swim into the uterus. To be effective, it must be placed deep in the vagina, near the cervix. Spermicides in the form of creams, gels and foams are usually sprayed into the vagina using a special applicator. Other types are vaginal contraceptive film (VCF) in the form of sheet tips that must be attached to the back of the vagina, and the suppository vagina that is inserted directly into the vagina.
Spermicides must be inserted into the vagina before having sex. Each product will usually give instructions on the label about when is the right time to use it. There are a number of products that allow you to have sex immediately after using it, but most just start working at least 15 minutes after it has been put on, so you have to wait a while before starting penetration.
All spermicides are only effective for one hour after being inserted. If you have put it in the vagina but it turns out your sex has only happened an hour later, you need to use it again before starting. Women are also advised not to clean with vaginal washing soap (douche) for 6 hours after having sex using spermicide.
Is spermicide effective in preventing pregnancy?
Within a year, as many as 29 out of 100 couples who only use spermicide as a family planning tool will experience an unplanned pregnancy. Of course this number depends on whether the way you use it is correct. Therefore, spermicides are most effective when combined with other contraceptives.
In general, the effectiveness of any contraception depends on many things. Among them is whether someone has a particular disease or is taking certain drugs that might interfere with the efficacy of the family planning device. If the birth control device forgets to use or drink, this can also reduce its effectiveness.
Can spermicides prevent transmission of venereal disease?
Contraceptives other than condoms are not effective in preventing transmission of venereal disease. Condoms must always be used if you practice free sex, even if your partner has already used spermicide. Even if used too often, spermicides can cause irritation. In fact, injuries to the genitals can increase your risk of contracting HIV and other venereal diseases.
Are there any side effects using spermicide?
As explained above, overuse can irritate the vagina and surrounding skin. This irritation makes it easier for you to become infected with HIV and other venereal diseases.
Another side effect is increasing the risk of urinary tract infections, because spermicides can disrupt the balance of bacteria in a woman's body.
