Contraception
Contraceptive Methods
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Spermicide
Spermicides contain a chemical called nonoxynol-9. It comes in the form of cream (only for use with diaphragms), gel, foam, film, or suppository. By inserting spermicide in the vagina, in front of the cervix, it destroys sperm on contact. By themselves, spermicides are not a very effective method of birth control. For this reason, they should be used with another form of contraception like condoms.
Benefits
Along with protecting against pregnancy, spermicide also can protect you from bacterial infections and pelvic inflammatory disease. You can also use it as an emergency contraception, by inserting it into the vagina immediately after unprotected sex or an accident with other contraception (i.e. a condom breaks, cap or diaphragm moves or forgotten, etc..).
Disadvantages
Spermicide can be messy. It's only effective for about an hour, so you have to insert it right before sex. Sometimes, it can also irritate the entrance of the vagina or the tip of the penis. One big disadvantage is that using a spermicide alone will increase your risk of HIV transmission. The failure rate of spermicides used alone is between 6% (perfect use) and 21% (typical use). You may also be allergic to some of the ingredients in spermicides.
The popular spermicide called nonoxynol-9 does not protect people from sexually transmitted infections as previously thought. Contraceptive products that contain this spermicide, such as condoms, vaginal gels, inserts, and contraceptive film, are now required by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the United States to carry a label indicating nonoxynol-9 does not protect against STIs. It may actually increase the risk of getting HIV from an infected person, because of the irritation it can cause to the lining of the vagina or rectum. The SOGC recommends that spermicide only be used by women who are at low risk for STIs and HIV, for example, women in monogamous relationships where STIs have been ruled out. It’s best to use uncoated condoms instead of nonoxynol-9 coated condoms.
Where to find it
At any drugstore.
Troubleshooting
Some spermicides have a bad odour or taste. When buying spermicide, make sure that it's nonoxynol-9. There are lots of other hygiene-type products that look very similar, and are pretty easy to confuse with spermicide.
Last Modified: April 15, 2008
