Spermicides

With perfect use, 16 out of 100 spermicide users will get pregnant over a year. Perfect use means that you use spermicide each time you have sex.

Most people forget to use the spermicide every time they have sex. This is called typical use. With typical use, 21 out of 100 spermicide users will get pregnant in a year.

If getting pregnant would be OK for you anytime in the near future (“if it happens, I’ll make it work”), spermicides may be a good option for you.

If you absolutely do not want to be pregnant anytime soon, you may be better off with a more effective birth control method.

You can use spermicides with another birth control method at the time of sex. We call this a Method Boost because it prevents pregnancy better than the spermicide alone. Method Boost options include the outer condom (penile) and pull out. Some condoms come with spermicide already. If you use the cervical cap or diaphragm, you should be putting spermicide in them cap or diaphragm before putting in the vagina.

Spermicides have nonoxynyl-9, which kills sperm upon contact.

Spermicides are put in the vagina right before sex. The spermicide dissolves right away and is ready to work.

You can put the spermicide in three ways. Pick the one you think will be easiest for you:

• A small tube with a plunger (like a tampon inserter) to push spermicide gel or foam into the vagina
• A small thin clear film the size of a postage stamp that you fold and put in the vagina with your fingers. This is called the Vaginal Contraceptive Film (VCF)
• A small sponge that you put in the vagina. This is sold as the Today Sponge

The film, gel, and foam only work for a single act of sex. You have to put in a new film or apply more gel or foam before you have sex again.

The Today Sponge has enough spermicide to work for multiple acts of sex, but only up to 24 hours after you put it in the vagina.

Spermicides do not affect your period.

Spermicides are hormone free, pretty cheap, and do not need a prescription. You can put the spermicide in yourself. Other pros depend on the spermicide type:

• The Today Sponge: you can put it in up to 24 hours in ahead of sex and leave it in for 24 hours after sex
• The Vaginal Contraceptive Film (VCF): clear color, will not leak out, not messy
• The Gel or Foam: you use an inserter so you do not have to put your fingers in your vagina

You have to use the spermicide before each act of sex. The spermicide can cause burning, redness or irritation of the vagina. The spermicide gel or foam can be a little messy if it oozes out. If this happens, you may want to try the film instead.

Spermicides are very safe. Very rarely, there can be an allergic reaction. If you have sex many times a day, your vagina may get irritated with skin cracks. This can increase your risk of getting HIV or other sexually transmitted infections.

No. However, correct use of condoms can prevent HIV and STIs.

Some condoms already have spermicides in the lining – check the package to be sure.

You can buy spermicides in the drugstore or online. A box of spermicides is usually less than $20. A box of 3 Today Sponges is about $30. Shop around for the best price.

For more info about spermicides: Planned Parenthood: Spermicides