What is a spermicide and how does it work?
A spermicide is a chemical that is inserted into the vagina prior to intercourse to kill sperm and act as a barrier to the cervix. Spermicides are available in the form of foam (most effective), films, creams, jellies, and suppositories. Spermicide can also be found as the lubricant on many condoms.How effective is spermicide?
If used consistently and correctly, spermicide alone is 94% effective. If used "typically," that is, inconsistently or incorrectly some of the time, it is effective 79% of the time. Spermicides are much more effective when used with other contraceptive options such as condoms, diaphragms, birth control pills, etc.How do you use spermicides?
Spermicide comes in many different forms – suppositories, jellies, creams, films, and foams (most effective). Spermicides must be inserted before having intercourse – ranging from 10 min. to 1 hour. Use a new application for each act of intercourse or if there is a delay of intercourse. Because spermicides are not very effective in preventing pregnancy they should only be used with another form of contraception such as a condom. It is very important to follow the directions given with the spermicide because different types will have different directions.
Advantages of Spermicides
- readily available over the counter, no exam is necessary
- allow the woman to take an active role and shared responsibility in preventing pregnancy
- causes no serious health risk
- provide lubrication
- inexpensive
- Disadvantages of Spermicides
- may interrupt lovemaking
- may increase chance of urinary tract infection or bacterial vaginosis (a mild, treatable vaginal infection)
- unpleasant taste
- ineffective if used incorrectly
- may cause allergic reactions or irritations, to you and/or your partner
- may be messy or inconvenient
- may not protect against transmission of STD's or may increase chance of transmission – read below
Do spermicides prevent STDs?
The U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has been studying the use of spermicides for the prevention of HIV/STD transmission. Due to a recent study, the CDC does NOT recommend using spermicides containing nonoxynol-9 for the prevention of HIV/STD transmission. Spermicides containing nonoxynol-9 can cause vaginal irritation and lesions leaving a woman to be more susceptible to STD's, including HIV.
After reviewing this information, The Healthy Devil does not recommend using spermicide containing nonoxynol-9 ALONE (without a condom or other barrier method) for STD/HIV prevention. The use of a condom lubricated with spermicide can still help in preventing pregnancy and STD/HIV transmission.
For more information visit the Center for Disease Control web site, http://www.cdc.gov/hiv/pubs/mmwr/mmwr11aug00.htm
Source:
Robert A. Hatcher, et al. Contraceptive Technology, 17th ed. (New
York: Irvington Publishers, Inc., 1998)
CDC – www.cdc.gov