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Definition
Spermicide is a contraceptive substance that immobilizes or kills sperm before they enter the uterus. Spermicide is available without a prescription and comes in many forms, including cream, gel, foam, film, suppository and tablet.
All spermicide sold in the United States contains the chemical nonoxynol-9, which kills sperm.
Spermicide isn't a highly effective birth control method when used alone. However, spermicide can also be used with a barrier method — such as a condom, diaphragm, contraceptive sponge or cervical cap — to prevent pregnancy. Spermicide doesn't offer protection from sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
Why it's done
Spermicide is a contraceptive substance that can help prevent pregnancy. Spermicide:
- Can be used alone or with a barrier method, such as a condom, diaphragm, contraceptive sponge or cervical cap
- Doesn't require partner cooperation
- Doesn't require a prescription or fitting
- Doesn't carry the side effects of hormone-based birth control methods
- Increases lubrication during sex
Spermicide isn't appropriate for everyone, however. Your health care provider may discourage use of spermicide if:
- You're at high risk of contracting HIV or you have HIV or AIDS
- You have vaginal abnormalities that interfere with the placement of spermicide
- You have frequent urinary tract infections
- You're at high risk of pregnancy — you're younger than age 30, you have sex three or more times a week, or you're not likely to consistently use spermicide
Risks
Spermicide may increase the risk of urinary tract infections and cause vaginal irritation — sometimes resulting in burning, itching or a rash. Frequent use of spermicide may increase vaginal irritation. In turn, vaginal irritation may increase the risk of contracting HIV or other sexually transmitted infections. It's also possible to have an allergic reaction to spermicide.
Spermicide doesn't offer protection from sexually transmitted infections.
An estimated 29 out of 100 women who use spermicide alone for one year will get pregnant. Spermicide is more effective at preventing pregnancy when used with a barrier method of birth control.
How you prepare
Before using spermicide, read the product instructions carefully. Consult your health care provider if you have any concerns.
What you can expect
To use spermicide:
- Choose a type of spermicide. Foams, gels and creams offer immediate protection, while suppositories, films and tablets need to be inserted 10 to 30 minutes before sex to dissolve and become active. If more than one hour passes between the application of spermicide and sex, reapply spermicide.
- Apply spermicide. Find a comfortable position, such as lying down. Use an applicator or your fingers to insert spermicide into your vagina on or near your cervix. If you use an applicator, fill the applicator with the recommended amount of cream, gel or foam and insert it into your vagina as far as it will go. Push the plunger on the applicator to release the spermicide near your cervix. To insert spermicide by hand, wash and dry your hands and place the suppository, film or tablet on your fingers. Slide your fingers along the back wall of your vagina as far as you can so that the spermicide covers or rests on or near your cervix. If you're using spermicide with a diaphragm or contraceptive sponge, follow the instructions that come with the device. Don't use spermicide rectally. If you have sex more than once, apply fresh spermicide before each sexual encounter.
- Be cautious after sex. For maximum effectiveness, make sure the spermicide remains in your vagina for at least six hours after sex. After six hours, there's no need to clean any remaining spermicide from your vagina. Douching isn't recommended — but if you choose to douche after sex, wait at least six hours.
Consult your health care provider if you have:
- Persistent vaginal irritation
- Recurring urinary tract infections
Last Updated: 2010-01-09
