Spermicide
“Spermicide” describes a bunch of different creams, films, foams, gels, and suppositories that you insert deep into your vagina before sex to prevent pregnancy. On its own, spermicide provides some pregnancy prevention, but pairing it with another method is way more effective. Some condoms come coated in spermicide, or you can use a separate spermicide along with a condom. There are other methods, like the cervical cap and the diaphragm, that need to be used with spermicide to be effective.
Spermicide contains chemicals that prevent pregnancy in two ways. The first way spermicide works is by stopping sperm from moving normally. The second way is by keeping sperm from getting through your cervix and into your uterus. (Think of your cervix like a doorway between your vagina and your uterus.) In order for spermicide to work correctly, you have to insert it deep into your vagina, so that it actually covers your cervix.
Phexxi is a birth control gel that is similar to over-the-counter spermicide but is more effective. Phexxi is only available by prescription.
Types of Spermicides
Details
Costs
How to Use It
Every type of spermicide is different, and there are a lot of them available. So be sure to read the instructions on the packaging and check the expiration date. For the most part, though, you simply insert the spermicide with your fingers or with an applicator, just like you'd insert a tampon.
After insertion, some spermicides require that you wait ten minutes before having sex. These types of spermicide are also only effective for a single hour after you put them in—so you have to get the timing right.Side Effects
There are positive and negative things to say about each and every method. And everyone's different—so what you experience may not be the same as what your friend experiences.
The Positive
There are actually lots of things about spermicide that may be good for your body as well as your sex life. * Easy to use and convenient to get a hold of * Can be inserted as foreplay (sexy!) * Doesn't affect your hormones * No prescription necessary * Can be used while breastfeedingThe Negative
It’s normal to worry about negative side effects, but for many people, they’re not a problem. Most people adjust to using spermicide pretty quickly. * Can be kinda messy and/or leak out of your vagina * Might irritate your vagina or your partner's penis * Some people are allergic to spermicide * You may not like the taste * All spermicides sold in the U.S. contain Nonoxynol-9, which can cause irritation (especially if you use it more than once a day). That can lead to an increased risk of HIV and STI transmission * Hard to remember to use if you’re drunkQuestions
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