Birth Control

Spermicide

For years, spermicides have been a quality birth control option on their own, but an even better compliment to other methods such as condoms and diaphragms. With a variety of options, spermicides provide inexpensive, non-prescription methods of birth control that, when used perfectly, can give women high efficacy against pregnancy.

Spermicide does just what its title suggests: it kills sperm inside a woman's vagina before it can make her pregnant. There are six different forms of spermicide available: foams, creams, jellies, foaming tablets, vaginal suppositories, and vaginal film.

Because spermicide kills sperm on contact, all methods must be insert high inside the vagina. Depending on the type of spermicide used, it will be placed with a plunger applicator or your finger. READ the instructions that come with the spermicide as the timing it takes for each to be affective will vary. While some are ready to use as soon as you insert them, others need to dissolve first.

Like most methods of birth control, efficacy depends on the user. The typical spermicide user will have a failure rate of 21% while those who use this method perfectly will see as little as 3% failure.

While spermicide does not protect against HIV, the virus that causes AIDS, spermicide can help a woman reduce her risk for some sexually transmitted infections including chlamydia and gonorhea while also aiding in the reduction of a woman's risk for cervical dysplasia and cancer. Other benefits include it can be easily obtained at most drug stores without a prescription and a woman can quit using spermicide whenever she wants. Spermicide is also a beneficial option for new mothers as it has no impact on her breastmilk.

While there are no life-threatening side effects associated spermicide, recently it has come under close scrutiny by the medical community due to Nonoxynol-9, its active chemical agent. This chemical has been documented to cause irritation to the skin and anytime there is irritation to the skin, that area is prone to infection and in this case, more susceptible to sexually transmitted infections. If you do notice you or your partner's skin is irritated, discontinue use and contact your physician.

By being frank with your healthcare provider, the two of you can work together to determine the birth control and disease prevention methods that best suits your health, your preferences and your lifestyle.

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