Information on suppositories, contraceptive sponges, lubricants, jellies & gels such as KY jelly, foams, creams and other spermicidal & birth control options.

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Methods of Contraception: Spermicidal

		Creams & Jellies
		Film
		Foam
		Sponge
		Suppositories/Peccaries
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Creams & Jellies

Spermicidal creams and jellies should be used in conjunction with another method of birth control, such as the condom or diaphragm. Spermicidal creams or jellies are useful lubricants and increase contraceptive protection when using a condom.

For vaginal intercourse insert spermicide before any genital contact and repeat application if more than 15 minutes passes before intercourse. The spermicide is inserted into vagina no more than 20 minutes before sexual intercourse and must be reapplied each time you are about to have intercourse. Do not douche for eight hours after intercourse.

How To Use

If a spermicidal lubricant is used for anal intercourse it should be applied to the outside of the condom prior to penetration.

Film

Vaginal film is placed on the fingertip and inserted against the cervix at least fifteen minutes prior to intercourse. The small, film-like square spermicide, is effective for one hour after insertion.

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Foam

The most effective spermicide is Foam.

How To Use

Follow the steps below when first using spermicidal foam:

If you wish to douche after intercourse, wait at least 8 hours to allow time for the spermicide to work.

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Sponge*

The contraceptive sponge contains nonoxynol-9 which is the spermicide used in many vaginal foams, suppositories, and jellies. It is made from a soft, round polyurethane sponge with a cloth ribbon attached to one side and an indentation on the other.

It stops conception in two ways:

It should be used with a condom to protect against the transfusion of STDs.

*The sponge has not been available in the US since 1994

Suppositories are inserted into the vagina at least twenty minutes before intercourse. They are supposed to melt and cover the cervix with spermicide. Intercourse should take place almost immediately after insertion to avoid the spermicide melting and being ineffective.

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