You
are here:
Sexual Health > Birth
Control > Spermicide Birth Control methods
Methods
of Contraception: Spermicidal
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
- Fill
the applicator completely by attaching to the tube and squeezing
- Insert
the applicator deep into the vagina and push the plunger completely into
the applicator.
If
a spermicidal lubricant is used for anal intercourse it should be applied
to the outside of the condom prior to penetration.
Advantages
|
Disadvantages
|
no
major health concerns
|
allergic
to a certain brand (can change brands) |
no
medical examination needed |
|
no
prescription needed
|
|
Back
to the top
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.
Back
to the top
Foam
The
most effective spermicide is Foam.
How
To Use
Follow
the steps below when first using spermicidal foam:
- The
applicator should be full and inserted while lying down
- The
woman should insert the applicator into the vagina similar to the insertion
of a tampon
- With
the applicator tip approximately half an inch from the cervix, the plunger
should be pressed to insert the foam
- The
applicator should be removed without pulling the plunger back out
- A
new application must be made before each act of intercourse
If you wish to douche after intercourse, wait at least 8 hours to allow time
for the spermicide to work.
Back
to the top
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:
- Due
to its absorptive qualities the sponge acts as a barrier trapping sperm
keeping them inside and hindering their passage through the cervix
- The
sponge releases a spermicide continuously over a 24-hour period immobilizing
or killing the sperm
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
Advantages
|
Disadvantages
|
no
major health concerns
|
may not fit all women well |
no
medical examination needed |
may
cause itching, irritation |
no
prescription needed |
messy or difficult to use |
effective
for 24 hours
|
|
Back
to the top
Suppositories/Peccaries
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.
Back
to the top
|