Spermicide for Birth Control

Spermicide is used to prevent pregnancy. It kills sperm or stops sperm from moving. For it to work well, you must use spermicide each time you have vaginal sex.

Spermicide comes in creams, film, foams, gels, and suppositories. You insert the spermicide into your vagina. Spermicide can be used alone but it is usually used with a barrier method of birth control, such as an external (male) condom.

Be sure to tell your doctor about any health problems you have or medicines you take. The doctor can help you choose the birth control method that is right for you.

How well does it work?

When spermicide is used exactly as directed, it is about 84% effective for preventing pregnancy. This means that about 16 out of 100 people who use it will have an unplanned pregnancy.

When it is not used exactly as directed, it is about 79% effective. This means that about 21 out of 100 people who use it will have an unplanned pregnancy.

How do you use spermicide for birth control?

Spermicide comes in many different forms. Be sure to read the instructions that come with it.

• Some spermicides come with an applicator. Use it to insert the spermicide right before vaginal sex.
• If you're using film or suppositories, wait at least 15 minutes before you have vaginal sex. This allows the spermicide to spread in the vagina.
• Use 1 application of spermicide for each act of vaginal sex.
• Don't douche. The spermicide needs time to work to prevent pregnancy, and douching can also cause vaginal problems.

If you think you used spermicide incorrectly, you can use emergency contraception to help prevent pregnancy. The most effective emergency contraception is an IUD (inserted by a doctor). You can also get emergency contraceptive pills. You can get them with a prescription from your doctor or without a prescription at most drugstores.

What should you think about when using spermicide for birth control?

Some pros of using spermicide

• Spermicide doesn't use hormones. So you can use it if you don't want to take hormones or can't take hormones.
• It is available without a prescription. You can buy it at family planning clinics, drugstores, online, and in some grocery stores.
• It is safe to use while breastfeeding.
• It doesn't affect your menstrual cycle.
• It costs less than hormonal types of birth control.

Some cons of using spermicide

• Spermicide doesn't prevent pregnancy as well as other forms of birth control.
• It prevents pregnancy only if you use it every time you have vaginal sex.
• Spermicide can cause irritation to the vagina or penis and can increase your risk for urinary tract infections.
• Spermicide doesn't protect against STIs. These are sexually transmitted infections such as herpes or HIV. Use a condom if you're not sure if your sex partner might have an STI.
• You may have to interrupt sex to insert the spermicide.
• Some people find it messy to use.