Cervical Cap (Barrier)Spermicides
Spermicides are contraceptive foams, gels or films that you insert into your vagina before having vaginal sex to help prevent pregnancy. Spermicides may be used in conjunction with other methods of contraception i.e. diaphragms, condoms, cervical caps or as a backup method of contraception i.e. during the first month of using a hormonal contraceptive. Spermicides work by killing sperm.
- Contraceptive jelly is contained in a tube and comes with a plastic applicator. You insert one applicator full of spermicide into your vagina as close to your cervix as possible, immediately before having sex. One application is good for one ejaculation. If you have sex again you need to apply more spermicide. You can also apply the jelly to a diaphragm or cervical cap. As of August 2009, the only contraceptive jelly available in Canada is Contragel, a water soluble gel made of natural ingredients. CFSH has limited information about this product, ask your health care provider for more information.
- Contraceptive foam is contained in an aerosol can and also comes with a plastic applicator. You insert the foam into your vagina as close to your cervix as possible immediately before having sex. It is approximately 79-97% effective if one full applicator of foam is used for each act of intercourse.
- Contraceptive film is a transparent square of spermicide that you insert into your vagina and place against your cervix before having sex. You must insert the film at least 15 minutes before having sex. You must add a new square of film for each additional act of intercourse. It is approximately 79-97% effective.
Spermicides should never be used for anal sex because they can irritate the lining of the anus.
Advantages:
- Contraceptive film is very small and discrete and can be easily carried in a purse or bag.
- Spermicides may be a good choice for women who do not want to use hormonal contraception.
- When used with a condom, spermicides are approximately 99% effective in preventing pregnancy.
- Spermicides do not require a doctor’s prescription. They can be purchased at pharmacies.
Disadvantages:
- If you are not comfortable inserting things into your vagina than you may not be comfortable using spermicides.
- If you or your partner has an allergy to nonoxynol–9 (the main ingredient in the spermicide) it may cause irritation inside your vagina or to your partner’s penis.
- Some people find spermicides messy. Spermicides do not taste good, so if you are planning to have oral sex, you may want to consider another option.
- Spermicides do not protect against sexually transmitted infections.
What is nonoxynol-9?
Nonoxynol-9 (N-9) is a common chemical ingredient in spermicides. Researchers have found that N-9 may increase the risk of HIV and STI transmission because it can cause skin irritations in users that increase the risk of infection. You should avoid using a spermicide if you experience an irritation.Because of these findings, N-9 is not recommended as an effective means of HIV prevention. The best STI and HIV protection is a lubricated latex condom without N-9; however, a condom lubricated with N-9 is better than no condom at all. The protection you can get from a condom outweighs the risk of using the N-9.
Are spermicides and microbicides the same thing?
No. Spermicides are chemicals that kill sperm to protect against pregnancy.
Microbicides are chemicals that destroy viruses and bacteria to help protect against HIV and other STIs. Research is underway to develop effective microbicides. It is unclear when an effective microbicide will be on the market. Nonoxynol-9, a common ingredient in spermicides, is not an effective microbicide.
