Vaginal Spermicide

Effectiveness:70-80%

Cost: $15.00-$20.00 package, no prescription needed. Available at pharmacies.

How It Works:

Vaginal spermicide kills or inactivates sperm. They are available as foams, gels, creams, films, suppositories or tablets. These preparations contain NONOXYNOL-9. The spermicide is inserted into the vagina just before intercourse (or depending on brand). Most are effective up to one hour. Apply a new dose for every new act of intercourse. To reduce your risk of pregnancy use with a condom or other kind of birth control.

Advantages

-side effects are minimal

-no prescription needed and inexpensive

-It may help lubricate the vagina during intercourse

-It may help prevent transmission of some STI’s

-Effectiveness increases when used with a condom.

Disadvantages

-No protection from STI’s

-They can be messy. Suppositories, film and Advantage are less messy.

-They may cause allergic reactions or genital irritation. Could try a different product.

-The spermicide needs to be applied correctly and usually just before each act of intercourse. Advantage 24 can be inserted over 20 hours before intercourse.

- Apply a new dose for every new act of intercourse