Birth Control

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Spermicides

What Are Spermicides?

Spermicides come in many forms:

  • Foam
  • Suppositories
  • Cream
  • Vaginal film
  • Jelly (or gel)

Spermicides are put into the vagina before having sex because they kill sperm. The most common chemical used in spermicides is nonoxynol-9.

Spermicides are often used with condoms and they can be used alone. Spermicides are always used with the diaphragm, cervical cap, and female condom.

Spermicides do not help protect against HIV and other STDs. Use a condom every time you have sex to help protect yourself from these diseases.

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Effectiveness

Perfect user: A person that uses their method of birth control correctly all of the time.

Typical user: A person who does not use their method of birth control correctly.

With perfect use, spermicides are 85% effective.

That means that if 100 women use spermicides exactly the right way every time they have sex, 15 of those women may get pregnant in a year.

With typical use, spermicides are 71% effective.

For women who don't use spermicides the right way every time they have sex, 29 out of 100 may get pregnant in a year.

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Advantages

  • Spermicides cause few health problems.
  • Spermicides can be found at most drugstores and local clinics.
  • Spermicides can be put in up to 1 hour before having sex.
  • You only need to use spermicides when you have sex.
  • Spermicides provide lubrication during sex.
  • Spermicides can be used with many other methods.

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Possible Side Effects

Some people have an allergy to spermicide. The allergy can cause skin rashes, burning, or redness in or around the vagina or penis. Trying a different brand or type of spermicide may help.

Some women may have more bladder infections when they use spermicides. If this happens, think about using a different method.

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Possible Warning Signs

Spermicides do not cause any serious health problems for most people.

They can, however, increase your chance of getting HIV and other STDs if you have sex every day or are having sex with anyone who could give you an STD or HIV.

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Important Warning

Spermicide may cause changes in the vagina and anal area that make it easier to get HIV and other sexually transmitted infections. If you have more than one partner, or your partner has more than one partner, it is better not to use spermicide.

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To Learn More

To learn how to use spermicides, go to:

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