Spermicides come in many forms:
Spermicides are put into the vagina before having sex because they kill sperm. The most common chemical used in spermicides is nonoxynol-9.
Spermicides can be used alone or with condoms. 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.
Perfect user: A person who 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.
Some people are allergic 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, consider using a different method of birth control.
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 someone who could give you an STD or HIV.
Spermicides may cause changes in the vagina and anal area that make it easier to contract HIV and other sexually transmitted infections. If you have more than one partner, or your partner has more than one partner, it is better to not use a spermicide.
To learn how to use spermicides, go to: