Spermicide Birth Control Options

Women who choose to use birth control that contains spermicide may choose from products such as condoms with a spermicidal lubricant, a suppository, a film that dissolves, a cream or jelly that lines a diaphragm or even spermicidal foam.

Effects

Birth control with spermicide is designed to kill the sperm before it reaches the egg and can even act as a sperm barrier depending on the type of spermicide you use.

Time Frame

Depending on the spermicide option, the time frame in which they begin to work can vary. Contraceptive films can take up to 15 minutes to begin working, while spermicide foam can begin working immediately.

Misconceptions

Although all spermicides help to prevent pregnancies, they are not completely effective when used alone. Spermicides should always be used in conjunction with other contraceptives.

Prevention/Solution

Using spermicides with another form of contraception such as a condom, rather than alone, can prevent pregnancies 95 to 99 percent of the time.

Warning

Allergic reactions in both men and women can occur with the use of spermicides and can cause sores or other wounds that make it easier to contract the HIV virus. Spermicide is not effective in preventing the spread of STD's.

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