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Spermicides are chemicals that kill sperm before they are able to fertilize an egg. They are commonly used as creams, lotions, sprays and inserts to be used during sexual intercourse to prevent pregnancy. On its own, spermicide is the least effective way of preventing pregnancy. However, when combined with the protection of a condom,... more »
If you've recently experienced genital pain or discomfort during sex--and used a spermicide as a form of birth control--you may be allergic to the spermicide. The allergic reactions to spermicide can mimic the allergic reactions to other substances. You may need to undergo allergy testing to determine what is causing the unpleasant... more »
Birth control options containing hormones can cause nausea, vomiting, blood clots, mood swings and a diminished libido. For these reasons it is important for women to understand all of their birth control options. While most birth control options without hormones are not as effective as hormonal methods, it is often possible to... more »
A vaginal contraceptive film (VCF) is a small 2-by-2-inch square film. VCFs use the spermicide Nonoxynol-9 to help prevent pregnancy. This is the most common spermicide and is generally safe; however, some people may be allergic to Nonoxynol-9.
A VCF must be inserted at least 15 minutes before intercourse and is only effective... more »
Lea's Shield is a contraceptive device that is similar to a diaphragm. It is a barrier method of contraception and reusable. It is made from silicone rubber and is very flexible for insertion and removal. Unlike the diaphragm, you do not need to be custom fitted to use Lea's Shield. With all birth control, it is important to weight... more »
Birth-control options flood pharmacy shelves and the airwaves, boasting the latest formulas and...
Spermicide is used to prevent pregnancy by killing sperm during unprotected intercourse or even as a safeguard or backup to barrier forms of... more »
Spermicide is a form of contraception that kills sperm by destroying its cell walls. Spermicide is only 79 percent successful in preventing... more »
Spermicides are contraceptives that kill off all sperm during sexual intercourse. Most spermicides are creams or gels that women can add to a... more »
Women who choose to use birth control that contains spermicide may choose from products such as condoms with a spermicidal lubricant, a... more »
Spermicides are a form of birth control that is available without prescription. Spermicides are not the most effective form of birth control but... more »
Spermicide is a contraceptive substance that kills sperm, inserted vaginally prior to intercourse to prevent pregnancy. As a contraceptive, spermicide may be used alone. However, the pregnancy rate experienced by couples using only spermicide is higher than that of couples using other methods. Usually, spermicides are combined with contraceptive barrier methods such as diaphragms, condoms, cervical caps, and sponges. Combined methods are believed to result in lower pregnancy rates than either method alone."simultaneous">
Spermicides are unscented, clear, unflavored, non-staining, and lubricative.
Types and effectiveness
The most common active ingredient of spermicides is nonoxynol-9. Spermicides containing nonoxynol-9 are available in many forms, such as jelly (gel), films, and foams. Contraceptive Technology states that spermicides have a failure rate of 18% per year when used correctly and consistently, and 29% under typical use.
Menfegol is a spermicide manufactured as a foaming tablet. It is only available in Europe.
Octoxynol-9 was previously a common spermicide, but was removed from the U.S. market in 2002 after manufacturers failed to perform new studies required by the FDA.
The spermicides benzalkonium chloride and sodium cholate are used in some contraceptive sponges."CBAC"> Benzalkonium chloride might also be available in Canada as a suppository.
A common urban legend suggests that Coca-Cola or other soft drinks serve as an effective spermicide. This is false.
Lemon juice solutions have been shown to immobilize sperm in the laboratory, as has Krest Bitter Lemon drink. While the authors of the Krest Bitter Lemon study suggested its use as a postcoital douche, this is unlikely to be effective, as sperm begin leaving the ejaculate (out of the reach of any douche) within 1.5 minutes of deposition. No published studies appear to have been done on the effectiveness of lemon juice preparations in preven read more at » http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spermicide
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