Download spermicides - The Washington Physicians Group

W ASHINGTON
PHYSICIAN
SERVICES
ORGANIZATION
SPERMICIDES
WASHINGTON OB/GYN ASSOCIATES
MCMURRAY OB/GYN ASSOCIATES
WASHINGTON OB/GYN ASSOCIATES
WASHINGTON OB/GYN ASSOCIATES
104 Wellness Way
Building #2
Washington, PA 15301
724-225-3640 Phone
2001 Waterdam Plaza
Suite 201
McMurray, PA 15317
724-942-5420 Phone
WAYNESBURG
343 East Roy Furman Highway
Suite 104
Waynesburg, PA 15370
724-627-7928 Phone
MON VALLEY-CHARLEROI
1200 McKean Avenue
Charleroi, PA 15022
724-483-1340 Phone
www.WashingtonObGyn.net
What is a spermicide?
A spermicide is a chemical used for birth control. It contains chemicals that kill
sperm. Spermicides come in different forms, such as foam, gel, cream, film,
suppository, and tablet. They can be bought at a drug store.
Spermicide is inserted into a woman's vagina before sex. It destroys the sperm in
a man's semen before the sperm reach the uterus. Spermicides are not very
good when used alone to prevent pregnancy. They work better when they are
used with another form of birth control, such as a diaphragm, cervical cap, or
condom.
How is it used?
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Make sure you read the label on the spermicide package carefully for
any special directions or precautions. Some forms of spermicide may be
effective for just a short time. Some may take a certain amount of time to
dissolve. Consider these differences when you are choosing and using a
spermicide.
Put the spermicide in your vagina no more than 1 hour before sex.
Use the applicator provided with the spermicide to insert the spermicide high in the vagina around the cervix. (The
cervix is the opening of the uterus.) The spermicide should cover the cervix. If you use a film, suppository or
tablet, you must wait 15 minutes before having sex so the spermicide can dissolve. Follow the package directions.
If the spermicide has been in the vagina more than an hour before sex, put in more spermicide. Spermicides work
only if you put more in BEFORE each time the man ejaculates ("comes"). This is very important.
If you are using a spermicide with a diaphragm or cervical cap, check the package to make sure you are buying a
product made for this use.
If you are using a spermicide with a diaphragm, leave the diaphragm in for 6 to 8 hours after intercourse before
removing it.
Douching may make the spermicide not work as well. If you feel you need to douche, wait at least 6 to 8 hours
after you have had sex. Remember that douching is not a way to prevent pregnancy or sexually transmitted
infections.
What are the benefits?
The benefits of spermicides are:
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When used with another barrier method of birth control, such as a diaphragm, they are 84 to 94% effective in
preventing pregnancy.
No doctor visits or prescriptions are needed.
They are widely available in drug and grocery stores.
They are relatively inexpensive, and they are convenient to carry and use.
They help lubricate the vagina (creams especially).
● M. Zinsser, MD ● M. Sheth, MD ● K. Stocker, MD ● M. Wizda, MD ● J. D’Abarno, MD ●
● W. Mitsos, MD ● K. Simons, MD ● S. McNinch, CRNP ● S. Kowall, PA-C ●
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SPERMICIDES
W ASHINGTON
PHYSICIAN
SERVICES
ORGANIZATION
WASHINGTON OB/GYN ASSOCIATES
MCMURRAY OB/GYN ASSOCIATES
WASHINGTON OB/GYN ASSOCIATES
WASHINGTON OB/GYN ASSOCIATES
104 Wellness Way
Building #2
Washington, PA 15301
724-225-3640 Phone
2001 Waterdam Plaza
Suite 201
McMurray, PA 15317
724-942-5420 Phone
WAYNESBURG
343 East Roy Furman Highway
Suite 104
Waynesburg, PA 15370
724-627-7928 Phone
MON VALLEY-CHARLEROI
1200 McKean Avenue
Charleroi, PA 15022
724-483-1340 Phone
www.WashingtonObGyn.net
What are the disadvantages?
The disadvantages of spermicides include:
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They are only 71% to 82% effective in preventing pregnancy when used alone during intercourse.
The sperm-destroying chemicals stop working after a fairly short time. This means that if you are going to have
sex, you cannot wait longer than 30 minutes after the spermicide is inserted into the vagina.
In rare cases, allergic reaction to the chemicals causes a feeling of burning, itching, or redness.
Spermicides do not protect against sexually transmitted diseases. A latex or polyurethane condom is the best
protection against sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV/AIDS.
Some spermicides have an ingredient called nonoxynol-9 (N-9). This chemical can irritate the skin around the
vagina, penis, or rectum. Irritation from frequent use of spermicides with N-9 may increase your risk of getting
HIV/AIDS if your partner is infected. If you have sex more than once a day or have anal sex, it is probably better
not to use spermicides. Use a new condom each time you have sex plus a backup birth control method in case
the condom breaks.
Developed by David W. Kaplan, MD and Phyllis G. Cooper, RN, MN.
Published by RelayHealth.
Last modified: 2006-11-27
Last reviewed: 2006-01-12
This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information is intended to inform and
educate and is not a replacement for medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.
Women's Health Advisor 2008.1 Index
Women's Health Advisor 2008.1 Credits
© 2008 RelayHealth and/or one of its affiliates. All Rights Reserved.
● M. Zinsser, MD ● M. Sheth, MD ● K. Stocker, MD ● M. Wizda, MD ● J. D’Abarno, MD ●
● W. Mitsos, MD ● K. Simons, MD ● S. McNinch, CRNP ● S. Kowall, PA-C ●
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