Quick Facts
Effectiveness in Preventing Pregnancy
- About 30 women out of 100 using this method for one year will get pregnant.
- The risk of pregnancy is much greater in women who don't use spermicide correctly and consistently.
Use
- Spermicide comes in different forms: cream, foam, jelly, tablet or suppository, or film
- Spermicide is inserted into the vagina up to one hour before having sex.
- After sex, leave spermicide in place for at least six hours.
STI Protection
- No
Clinic Visit Required
- No
Drawbacks of using spermicide alone
- Does not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
- Some women may experience irritation, allergic reactions, or urinary tract infections.
- Spermicides might not work as well if you're also using medication for a vaginal yeast infection.
- Spermicides that contain nonoxynol-9 (usually called N-9) can cause skin irritation and make you more likely to get HIV if your partner has HIV.
- A female partner has to agree to use spermicides.
Advantages of using spermicide
- Spermicide is simple to use and available without a prescription.
- You can insert it up to one hour before having sex.
- A female partner must agree to use spermicide.
How do I use it?
Spermicide (in any form) is placed deeply inside the vagina and works by killing sperm before it reaches an egg. Instructions are different for each type of spermicide, so read the label carefully before use. Some types of spermicide (like tablets and films) should be in place at least 10 minutes before you have sex, otherwise they won't be effective.
With any type of spermicide, don't insert it more than one hour before having sex. Spermicide should remain in the vagina at least six hours after sex.
