Spermicides are a relatively cheap and readily available form of contraception. They come in the form of creams, gels, foams and globules containing a chemical spermicidal component, most often nonoxynol. Spermicides are easy to use, but their drawback is relatively low effectiveness and an increased risk of irritation to intimate parts.

Spermicides(spermicides) is an over-the-counter emergency contraceptive without any prior testing. According to statistics, 5 to 10 percent of couples use it. The high popularity of spermicides is mainly determined by their low price and ease of use.

However, before we decide on such a method of contraception, it is worth getting to know its operation and potential disadvantages in detail.

  1. Spermicides - action
  2. Spermicides - types
  3. Spermicides - effectiveness
  4. Spermicides - side effects
  5. Spermicides - who are they suitable for?
  6. Spermicides - advantages and disadvantages

Spermicides - action

Spermicides are intended for women. They are placed in the vagina, where they form a chemical barrier against the sperm. Substances such as nonoxynol-9, octoxynol-9, menfegol, benzalkonium chloride, delfen are responsible for their spermicidal activity. Currently, you can most often meet creams and gels based on nonoxynol. In contact with sperm, this compound immobilizes the sperm cells, which prevents them from reaching the egg and fertilizing it.

Spermicides should not be used with a condom as they can damage it and increase the risk of fertilization.

It is worth noting that nonoxynol only reduces the ability of sperm to move, but does not damage their genetic material. Therefore, even if fertilization occurs, the embryo will develop properly and the child will not develop any genetic defects.

Also check: Which contraceptives can you buy without a prescription? [LIST]

Spermicides - types

  • Spermicidal creams and gels- in addition to their contraceptive properties, they moisturize intimate places well, so they will checkin women who have problems with vaginal dryness. They are placed in the vagina using the applicator provided. You don't have to wait for them to start working. They retain their contraceptive properties from 3 to 6-8 hours after use ( although this time may vary depending on the manufacturer).
  • Spermicidal foams- recently you can buy them in Poland, although they are still less popular than gels and creams. The foam is contained in a pressurized container that must be shaken before use. The appropriate amount of the agent is applied to the attached applicator, with which the foam is placed in the vagina. It works immediately after application. The maximum runtime is 8 hours.
  • Spermicidal globules- the globule should be inserted into the vagina 15-20 minutes before intercourse. When exposed to heat, it turns into foam, which is a chemical and physical barrier against sperm. Globulka retains its contraceptive properties for only one hour, so you need to use a new one before each subsequent intercourse.
  • Vaginal sponge- sponge made of polyurethane foam is soaked in spermicide. It provides double protection against sperm: physical and chemical. It cannot be removed earlier than 12 hours after the last ejaculation in the vagina. In Poland, it is a product that is difficult to obtain.

Spermicides - effectiveness

Spermicides have a fairly low effectiveness, ranging from 6 (with standard use) to 26 (with average use) on the Pearl Index. This means that out of 100 women using this method of contraception, up to 26 will become pregnant. This is a lot, especially when compared to condoms (index 3-7) or birth control pills (index 0.2-1.4).

The effectiveness of spermicides can be increased by combining them with mechanical methods - female condom, diaphragm, contraceptive cap.

Spermicides - side effects

A small number of women (1-5%) are allergic to the ingredients of spermicides (men may also be allergic). However, even if you are not allergic, you may feel a burning sensation or pain after using them, because the substances contained in spermicidal creams or foams irritate the delicate vaginal walls. If used frequently, they can cause microtrauma, which makes it easier for bacteria and pathogenic microorganisms to penetrate.

Therefore, spermicides do not protect against sexually transmitted diseases, and some sources say they may even increase the risk of contracting HIV.

Meansspermicidal - who is it suitable for?

For those who have a busy sex life and who change partners, spermicides are not an appropriate method of contraception. They do not protect against STDs and have a low Pearl effectiveness rate.

They can work for people who occasionally have sex, who are in stable relationships and women over 45 due to a lower risk of conception. The use of spermicides should also be considered by women who respond poorly to hormonal contraception.

See also: The best contraceptive methods for women over 40

How long do sperm live?

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Spermicides - advantages and disadvantages

ADVANTAGES:

  • they are cheap;
  • over-the-counter;
  • easy to apply;
  • you do not need to perform any tests before using them;
  • creams and gels additionally moisturize and facilitate intercourse;
  • do not change the natural functioning of the body.

DISADVANTAGES:

  • are less effective than other methods, e.g. condom;
  • can sensitize;
  • often irritating;
  • do not protect against sexually transmitted diseases;
  • can increase the risk of contracting HIV;
  • you usually have to apply them just before intercourse, which may have a negative effect on the comfort of partners;
  • can cause an unpleasant taste in the mouth during oral sex;
  • they foam in the vagina, which can be unpleasant during intercourse.

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Pregnancy