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Sexual Health Centre
Birth Control |
Spermicides
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Spermicides can
be applied in different ways including the film shown in the bottom
right.
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Spermicides are chemicals that
kill sperm. They can be inserted into the vagina. Spermicides may have some
protective effect against sexually
transmitted infections. Researchers have shown that over a year of using
spermicides alone (not in combination with another method of birth control),
6 to 26 percent of the women in the studies became pregnant. Unfortunately
there are problems with many of these studies, so it is difficult to be
more accurate about the usefulness of this method. Combining spermicides
with other birth control methods (like condoms or cervical barriers) makes
your protection more reliable.
How to use
Spermicides
Spermicides are sold in many forms
including:
They are also the active part
of a contraceptive sponge.
Each of these products has
different instructions. Read the package carefully for information about
how to use this form of birth control. Look for information about:
- using the product
- how long before sex to insert
it
- how long it lasts
Advantages
- don't have to visit a doctor
or clinic to get this form of birth control
- easily available in drugs
stores and clinics
- can be used with other methods
of birth control
- your partner is not involved
in this method of birth control
- does not cause any hormonal
changes in your body
- may provide some protection
against sexually transmitted infections
- you only use it when you
need it
Disadvantages
- not very effective when
used alone
- spermicides cause irritation
in some women
(Sometimes changing brands will help.)
- vaginal irritation can increase
your risk of some sexually transmitted or vaginal infections
- spermicides often taste
bad
- you may have to interrupt
sex to use spermicides
- some methods are messy
- you must plan ahead before
you have sex
- some women are uncomfortable
inserting it into their vagina
- can be expensive
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