What
are spermicides?
Spermicides are a contraceptive method that come in many forms including
foam, cream, gel, film, and suppositories. Spermicides contain the
chemicals non-oxynol 9 (N-9) or octoxynol that prevent pregnancy
by immobilizing and killing sperm.
What
are lubricants?
The important difference between spermicides and lubricants is whether
or not they offer any contraceptive protection. Spermicides prevent
pregnancy; lubricants do not. Lubricants are products that increase
sexual pleasure by making the contact surfaces wet and slippery
and by decreasing friction and possible irritation. Some lubricants
come in forms similar to spermicides but offer no contraceptive
protection, so if you need pregnancy protection, just be sure your
tube or box says it's a contraceptive.
How
effective are spermicides in preventing pregnancy?
If a couple uses spermicides alone (not using condoms or another
method) correctly every time they have intercourse, about 6% of
them will become pregnant. However, not all couples use spermicides
every time and they don't always use the spermicide correctly, so
the average pregnancy rate is about 21%.
Do
spermicides prevent STI transmission?
Because
spermicides kill sperm, scientists initially believed that they
would also kill sexually transmitted infections (STIs) such as chlamydia,
gonorrhea and HIV. However, according to the 2002 Centers for Disease
Control STI Treatment Guidelines, N-9 contraceptives do not protect
against these infections and may increase STI exposure risk because
it can cause genital irritation. To read more about this report,
click here.
How
do I use spermicides?
For vaginal intercourse, your choice of spermicide is inserted into
the vagina ahead of time. The spermicidal chemicals may cause genital
irritation, particularly N-9. If you experience inflammation or
a burning sensation, look for a spermicide with octoxynol or a lower
amount of N-9. The various spermicides are listed below and include
information about their N-9 content:
Jellies,
Creams & Gels
Jellies, creams and gels all have the same level of protection
but have different consistencies and textures. Experiment to find
which type of spermicide suits you and your partner. Twist the
applicator on to the end of the tube of spermicide and fill the
applicator. Untwist the applicator, insert it into the vagina
approximately 3 inches and depress the plunger to squirt the spermicide
out. All three products will protect you from pregnancy immediately.
These spermicides vary in the amount of N-9 they contain, but
most have between 1% and 5%. The applicator may be washed with
mild soap and water, stored in a clean, dry place and used again.
Foam
Spermicidal foam is the same consistency of mousse hair-styling
products. Shake the can of foam vigorously for at least 30 seconds.
Press the tip of the applicator on the nozzle of the can, press
down and fill the applicator. Insert the applicator into the vagina
approximately three inches and depress the plunger to squirt the
foam out. It will be active immediately. Foam has a concentration
of N-9 of about 12.5%, which may lead to genital irritation. The
applicator may be washed with mild soap and water, stored in a
clean, dry place and used again.
Vaginal
Contraceptive Film (VCF)
This spermicide comes as a 2-inch by 2-inch sheet of film with
a consistency similar to wax paper. Fold it in half, and then
in half again and place it on the tip of your index finger and
insert the film into the vagina and up near the cervix. You must
insert VCF at least 15 minutes before intercourse for it to work
effectively. The film will dissolve to a thick gel consistency
by absorbing vaginal secretions. Do not place the film on the
tip of the penis for insertion as the film will not have adequate
time to dissolve and may not end up in the right position. VCF
has the highest concentration of N-9, about 28%, which may lead
to genital irritation. Use another type of spermicide or another
method if you experience irritation.
Suppositories
These are spermicides in a solid form. Brand names you might see
in the drugstore include: Encare, Intercept, Koromex, and Semicid.
Read and follow the directions on the box. You must allow 10 to
15 minutes for the suppository to dissolve into a foamy substance
before having intercourse. Suppositories may be somewhat less
effective than foam, cream or gel because it is hard to tell if
they have dissolved sufficiently. Because suppositories have a
N-9 content of 2% to 8%, some women may experience a sensation
of warmth or burning as the suppository dissolves. If this is
painful or irritating, use another type of spermicide or another
method of contraception.
More
information on how to use a spermicide:
Detailed
instructions for use are always included in the packaging. Be
sure to read them carefully before you use any of these products.
Insertion
of a spermicide into the rectum, as a means of reducing STI risk,
is not recommended because the spermicide can cause irritation
of the rectal tissues, and can actually increase the risk of STI
transmission. For STI protection, always use condoms when having
anal sex.
For
each act of intercourse you should insert another application
of spermicide.
If
more than 1 hour has passed between insertion of a spermicide
and intercourse, another application of spermicide must be used.
What's
the difference between oil-based and water-based lubricants?
The only lubricant you should use with latex condoms is water-based
lubricant. Oil-based products such as Vaseline, mineral oil, baby
oil, vegetable oil, cold creams and most hand creams have oil in
them that reacts with latex. Mineral oil, a common ingredient of
hand lotions, can cause a 90% decrease in condom strength after
as little as 60 seconds of exposure, dramatically increasing the
chance of leakage or breakage. Water-based lubricants such as Astroglide,
KY, Probe, and Wet have no oil and don't react with latex. An easy
way to tell the two apart is that oil-based lubricants bead water
and are difficult to wash off. Water-based lubricants rinse off
easily in plain water. If you're not sure, read the label. If you're
still not sure, don't use it as a lubricant.
Where
can I find spermicides and lubricants?
Here at the pharmacy in Health Services we have spermicidal foam
and jellies, as well as the lubricant Astroglide at prices that
are typically 50% cheaper than drug store prices. Click here
to check out the pharmacy's hours and stop by to pick some up.
Links
you can use
To learn more about the different types of spermicides, you can
visit:
Disclaimer: Health Education is part of Health Services at Brown University. Health Education maintains this site as a resource for Brown students. This site is not intended to replace consultation with your medical providers. No site can replace real conversation. Health Education offers no endorsement of and assumes no liability for the currency, accuracy, or availability of the information on the sites we link to or the care provided by the resources listed. Health Services staff are available to treat and give medical advice to Brown University students only. If you are not a Brown student, but are in need of medical assistance please call your own health care provider or in case of an emergency, dial 911. Please contact us if you have comments, questions or suggestions.
