• Sperm-killing substances inserted deep in the vagina, near the cervix, before sex.
– Nonoxynol-9 is most widely used.
– Others include benzalkonium chloride, chlorhexidine, menfegol, octoxynol-9, and sodium docusate.
• Available in foaming tablets, melting or foaming suppositories, cans of
pressurized foam, melting film, jelly, and cream.
– Jellies, creams, and foam from cans can be used alone, with a diaphragm, or with condoms.
– Films, suppositories, foaming tablets, or foaming suppositories can be used alone or with condoms.
Work by causing the membrane of sperm cells to break, killing them or slowing their movement. This keeps sperm from meeting an egg.
How Effective?
Effectiveness depends on the user. Risk of pregnancy is greatest when spermicides are not used with every act of sex.
• One of the least effective family planning methods.
• As commonly used, about 21 pregnancies per 100 women using spermicides over the first year. This means that 79 of every 100 women using spermicides will not become pregnant.
• When used correctly with every act of sex, about 16 pregnancies per 100 women using spermicides over the first year.
Return of fertility after spermicides are stopped: No delay
Protection against sexually transmitted infections (STIs): None.
Frequent use of nonoxynol-9 may increase risk of HIV infection
Side Effects, Health Benefits, and Health Risks
Side Effects Some users report the following:
Irritation in or around the vagina or penis
Other possible physical changes:
• Vaginal lesions
Known Health Benefits Help protect against:
• Risks of pregnancy
Known Health Risks Uncommon:
• Urinary tract infection, especially when using spermicides 2 or more times a day Rare:
Frequent use of nonoxynol-9 may increase risk of HIV infection
Who Can and Cannot Use Spermicides
Safe and Suitable for Nearly All Women
Correcting Misunderstandings
Spermicides:
• Do not reduce vaginal secretions or make women bleed during sex.
• Do not cause cervical cancer or birth defects.
• Do not protect against STIs.
• Do not change men’s or women’s sex drive or reduce sexual pleasure for most men.
• Do not stop women’s monthly bleeding.
Managing Any Problems
Problems Reported as Side Effects or Problems With Use
Irritation in or around the vagina or penis (she or her partner has itching, rash, or irritation that lasts for a day or more)
Urinary tract infection (burning or pain with urination, frequent urination in small amounts, blood in the urine, back pain)
Bacterial vaginosis (abnormal white or gray vaginal discharge with unpleasant odor; may also have burning during urination and/or itching around the vagina)
Candidiasis (abnormal white vaginal discharge that can be watery or thick and chunky; may also have burning during urination and/or redness and itching around the vagina)
Suspected pregnancy
New Problems That May Require Switching Methods
Recurring urinary tract infections or vaginal infections (such as bacterial vaginosis or candidiasis)
Latex allergy (redness, itching, rash, and/or swelling of genitals, groin, or thighs [mild reaction]; or hives or rash over much of the body, dizziness, difficulty breathing, loss of consciousness [severe reaction])
Toxic shock syndrome (sudden high fever, body rash, vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness, sore throat, and muscle aches)
Questions and Answers About Spermicides
1. Do spermicides cause birth defects? Will the fetus be harmed if a woman accidentally uses spermicides while she is pregnant?
No. Good evidence shows that spermicides will not cause birth defects or otherwise harm the fetus if a woman becomes pregnant while using spermicides or accidentally uses spermicides when she is already pregnant.
2. Do spermicides cause cancer?
No, spermicides do not cause cancer.
3. Do spermicides increase the risk of becoming infected with HIV?
Women who use nonoxynol-9 several times a day may face an increased risk of infection with HIV Spermicides can cause vaginal irritation, which may cause small lesions to form on the lining of the vagina or on the external genitals. These lesions may make it easier for a woman to become infected with HIV. Studies that suggest spermicide use increases HIV risk have involved women who used spermicides several times a day. Women who have multiple daily acts of sex should use another contraceptive method. A study among women using nonoxynol-9 an average of 3 times a week, however, found no increased risk of HIV infection for spermicide users compared with women not using spermicides. New spermicides that are less irritating may become available.
Where to address?
For a family planning consultation:
Ask your family doctor at your health care facility in your area of residence (see here). WARNING: if you belong to one of the socially vulnerable groups (see here) you can benefit from free contraceptives!
What Are Spermicides?
