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Trying to prevent pregnancy while having sex? Spermicides are a popular pregnancy prevention method, because they don’t require a prescription and they don’t use hormones to block pregnancy. Spermicides are the most effective when used correctly, so it’s important to know what you’re doing before use. Read through this article to learn everything you need to know about spermicides, including how they work, how effective they are, and how to use the different types.
Things You Should Know
- Spermicides are a form of pregnancy prevention that kill sperm inside of the vagina. However, they do not protect against STDs or STIs.
- Spermicides come in many different forms, including gels, creams, jellies, suppositories, and films.
- To use spermicides, insert them into your vagina 15 minutes before having sex. Reapply after 1 hour or whenever you have sex again.
- Spermicides may cause irritation or itchiness if you have sensitive skin.
Steps
Section 3 of 5:
How to Use Spermicide
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Insert the spermicide 10 to 15 minutes before having sex. Spermicides need a couple of minutes to start working. Plan ahead and use your spermicide at least 10 or 15 minutes before you start having vaginal sex. [3] X Trustworthy Source MedlinePlus Collection of medical information sourced from the US National Library of Medicine Go to source
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Stand with 1 leg up on a chair. To make application easier, either lie back with your knees bent, or stand with one foot up on a chair. This position will open up your vagina and relax your muscles. [4] X Research source
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Insert the spermicide with an applicator or your finger. In order to work, spermicide needs to go deep into your vagina. If your spermicide has an applicator, load it with spermicide and then insert it into your vagina, getting as close to the cervix as you can. If not, use your fingers to insert the spermicide into your vagina. [5] X Trustworthy Source MedlinePlus Collection of medical information sourced from the US National Library of Medicine Go to source
- Different spermicides may have different methods of application. Always read the instructions on your spermicide before you use it.
- For most spermicides, the applicator will have a dosage line that you fill to. However, you should always double check your specific spermicide for directions.
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Have sex within 60 minutes of using spermicide. After 1 hour, spermicides become less effective. If you’re going to have sex, do it within 60 minutes of application. [6] X Trustworthy Source MedlinePlus Collection of medical information sourced from the US National Library of Medicine Go to source
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Reapply spermicide every time you have sex. Typically, spermicides are only effective for 1 round of sex. If you have sex again, even if it’s with the same partner, reapply your spermicide. [7] X Trustworthy Source American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists Professional association of OB/GYNs focused on education and public outreat initiatives Go to source
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Do not wash out or remove the spermicide after sex. In order to let the spermicide work, don’t put anything else in your vagina for at least 6 hours. Don’t wash out your vagina either, as that can make the spermicide less effective. [8] X Trustworthy Source American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists Professional association of OB/GYNs focused on education and public outreat initiatives Go to source
How Do You Prevent Pregnancy?
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Tips
- You don’t need a prescription to use spermicide. You can find most spermicides at any drug store near you. [17] X Research sourceThanks
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Warnings
- Your doctor may discourage the use of spermicide if you have HIV or AIDS, or are at risk of contracting HIV. [18] X Trustworthy Source MedlinePlus Collection of medical information sourced from the US National Library of Medicine Go to sourceThanks
- If you are at high risk for pregnancy, it is best to combine spermicide with a barrier method of contraception, like condoms or a diaphragm. [19] X Trustworthy Source MedlinePlus Collection of medical information sourced from the US National Library of Medicine Go to sourceThanks
References
- ↑ https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/barrier-methods-of-birth-control-spermicide-condom-sponge-diaphragm-and-cervical-cap
- ↑ https://myhealth.alberta.ca/sexual-reproductive-health/birth-control/non-hormonal-birth-control/vaginal-spermicides
- ↑ https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/004003.htm
- ↑ https://www.peelregion.ca/health/talk-to-me/download/lesson-plans/lesson5-pdf/lesson5l.pdf
- ↑ https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/004003.htm
- ↑ https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/004003.htm
- ↑ https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/barrier-methods-of-birth-control-spermicide-condom-sponge-diaphragm-and-cervical-cap
- ↑ https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/barrier-methods-of-birth-control-spermicide-condom-sponge-diaphragm-and-cervical-cap
- ↑ https://www.mountsinai.org/health-library/special-topic/vaginal-sponge-and-spermicides
- ↑ https://www.peelregion.ca/health/talk-to-me/download/lesson-plans/lesson5-pdf/lesson5l.pdf
- ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/birth-control/multimedia/spermicide/img-20005721
- ↑ https://teenhealthsource.com/birthcontrol/vaginal-contraceptive-film-vcf-details/
- ↑ https://www.mountsinai.org/health-library/special-topic/vaginal-sponge-and-spermicides
- ↑ https://www.nhsinform.scot/healthy-living/contraception/getting-started/the-different-types-of-contraception
- ↑ https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/contraception/male-condoms/
- ↑ https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/barrier-methods-of-birth-control-spermicide-condom-sponge-diaphragm-and-cervical-cap
- ↑ https://healthy.kaiserpermanente.org/health-wellness/birth-control/types/spermicide
- ↑ https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/004003.htm
- ↑ https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/004003.htm
About This Article
Article Summary
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To use a spermicide, try using a foam, cream, or jelly spermicide. First, fill the applicator tube with the product. Then, get into a comfortable position, such as lying on your back, since the spermicide needs to be inserted deep inside your vagina. Once you’re in position, gently insert the tube into your vagina. Next, squeeze the spermicide out. If you find the applicator uncomfortable, use your finger instead, but make sure you use the same amount of spermicide. Remember that spermicide is effective for about an hour, so you’ll need to apply it every time you have sex. You should also try to use spermicide with a condom, since the spermicide alone won’t protect you from STDs. For tips from our Medical co-author on how to use a film spermicide, keep reading!
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