Vaginal spermicides are a type of contraceptive - birth control. These products are inserted into the vagina before any genital contact occurs or sexual intercourse begins. They work by damaging and killing sperm in the vagina. Therefore, the sperm are not able to travel from the vagina into the uterus and fallopian tubes, where fertilization usually takes place.
Vaginal spermicides when using alone are much less effective in preventing pregnancy than birth control pills or the IUD or spermicides using with another form of birth control, such as cervical caps, condoms, or diaphragms Studies have shown that when spermicides are using alone, pregnancy usually occurs in 21 of each 100 women during the first year of spermicide use . The number of pregnancies is reduced when spermicides are using with another method, especially the condom. Discuss with a family doctor what your options are for birth control and the chance and benefits of each method.
Laboratory studies have shown that nonoxynol 9 kills or stops the growth of the AIDS virus - HIV and herpes simplex I and II viruses. It was also shown to be effective against other types of organisms that cause gonorrhea, chlamydia, syphilis, trichomoniasis and other sexually transmitted diseases - venereal disease, VD, STDs. Benzalkonium chloride also killed the AIDS virus in laboratory studies. Although this has not been proven in human studies, some scientists believe that if spermicides are put into the vagina or on the inside and outside of a latex - rubber condom, they may kill these germs before they are able to come in contact with the vagina or rectum - lower bowel.
The most effective way to protect yourself against STDs - such as AIDS is by abstinence - not having sexual intercourse or by having one partner who you can be sure is not already infected or is not going to get an STD. However, if either of these methods is not likely or possible, using latex - rubber condoms with a spermicide is the best way of protecting yourself.
The use of a spermicide is recommended even when you are using nonbarrier methods of birth control such as birth control pills - the Pill or intrauterine devices - IUDs, since these do not offer any protection from STDs.
The safety of using spermicides in the rectum - lower bowel, anus, or rectal area is not known. However, no side effects or problems have been reported that are various from those reported for use in the vagina.
Vaginal spermicides are available without a prescription, in the following dosage forms:
Some commonly using brand names are:
In the USA
In Canada
For quick reference, the following spermicides are numbered to match the corresponding brand names.