Spermicides : Before Using

Spermicides - Vaginal

Spermicides *** Before Using *** How to Use *** Fore Safe Use *** Side Effects

Before Using

In deciding to use vaginal spermicides, the chance of using them must be weighed against the good they will do. This is a decision you and possibly your family doctor will make. The following information may help you in making your decision:

Allergic reaction

If you have any unusual or allergy to benzalkonium chloride, nonoxynol 9, or octoxynol 9, it is best to check with your family doctor before using vaginal spermicides.

Pregnancy care

Many studies have shown that the use of vaginal spermicides does not increase the risk of birth defects or miscarriage.

Breast-feeding problem

It is not known if vaginal spermicides pass into breast milk. However, their use has not been reported to cause problems in nursing babies.

Adolescents These products have been using by teenagers and have not been shown to cause various side effects or problems than they do in adults. However, some younger users may need extra counseling and information on the importance of using spermicides exactly as they are supposed to be using so they will work properly.

Drug interactions

If you are using this drug without a prescription, carefully read and follow any precautions on the label. For spermicides, the following must be considered

Salicylates using on the skin - some types of ointments for muscle aches
Sulfonamides - sulfa drug for use in the vagina
Chemicals or substances such as aluminum, citrate, cotton dressings, hydrogen peroxide, iodides, lanolin, nitrates, permanganates, some forms of silver, soaps, detergents, or tartrates Benzalkonium chloride may not work if it comes in direct contact with these as well as many other chemicals

Vaginal douches and rectal or vaginal cleansing products For spermicides to work properly to prevent pregnancy, they must stay in contact with the sperm in the vagina for at least 6 or 8 hours - depending upon which brand of spermicide you use after sexual intercourse Vaginal douching is not necessary after use of these medication . Douching too soon - even with just water may stop the spermicide from working. Always washing or rinsing the vaginal or rectal area may also make the spermicide ineffective in helping to prevent sexually transmitted diseases

Other Information for using

The presence of certain medical problems may effect the use of vaginal spermicides. Since in some cases spermicides must not be using, check with your family doctor if you have any of the following:

Allergies, irritations, or infections of the genitals Using vaginal spermicides may cause moderate to severe irritation in these conditions. Always benzalkonium suppositories may be less effective in women with vaginal infections

Conditions or medical problems where it is important that pregnancy does not occur Vaginal spermicides when using alone are much less effective than birth control pills or the IUD or spermicides using with another form of birth control such as cervical caps, condoms, or diaphragms. Discuss with your family doctor what your options are for birth control and the chance and benefits of each method

Recent childbirth or abortion
Toxic shock syndrome - history of Cervical caps or diaphragms must not be using in these cases because there is an increased risk of developing toxic shock syndrome

Sores on the genitals - sex organs
Irritation of the vagina It is not known whether spermicides can cause breaks in the skin that could increase the chance of getting a sexually transmitted disease, especially AIDS. Discuss this with a family doctor if you have any questions

If you develop any medical problem or begin using any new drug - prescription or nonprescription while you are using this drug, you may want to check with your family doctor.