| Spermicide | |
|---|---|
 A container of spermicide with a cervical cap | |
| Background | |
| Type | Spermicide |
| First use | Ancient[1] |
| Synonyms | Contraceptive gel[2] |
| Failure rates (first year) | |
| Perfect use | 16%[3] |
| Typical use | 21%[3] |
| Usage | |
| User reminders | More effective with a barrier method[3] |
| Advantages and disadvantages | |
| STI protection | No[2] |
Spermicide is a type of birth control placed in the vagina prior to sex.[2] With typical use pregnancy occurs in about 21% in the first year, while with perfect use rates are about 16%.[3] Some are effective immediately while others require 15 minutes to activate and they work for about an hour.[3] They may be used with a barrier method such as a diaphragm, condom, or cervical cap which increases effectiveness.[3]
Side effects include irritation, allergic reaction (3%), urinary tract infection, and an increased risk of HIV/AIDS.[3][1] Douching, and possibly bathing, in the six hours after may decrease effectiveness.[3] It does not prevent sexually transmitted infections (STIs).[2] The active ingredient is generally nonoxynol-9 (N-9) which disrupts sperm; though, lactic acid/citric acid/potassium bitartrate is also avaliable.[3] They come in a number of forms including foams, creams, films, and sponges.[3]
Spermicide have been used for thousands of years.[1] As of 2020 it is a relatively infrequently used method of birth control globally.[4] In the United States they are available over the counter.[3] The cost in the United States as of 2024 is generally 60 cents to 3 USD per dose.[5]
References
edit- ^ a b c Grimes, David A; Lopez, Laureen M; Raymond, Elizabeth G.; Halpern, Vera; Nanda, Kavita; Schulz, Kenneth F (30 September 2013). Halpern, Vera (ed.). "Spermicide used alone for contraception". Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews (12): CD005218.pub3. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD005218.pub4. PMID 24307556.
- ^ a b c d "Spermicide and Contraceptive Gel | Spermicidal Lube, Gel & Foam". www.plannedparenthood.org. Archived from the original on 29 March 2024. Retrieved 9 April 2024.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k Cason, Patty; Cwiak, Carrie; Kowal, Deborah; Edelman, Alison (26 September 2023). Contraceptive Technology (22 ed.). Jones & Bartlett Learning. pp. 493–499. ISBN 978-1-284-25503-4. Archived from the original on 10 April 2024. Retrieved 9 April 2024.
- ^ World Family Planning 2022 (PDF). United Nations. 2022. ISBN 9789211483765. Archived (PDF) from the original on 7 December 2023. Retrieved 22 March 2024.
- ^ "Where Can I Buy Spermicide & How Much Will It Cost?". www.plannedparenthood.org. Archived from the original on 5 December 2023. Retrieved 10 April 2024.