From: www.tiscali.co.uk/lifestyle/
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It is possible to use sperm-killing (spermicidal) chemicals as an aid to contraception. One advantage of these products is that you can buy them from any pharmacy without prescription. But these agents really SHOULDN'T be employed on their own, because they're not effective enough. If you use them by themselves, there's a high chance that sperm will get through sometimes - and cause pregnancy.
So, all family planning experts agree that chemical contraception should ONLY be used in combination with a 'barrier method' - such as a condom or a cap. The chemicals make these barrier methods more effective. In other words, fewer pregnancies will occur if you use a condom or cap with a spermicidal chemical. From time to time, manufacturers may suggest that these agents are so good that they can be used on their own! Don't pay any attention to these claims.
There is only one situation in which you might want to use a chemical contraceptive on its own: if you both feel that it wouldn't matter if a pregnancy occurred.
How do chemical contraceptives work?
They work by killing sperm inside the vagina. They do this
because they contain a spermicide - that is, an agent which attacks sperm. The
commonest spermicide used in these products is called nonoxinol-9.
How do you use them?
You put them into your vagina before
intercourse. In the case of solid preparations (see below), you must give them
time to dissolve before you start having sex. Follow the instructions on the
leaflet in the package.
What types of chemical contraceptives are there?
There are various types and which one you choose is up to you.
Generally people make their choice on the basis of what appeals to them
aesthetically. For instance, one couple may prefer the feel, appearance and
taste of foam, while others prefer the simplicity of a vaginal
tablet.
The main types are as follows.
Vaginal tablets
Gels, jellies and creams
Films
Sponges
Can chemicals harm you?
At present, there is no information as to whether spermicidal
products could harm a baby, if pregnancy occurred. (Please note that in some
countries, pharmacists may still be selling old-fashioned spermicidal products
which can attack rubber. These products, which are mainly
oil-based, could make holes in rubber condoms or caps.)
Will spermicidal chemicals protect you against
disease?
Will spermicidal chemicals last all night?
What brands are available?
For further help with your contraception, please see our other
articles about different
contraceptive methods on the
site.
These are also widely known as pessaries. In some books about
sex, you may find them referred to as 'suppositories'. This term has now been
dropped - because most people understand the word 'suppository' to mean
something put into the rectum.
These are mainly intended for spreading onto contraceptive
caps before insertion.
Squares of contraceptive film are still marketed in some
countries, though they have fallen out of favour in the UK. At one time,
manufacturers suggested that the film should be put on the tip of the penis
before the start of intercourse. This is risky, and we do not recommend it.
Those containing spermicide were popular in the 1990s but have
now dropped out of fashion in Western countries, due to a high pregnancy rate.
Various fragrances, colourings and other components are
contained in spermicidal products. Not surprisingly, both men and women can
become allergic to these ingredients. Symptoms of allergy include soreness,
swelling, redness and itching. If allergy occurs, take medical advice and
switch to another product (or method).
No. There has been some publicity about the fact that
nonoxinol-9 has an anti-germ action. Nonetheless, it cannot give you any
worthwhile protection against
HIV or other
sex infections.
No. In general, spermicides are only effective for about 45 to
60 minutes. If you go on having sex longer than that (or if you have sex
twice), you need to insert a top-up of spermicide.
This varies from country to country. In the UK, the following
brands are on sale. None of these is known to harm condoms or caps:
The documents contained in this web site are presented for information purposes only. The material is in no way intended to replace professional medical care or attention by a qualified practitioner. The materials in this web site cannot and should not be used as a basis for diagnosis or choice of treatment. Conditions for use
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