Spermicides - Female Contraceptive Aid

Spermicides - Female Contraceptive Aid

Spermicides are an aid to contraception and are actually not a contraceptive device. They are easy to use with an easy availability. Spermicides do not offer protection against sexually transmitted diseases. When used in conjunction with other contraceptive devices, they are very effective. Read on ‘A guide to Spermicide’ to know more about them.

Spermicides are more of a contraceptive aid than a device. Generally speaking these are s
perm killing substances or formulations that are used with most of the barrier female contraceptive methods. They are easily available off the rack in medical stores and do require any medical examinations or prescriptions. Spermicides are regarded as safe, handy and easy to use option of female contraception.


How Does Spermicides Work?

Have a quick look at how Spermicides work.

Sperms are Prevented From Reaching Uterus - Nonoxynol-9 is a common active ingredient in most of the Spermicide. Its objective is to attack the sperm cell’s surface. Thus the sperm is prevented from reaching the uterus as it sort of damages and degenerates the sperm cells.

It Only Helps to Prevent Pregnancy - It should be noted here that this nonoxynol-9 does not work against or give any protection from the sexually transmitted diseases or infections. Researchers have found that frequent and continuous usage of Spermicides may result in vaginal injuries. The startling fact is that under such conditions, the risk of HIV transmissions can heighten in women.

Risk of Urinary Tract Infection in Involved - Then when Spermicides are used alongside a barrier device, the women also stand a two to three fold risk of urinary tract infections. This can well happen with a diaphragm or even a condom. Now-a-days Spermicides are not advised with male condoms. It may not be very effective always in preventing pregnancies when used with diaphragms.

Therefore, Spermicides do assure enhanced protection against unwanted pregnancies but the procedure has its own limitations.

Not Effective If Sex is Had Frequently - Basically it is found to be very effective for women who do not have frequent sex. Or those who need a back up protection against possible pregnancy; that is, say if she has forgotten to take her regular dosage of birth control pill. Spermicides are recommended to be just used as a primary method of birth control and not used as a shield for sexually transmitted diseases.


How Effective Spermicides Are?

Spermicides need to be inserted deep inside the woman’s vagina with the help of the fingers. An applicator can also be used. In order to maximise its effectiveness, it must be inserted at least ten minutes before intercourse. The success rate of Spermicides considerably depends on the manner that is, how properly it is inserted. This is regardless of the form it is used in.

Although, Spermicides can be used by all themselves, their efficacy gets enhanced when they are coupled with other suitable contraceptive devices. The common ones are the diaphragm and cervical cap. The point that needs to be remembered is that the usage should be proper and it is advisable to decide on its best use after due consultation with an experienced medical practitioner.

As said earlier the exact effectiveness of the Spermicide is suspect under generalised conditions. It has been found is studies when used just on its own, this contraceptive option can effectively prevent pregnancy by 75%.

It must be remembered that Spermicides usually take at least 10 minutes to ‘kick in’ and there are some variants that might take a longer time. Then after each sexual intercourse, the Spermicides need to be reinserted. At times couples feel a discomfort in their genitals while using a Spermicide. In most of the cases, it goes away with a change in the form or brand of the Spermicides.


Spermicides are Available in the Following Forms
Creme
Film
Foam
Gel
Suppository

Spermicide Condoms

This is a latex condom that comes with the Spermicides. These are considered to be great contraception methods to prevent pregnancy as well as offer protection against sexual diseases. There are also various brands of pre-lubricated condoms that offer enhanced and complete protection.