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. 

The Pill

What is the pill?

The Pill is one of the most effective forms of birth control. It contains two synthetic female hormones (estrogen and progesterone), which prevent pregnancy by inhibiting the monthly release of the egg from the ovaries. Oral contraceptives are almost 100% effective when taken correctly. The mini-pill contains only one hormone, progesterone, and has an efficacy rate of 97%.


Why the pill?

The Pill is probably the easiest birth control method to use. There are two pill-taking programs: the 21-day regimen and the 28-day regimen. With the 21-day regimen, you take one pill each day for three weeks and then for one week you do not take any pills. The cycle is then repeated. With the

28-day regimen, you take 21 pills first, then seven placebos which contain no active drug. Most women prefer the 28-day regimen because they find it easier to remember to take a pill every day of the year. So just pop it and forget it. What could be easier?


Are there any side effects?

As with most forms of medication, the pill is not without its share of :

Irregular bleeding the first few months
Spotting between periods
Increased appetite
Depression or moodiness
Headaches and/or dizziness
Nausea and vomiting
Scant or missed periods
Weight change
High blood pressure
Breast tenderness

These side effects, though annoying, will not damage your health. Further, they are usually temporary and disappear within three months. If they persist longer, consult your gynecologist.

What are the advantages of the Pill?

It is convenient to use.
Unlike a condom, the pill does not interrupt sex.
Periods are usually lighter and shorter.
Periods get regulated and occur every 28 days.
As it prevents ovulation, in addition to its contraceptive action it also   eliminates mid-cycle pain which some women experience with ovulation.
The pill does not decrease a woman's chances of getting pregnant once she's off the pill and wants to conceive.
Did you know that there are many health benefits to the pill? These benefits include a reduced incidence of benign ovarian cysts, ectopic pregnancy, pelvic inflammatory disease, anemia, rheumatoid arthritis and most importantly, endometrial and ovarian cancer.

And disadvantages?

In addition to its side effects, the Pill has a few disadvantages:
They do not protect a woman from getting sexually transmitted diseases. If there is a danger of contracting an STD, always use a condom.
Some antibiotics can interfere with the way birth control pills work in your body, so if you are on any prescribed medication, inform your gynecologist.
You need to be extremely particular about not missing your pills. If you are the scatty-brain type, it's best to skip this method of birth control.
Though serious problems related to the use of birth control pills are very rare, the chances of developing blood clots, heart attacks, high blood pressure, strokes or liver tumors are slightly greater in women who take birth control pills.

However, you should NOT take the pill if…

You suffer from a history of blood clots, heart related problems like angina or kidney failure.
You have a history of breast cancer or other estrogen-dependent cancers of the reproductive organs.
You are in the acute stages of hepatitis.
You are a heavy smoker above the age of 35.
You start getting migraines after getting on the pill.
You have high blood pressure or diabetes.
You are about to undergo some major surgery.
You are breast-feeding.
You are above the age of 50.