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Spermicide

Spermicide
Background
Type Spermicide
First use Ancient
Kodwaa rates (first year)
Perfect use 18%
Typical use 28%
Usage
Reversibility Immediate
User reminders More effective if combined with a barrier method
Advantages and disadvantages
STI protection No
Weight gain No
Benefits Provides lubrication

Spermicide is a contraceptive substance that destroys sperm, inserted vaginally prior to intercourse to prevent pregnancy. As a contraceptive, spermicide may be used alone. However, the pregnancy rate experienced by couples using only spermicide is higher than that of couples using other methods. Usually, spermicides are combined with contraceptive barrier methods such as diaphragms, condoms, cervical caps, and sponges. Combined methods are believed to result in lower pregnancy rates than either method alone.

Spermicides are unscented, clear, unflavored, non-staining, and lubricative.

The most common active ingredient of spermicides is nonoxynol-9. Spermicides containing nonoxynol-9 are available in many forms, such as jelly (gel), films, and foams. Used alone, spermicides have a perfect use failure rate of 18% per year when used correctly and consistently, and 28% failure rate per year in typical use.

This list of examples was provided by the Mayo Clinic

Each spermicide has its own instructions on how to use it and each product should be read thoroughly. Concerns related to spermicide use should be directed to your health care provider.

Nonoxynol-9 is the primary chemical in spermicides to inhibit sperm motility. Active secondary spermicidal ingredients can include octoxynol-9, benzalkonium chloride and menfegol. These secondary ingredients aren't mainstream in the United States, being the only active ingredient adopted the one cited above. Preventing sperm motility will inhibit the sperm from travelling towards the egg moving down the fallopian tubes to the uterus. In fact the deep proper insertion of spermicide should effectively block the cervix so that sperm cannot make it past the cervix, to the uterus, or the fallopian tubes. Scholars K.T. Bartman and et al. study observing the distribution of spermicide containing Nonoxynol-9 in the vaginal tract, showed “After 10 min the gel spread within the vaginal canal providing a contiguous covering of the epithelium of variable thickness.” The sole goal of spermicide is to prevent fertilization.

Menfegol is a spermicide manufactured as a foaming tablet. It is available only in Europe.

Octoxynol-9 was previously a common spermicide, but was removed from the U.S. market in 2002 after manufacturers failed to perform new studies required by the FDA.


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