Download ArticleDownload ArticleThis article was medically reviewed by Luba Lee, FNP-BC, MS and by How.com.vn staff writer, Hannah Madden. Luba Lee, FNP-BC is a Board-Certified Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) and educator in Tennessee with over a decade of clinical experience. Luba has certifications in Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), Emergency Medicine, Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), Team Building, and Critical Care Nursing. She received her Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) from the University of Tennessee in 2006.
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Trying to prevent pregnancy while having sex? Spermicides are a popular pregnancy prevention method, because they don’t require a prescription and they don’t use hormones to block pregnancy. Spermicides are the most effective when used correctly, so it’s important to know what you’re doing before use. Read through this article to learn everything you need to know about spermicides, including how they work, how effective they are, and how to use the different types.
Things You Should Know
- Spermicides are a form of pregnancy prevention that kill sperm inside of the vagina. However, they do not protect against STDs or STIs.
- Spermicides come in many different forms, including gels, creams, jellies, suppositories, and films.
- To use spermicides, insert them into your vagina 15 minutes before having sex. Reapply after 1 hour or whenever you have sex again.
- Spermicides may cause irritation or itchiness if you have sensitive skin.
Steps
How to Use Spermicide
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Insert the spermicide 10 to 15 minutes before having sex. Spermicides need a couple of minutes to start working. Plan ahead and use your spermicide at least 10 or 15 minutes before you start having vaginal sex.[3]
Stand with 1 leg up on a chair. To make application easier, either lie back with your knees bent, or stand with one foot up on a chair. This position will open up your vagina and relax your muscles.[4]
Insert the spermicide with an applicator or your finger. In order to work, spermicide needs to go deep into your vagina. If your spermicide has an applicator, load it with spermicide and then insert it into your vagina, getting as close to the cervix as you can. If not, use your fingers to insert the spermicide into your vagina.[5]- Different spermicides may have different methods of application. Always read the instructions on your spermicide before you use it.
- For most spermicides, the applicator will have a dosage line that you fill to. However, you should always double check your specific spermicide for directions.
Have sex within 60 minutes of using spermicide. After 1 hour, spermicides become less effective. If you’re going to have sex, do it within 60 minutes of application.[6]
Reapply spermicide every time you have sex. Typically, spermicides are only effective for 1 round of sex. If you have sex again, even if it’s with the same partner, reapply your spermicide.[7]
Do not wash out or remove the spermicide after sex. In order to let the spermicide work, don’t put anything else in your vagina for at least 6 hours. Don’t wash out your vagina either, as that can make the spermicide less effective.[8]
How Do You Prevent Pregnancy?
Expert Q&A
Video
Tips
- You don’t need a prescription to use spermicide. You can find most spermicides at any drug store near you.[17]Thanks
Warnings
References
- ↑ https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/barrier-methods-of-birth-control-spermicide-condom-sponge-diaphragm-and-cervical-cap
- ↑ https://myhealth.alberta.ca/sexual-reproductive-health/birth-control/non-hormonal-birth-control/vaginal-spermicides
- ↑ https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/004003.htm
- ↑ https://www.peelregion.ca/health/talk-to-me/download/lesson-plans/lesson5-pdf/lesson5l.pdf
- ↑ https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/004003.htm
- ↑ https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/004003.htm
- ↑ https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/barrier-methods-of-birth-control-spermicide-condom-sponge-diaphragm-and-cervical-cap
- ↑ https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/barrier-methods-of-birth-control-spermicide-condom-sponge-diaphragm-and-cervical-cap
- ↑ https://www.mountsinai.org/health-library/special-topic/vaginal-sponge-and-spermicides
- ↑ https://www.peelregion.ca/health/talk-to-me/download/lesson-plans/lesson5-pdf/lesson5l.pdf
- ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/birth-control/multimedia/spermicide/img-20005721
- ↑ https://teenhealthsource.com/birthcontrol/vaginal-contraceptive-film-vcf-details/
- ↑ https://www.mountsinai.org/health-library/special-topic/vaginal-sponge-and-spermicides
- ↑ https://www.nhsinform.scot/healthy-living/contraception/getting-started/the-different-types-of-contraception
- ↑ https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/contraception/male-condoms/
- ↑ https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/barrier-methods-of-birth-control-spermicide-condom-sponge-diaphragm-and-cervical-cap
- ↑ https://healthy.kaiserpermanente.org/health-wellness/birth-control/types/spermicide
- ↑ https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/004003.htm
- ↑ https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/004003.htm
About This Article
Medical Disclaimer
The content of this article is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, examination, diagnosis, or treatment. You should always contact your doctor or other qualified healthcare professional before starting, changing, or stopping any kind of health treatment.
To use a spermicide, try using a foam, cream, or jelly spermicide. First, fill the applicator tube with the product. Then, get into a comfortable position, such as lying on your back, since the spermicide needs to be inserted deep inside your vagina. Once you’re in position, gently insert the tube into your vagina. Next, squeeze the spermicide out. If you find the applicator uncomfortable, use your finger instead, but make sure you use the same amount of spermicide. Remember that spermicide is effective for about an hour, so you’ll need to apply it every time you have sex. You should also try to use spermicide with a condom, since the spermicide alone won’t protect you from STDs. For tips from our Medical co-author on how to use a film spermicide, keep reading!
