Spermicide is one of the contraceptive options to prevent pregnancy. Although not as popular as other contraceptives, such as condoms, birth control pills, or spiral contraception, spermicide has its advantages, you know. Get to know more about specicides, so you can use them properly.
Spermicides are contraceptives that work by killing or stopping the movement of sperm, so they cannot fertilize an egg. These contraceptives contain chemicals called nonoxynol-9.
How Spermicides Work in Preventing Pregnancy
Spermicides are non-hormonal contraceptives. That means there are no hormonal side effects, such as changes in the reproductive cycle, when using spermicides. This tool is also generally safe to use by pregnant women.
Compared to other contraceptives, spermicide is relatively easy to use and carry everywhere. In addition, the use of spermicides also does not require a doctor's prescription and can be purchased over the counter at drugstores.
Spermicides are available in many forms, ranging from creams, jellies, foams (foam), tablets (suppositories), vaginal contraceptive film (VCF), to sponges. Some condom products are also equipped with spermicide.
This contraceptive can kill sperm and stop their movement before sperm can swim into the uterus. To be more effective, the spermicide must be placed deep in the vagina or near the cervix.
Spermicide Available in Several Forms
Here are the various forms of spermicide products and how to use them:
1. Cream
Spermicide cream is used by spraying it into the vagina using a special applicator. Spermicide creams are more effective when they are sprayed right before sex. Its effectiveness will decrease after 30 minutes of spraying.
2. Jelly
Just like the cream form, jelly spermicide is also used by spraying it into the vagina using an applicator. Spermicide jelly can only be effective after 1 hour sprayed. So, if you want to have sex again after the last 1 hour, the jelly spermicide must be reused.
3. Foam
Before use, the foam spermicide bottle must be shaken for 30 seconds. Use a special applicator to take the foam in the bottle, then spray it inside the vagina.
Like cream spermicides, foam spermicides are ideally used right before sex and are only effective within 30 minutes.
4. Tablets
Spermicide tablets will dissolve into foam after 10-15 minutes are inserted into the vagina. This form of spermicide is considered less effective than other forms because it is difficult to know whether the tablet has completely dissolved or not.
5. Vaginal contraceptive film (VCF)
VCF spermicide is a tip sheet that is used by inserting it into the vagina. Its use is quite easy, you only need to fold the VCF sheet, place it on your fingertips, then insert the VCF fold into the vagina until it is close to the cervix or cervix.
The VCF sheet will dissolve into a gel for about 15 minutes and after that you can only have sexual intercourse.
6. Sponge
Sponge spermicide is round, has a soft texture, and has a string to pull the sponge out of the vagina. Before being inserted into the vagina, the sponge must be moistened with water first. The sponge will cover the cervix and release substances that can kill sperm cells.
Things to Pay Attention to Before Using Spermicide
Unfortunately, despite its practicality and ease of use, spermicide is not an effective method of contraception to prevent pregnancy. Even when used correctly, the success rate is only about 75%.
To be more effective at preventing pregnancy, spermicides need to be combined with other methods of contraception, such as condoms, diaphragms, or vaginal contraceptives cervical cap. In addition, compared to condoms, the price of spermicide is more expensive and does not last long.
The use of spermicides is also quite often causes allergic reactions or irritation of the vagina, penis, or skin around the intimate organs. This can cause symptoms in the form of itching, burning, and redness in the intimate organs.
If used too often, spermicide can also disrupt the balance of bacteria in the vagina so that there is a risk of triggering a bacterial infection in the vagina or urinary tract infection. In addition, the use of spermicide without a condom also does not provide protection against sexually transmitted diseases.
Until now, spermicide has not been proven to have greater benefits and effectiveness compared to other contraceptive methods. So, it's better to use it only as a support for other contraceptives, right?
If you experience an allergic reaction or irritation in your intimate organs after using spermicide, you should replace this method of contraception with another type of contraception.
If you still have questions regarding spermicides or are confused about which method of contraception suits your conditions and needs, you should consult a doctor.
