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Spermicide
How it works
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Covers cervix (opening to uterus)
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Spermicide kills sperm in vagina
How it's used
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Comes in the form of foam, cream, jelly, film, and vaginal inserts
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Water-based spermicides can be added to the surface of a condom for extra protection against pregnancy
- Inserted into vagina no more than 20 minutes before sexual
intercourse, unless labeling indicates otherwise
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Must be inserted before each act of intercourse
Benefits
- No major health concerns
- No exam needed
- Spermicidal cream or jelly can be bought in a drugstore
without prescription
- Serves as a good lubricant
- Inexpensive
Concerns
- Can be messy
- Occasionally a woman or man is allergic to a brand of
foam (she/he can change brands)
- No protection against STIs
- May increase risk of transmission of HIV
- Only products with the words "spermicide" or "non-oxynol-9"
on the label give you protection against pregnancy
Effectiveness:
80% (Spermicide Alone)
98% - 99% (Spermicide With Condom)
82% - 94% (Spermicide with Diaphragm or Cervical Cap)
More information on Spermicides
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Back to Birth Control Methods
Adapted from PPFA (www.plannedparenthood.org) and Planned Parenthood
Golden Gate (www.ppgg.org)
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