Who uses spermicides?

Spermicides are useful for both partners. The boy and the girl can apply spermicides on the condom. But, most of the time, it’s the girl who must insert spermicides into her vagina.

What are spermicides?

Spermicides are a chemical called nonoxynol-9, available in the form of a cream, gel, foam, tablet or suppository. Spermicides are used to destroy sperm cells.

Tell me, how does it work?

When the spermicide is inserted in your vagina, in front of the cervix, it destroys sperm on contact. If you want it to be efficient, you must apply spermicide at the right moment (it is written on the packaging). Spermicide must be combined with another method (ex.: condom) because alone, it doesn’t provide full protection against unintended pregnancies and STIs. Some condom brands have spermicides already applied on them.

Do you think spermicides are an efficient protection against unintended pregnancy?

If they are used alone, they are 79 % to 94 % effective. But, spermicides become a very efficient method when you use it with another barrier method like a condom.

Do you think spermicides protect against STIs (1)?

No, they do not protect you against STIs. This chemical product irritates the skin of the vagina and the penis and so increases the risks of HIV transmission.

Can you tell me more about spermicides?

Avantages

• You can choose your spermicide among a vast range of brands and products.

• Spermicides are an efficient method if it is combined with another barrier method such as the condom.

• Spermicides lubricate your vagina, which helps for penetration.

Inconveniences... and possible solutions

• Spermicides can provoke irritation at the entrance of the vagina or at the top of the penis. If this method doesn’t suit you or your partner, it is important to evaluate your situation and choose a contraceptive which can meet your expectations.

• You must apply spermicides at the right moment to make it really efficient. You just have to follow the package instructions.

More information

• You and your partner should use spermicides combined to another barrier method as the condom or female condom, in order to avoid unplanned pregnancy and be protected against most STIs.

• Condoms can be used with every spermicide.

$$$

Spermicides cost about 10 $ to 20 $.

Hey you , lover!
Hey you, partner!

If you have decided with your partner to use spermicides for your sexual activities as a method of  contraception and of protection, that’s great! But, keep in mind that spermicides alone are not completely  efficient against unwanted pregnancy and STIs.

That’s why you can be involved in many ways to make YOUR contraception and YOUR protection against STIs:

• Suggest to your partner to use another barrier method, like the condom in combination with permicides. Your partner will think you are respectful and responsible in front of this proposal.

• Offer to your partner to share the cost of spermicides.

• If your partner and you don’t have condom around you, propose her the COCO method, an exciting and riskless method.

PLEASURE IS GUARANTEED!

N.B. Italic texts are inspired by or a reproduction of the SOCIETY OF OBSTETRICIANS AND GYNAECOLOGISTS
OF CANADA. Sex sense. Canadian contraception guide, 2nd ed., 2005, p. 108-113.

1. Sexually Transmitted Infections, like AIDS