Spermicide is a chemical you can use to prevent pregnancy. It stops sperm from reaching and fertilizing an egg. You can buy spermicide over the counter in a variety of forms, including creams, gels, foams, films, and suppositories.
If you’re considering using spermicide, it’s important to understand how effective it is, along with its limitations. Compared to other birth control methods, spermicide is relatively ineffective when used alone.
This article provides an overview of how effective spermicide is, how to use it, and what you should consider when choosing a birth control method.
How Spermicide Works and Types Available
Spermicides use chemicals — often nonoxynol-9 — to kill sperm or stop them from moving. You have to insert spermicide into the vagina before you have sex.
Spermicides come in several forms:
- Creams, gels, and foams: You apply these products directly into the vagina. Some contraceptive gels also provide lubrication.
- Films: These are thin sheets that dissolve and release spermicide. You have to insert vaginal contraceptive films before you have sex.
- Suppositories: These are solid forms that dissolve into foam.
- Sponges: These devices are inserted into the vagina and contain spermicide. Vaginal contraceptive sponges offer protection for up to 24 hours.
Effectiveness of Spermicide: Alone vs. Combined Use
The effectiveness of spermicide varies significantly depending on whether it’s used alone or in combination with other birth control methods.
Spermicide Used Alone
Spermicide isn’t the most effective method when used by itself. About 28 out of 100 couples who rely solely on spermicide will experience an unintended pregnancy within a year. This translates to a typical use failure rate of around 28%.
The effectiveness of spermicide alone depends on factors like proper application and timing. Some types need to be inserted 10 to 15 minutes before sexual activity.
Spermicide Combined with Other Methods
Spermicide becomes much more effective when used with barrier methods. When combined with other birth control, the failure rate drops to between 3% and 10%.
Examples of effective combinations include spermicide used with condoms, diaphragms, or cervical caps. When spermicide is used correctly with condoms, the pregnancy rate can be less than 1%.
Spermicide Condoms
Condoms that already have spermicide on them might offer a slight boost in effectiveness, and it’s important to select the proper condom sizes. With perfect use, a spermicide condom’s failure rate can be as low as 1%. However, this depends on the specific type of condom and how consistently it’s used.
Limitations of Spermicide: STIs and Side Effects
While spermicide can help prevent pregnancy, it’s important to know its limitations.
No Protection Against STIs
Spermicide doesn’t protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs) like chlamydia, gonorrhea, or HIV. If you’re concerned about STIs, using condoms is crucial.
Potential Side Effects
Some people experience side effects from spermicide use, including:
- Vaginal irritation or allergic reactions: Spermicides can cause itching, burning, or general irritation in the vaginal area.
- Increased risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs) in some women: Studies have shown a possible link between spermicide use and a higher risk of developing UTIs.
How to use spermicide correctly
If you choose to use spermicide, make sure you follow these guidelines:
- Read the label. Every spermicide product is slightly different, so read the instructions thoroughly before using it.
- Time it right. Insert the spermicide 10 to 15 minutes before you have sex.
- Reapply. You’ll need to use more spermicide each time you have intercourse.
- Don’t douche too soon. Wait at least six hours after sex before douching.
Cost, Availability, and Alternatives
Cost and Availability
One of the upsides to spermicide is that it’s available without a prescription. You can purchase it at most drugstores, supermarkets, and online retailers.
The cost varies depending on the type of spermicide you choose, but it generally ranges from about $0.60 to $3 per use.
Alternative Birth Control Methods
If you’re not sure about spermicide, there are many other reversible birth control options available, such as IUDs, implants, oral contraceptives, vaginal rings, and barrier methods like condoms and diaphragms.
It’s important to talk to your doctor or other healthcare provider to get personalized advice about which birth control method is best for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the failure rate of spermicides?
Spermicides aren’t the most effective birth control method when used alone. With typical use, around 21 out of 100 women will get pregnant each year using spermicide.
What is the chance of pregnancy with spermicide?
The chance of pregnancy with spermicide varies depending on how consistently and correctly it’s used. With perfect use, the pregnancy rate is around 13%, but with typical use (which is more realistic), that rate jumps to 21%.
Why do spermicides fail?
Spermicides often fail because they need to be used correctly and consistently every time you have sex. People may not insert it properly, may not wait the required time before intercourse, or may not reapply it for each act of intercourse. These factors can significantly reduce its effectiveness.
How effective is spermicide if you don’t pull out?
Spermicide is more effective when combined with other methods like condoms or the withdrawal method (“pulling out”). If you rely solely on spermicide without withdrawal, the risk of pregnancy is higher compared to using it with another method.
What is the most effective birth control?
The most effective birth control methods are long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs) like IUDs and implants, which have failure rates of less than 1% per year. Sterilization (tubal ligation or vasectomy) is also highly effective. Hormonal birth control pills, patches, and rings are more effective than spermicide but require consistent and correct use.
Key Takeaways
Spermicide is a convenient option, but when used alone, it’s not the most effective method of birth control. It’s much less effective than other options.
You can boost the effectiveness of spermicide by using it with barrier methods like condoms, diaphragms, or cervical caps.
It’s also important to remember that spermicide will not protect you from sexually transmitted infections. Safer sex practices are essential to protect your health.