Spermicide
If you are looking for sure ways and options in preventing impregnation, a combination of contraceptive methods is the way to go. Usually, spermicides are used in combination with barrier methods like condoms, cervical caps and diaphragms. However, it can be used independently as contraception.
Spermicides are chemical substances that kill the sperm within the woman’s reproductive parts. The active ingredient is nonoxynol-9. Before that octoxynol-9 was used but was later removed from the market since it failed FDA requirements. With some contraceptive products, spermicides are already doused acting like a lubricant and contraceptive in one.
It should be inserted into the vagina before sexual intercourse. Spermicides come in different types: jellies, foams, cream, suppositories and films. But their action is basically the same. After coitus, the spermicide must be left for at least 8 hours to give some time to kill the sperm. In reality, the sperm can still live within the woman’s reproductive area hours and days after sex. So, it is crucial that the woman insert more spermicide if she feels it is needed even after intercourse.
Covered in Spermicide
On a downside, spermicides do not protect the users from possible sexually transmitted diseases. Since its action is to the sperm, spermicides do not act as antimicrobials in such ways. Hence, spread of infection is very possible. To address this issue, the user can use spermicidal with condoms to better protect from gonorrhea, syphilis and HIV infections.
With some people, allergies may result from the contact of these substances. Nonoxynol-9 has been noted to bring certain side effects. Irritation in the genital area, rashes and other allergic reactions like itchiness may result from its use. On another note, controversy has been raised over its contribution and high risk to birth defects in children. In safe amounts and use, women should not worry about this substance being absorbed if they get pregnant. It has been noted that it will not give problems should pregnancy result.
| Advantages |
* Provides additional lubrication * Provides birth control at 71-82% when used alone * Provides better birth control when in combination with other contraceptive methods * No hormonal side effects |
| Disadvantages |
* Does not protect from STDs * May not work effectively if vagina is washed off after sexual contact * May be messy and malodorous * Possible chronic irritation within the cervical walls due to its regular use |
Video
This video talks about the different contraceptive methods for the prevention of unwanted pregnancies including spermicides.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=no9lYZl-Dhw
Related Links
Wikipedia
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spermicide
http://www.webmd.com/sex/birth-control/birth-control-spermicides
http://shopping.aol.com/spermicides-products/
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