How long do spermicides provide protection

These are solid forms of concentrated spermicide that melt into a foam after insertion inside the vagina. People should use a new insert every time they engage in sexual intercourse. Those who use spermicidal suppositories should wait 10—15 minutes before having sex to allow the product to melt.

Online companies that offer vaginal suppositories and tablets for contraception use include Instacart. The package comes with 12 individually wrapped inserts. According to the label, the inserts do not cause any hormonal side effects.

Instacart also has a smartphone app that is available for Apple and Android devices. Before using a spermicide, it is advisable for people to check the expiry date and carefully read any instructions regarding how to use it, when to use it, and how long it is effective. Generally, individuals should attempt to insert spermicide into the vagina, close to the cervix, roughly 10—15 minutes before sexual intercourse. The insertion method may vary slightly with different forms of spermicide, but they typically come with an applicator, so people can lie down, squat, or put one foot on a chair and insert it.

Most spermicides are only effective for 1 hour after insertion. A person should also reinsert spermicide for each act of penetrative sex. It is also advisable that people use spermicide together with another barrier form of birth control, such as a condom. Some benefits of spermicides include the below. Most spermicides are also cheaper than other birth control methods and are available in many stores.

Spermicides do not offer protection against STIs. With this in mind, it is advisable to use spermicide together with condoms, as this can reduce the transmission risk of STIs and also reduce the chance of pregnancy. Spermicides containing nonoxynol-9 can irritate the genital area if a person uses it several times a day on sensitive skin. In some cases, this damage to the genital area may increase the chance of contracting an STI.

If irritation occurs, consider switching brands or speak with a doctor to discuss other birth control methods. Spermicide is a reversible form of birth control that can lower the chance of pregnancy. It is a chemical that inactivates sperm, preventing it from reaching an egg. These are available in foam, suppository, and film products. However, spermicide is not the most effective form of contraception and does not offer protection from STIs.

Therefore, many experts recommend using spermicide in combination with other birth control methods, such as condoms. Please note: Medical News Today does not imply warranty of fitness for a particular purpose or endorse any of these applications.

Nobody at MNT has evaluated these apps for medical accuracy. For those having sex, condoms must always be used with spermicide to protect against STDs. Spermicide, especially if used frequently, can cause irritation, which may increase the risk of getting HIV and other sexually transmitted infections. Spermicides may irritate the vagina and surrounding skin. People who can take responsibility for planning birth control in advance of having sex and couples using condoms or other barrier methods of contraception who want extra protection against pregnancy use spermicides.

Reviewed by: Mary L. Gavin, MD Date reviewed: August Note: All information on KidsHealth is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice, diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor. All rights reserved. Find a Doctor. About Us. Community Programs. California Kids Care. International Services. Video Visits: Telemedicine. Locations Main Campus. Satellite Locations. Emergency Care. Urgent Care. Safe Sleep Practices. Pay Your Bill. Financial Assistance. This means that in 1 year, 28 out of women who use spermicide as their only method of birth control get pregnant.

This means that in a year, 12 out of women who use a diaphragm and spermicide together get pregnant. Advantages of spermicides They do not affect future fertility for either the woman or the man. They are used only at the time of sexual intercourse. They are safe to use while breastfeeding birth control that contains estrogen affects milk supply. They are less expensive than hormonal methods of birth control.

They are safe for women who have other health problems birth control that contains estrogen makes some health conditions worse. Disadvantages of spermicides Failure rates for barrier methods are higher than for most other methods of birth control. Other disadvantages include the following: Spermicides cause an extra discharge from the vagina. Women who use spermicides should not douche for at least 8 hours after intercourse so that the spermicide continues to work to prevent pregnancy.

Douching is not recommended for women in general. Some people are allergic to nonoxynol-9, the active ingredient in most spermicides. They can develop itching or sores in the vagina or on the penis, which make it more likely that HIV can be passed from an infected person during sex. Some people are embarrassed to use spermicide and a barrier method or worry that it may interrupt foreplay or intercourse. This can create a problem with using it every time they have sex.

References Citations Raymond EG, et al. Contraceptive effectiveness and safety of five nonoxynol-9 spermicides: A randomized trial. Obstetrics and Gynecology , 3 : — Trussell J, Guthrie KA Choosing a contraceptive: Efficacy, safety, and personal considerations. In RA Hatcher et al.

Atlanta: Ardent Media.