Spermicide

Spermicide
Background
TypeSpermicide
First useAncient
Failure rates (first year)
Perfect use6%
Typical use16%[1]
Usage
ReversibilityImmediate
User remindersMore effective if combined with a barrier method
Advantages and disadvantages
STI protectionNo
Weight gainNo
BenefitsProvides lubrication

Spermicide is a contraceptive substance that destroys sperm, inserted vaginally prior to intercourse to prevent pregnancy. As a contraceptive, spermicide may be used alone. However, the pregnancy rate experienced by couples using only spermicide is higher than that of couples using other methods. Usually, spermicides are combined with contraceptive barrier methods such as diaphragms, condoms, cervical caps, and sponges. Combined methods are believed to result in lower pregnancy rates than either method alone.[2]

Spermicides are typically unscented, clear, unflavored, non-staining, and lubricative.

  1. ^ Grimes, David A; Lopez, Laureen M; Raymond, Elizabeth G.; Halpern, Vera; Nanda, Kavita; Schulz, Kenneth F (30 September 2013). Halpern, Vera (ed.). "Spermicide used alone for contraception". Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews (12): CD005218.pub3. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD005218.pub4. PMID 24307556.
  2. ^ Kestelman P, Trussell J (1991). "Efficacy of the simultaneous use of condoms and spermicides". Fam Plann Perspect. 23 (5): 226–7, 232. doi:10.2307/2135759. JSTOR 2135759. PMID 1743276.