Spermicide: How to use, benefits, risks and effectiveness

What is spermicide?

Spermicide is a form of birth control that works by stopping a male sperm cell from reaching the female egg cell, thus preventing fertilization. Spermicide comes in foams, gels, pastes, and suppositories. Spermicide must be placed inside the vagina before sexual intercourse. [1]

How does spermicide work? 

Contrary to its name, spermicide doesn’t actually kill sperm cells. Spermicide works in two ways: firstly, it blocks the entrance to the cervix so sperm cannot reach the egg cell. Secondly, there’s a special chemical in spermicide called nonoxynol-9 that inactivates sperm, so it’s harder for it to travel around the female reproductive tract. [1] 

How to use spermicide

It’s important you closely follow the instructions that come with spermicide as these can vary between manufacturers. However, most types of spermicide will require you to place the paste, foam, or gel inside the vagina 30 minutes before sex. Spermicide can protect you for up to three hours, but it’s important to apply more if you have sex again after this window. [2]

If you’re using a cervical cap or diaphragm as birth control, these are recommended to be used with spermicide. Your doctor can instruct you on how best to use the two together when you get your cap or diaphragm fitted.

What are the different types of spermicide available? 

You can find many types of spermicide with different consistencies, some come in gels or creams, and others may be more solid suppositories that you place inside the vagina. There is also a contraceptive gel that’s similar to spermicide, called Phexxi. This requires a prescription.[3]

As well as using spermicide with diaphragms and caps, you can also buy condoms that come with spermicide. This can be a handy way to add another level of protection. If you choose to use spermicide and condoms together, it’s a good idea to check the instructions of both to make sure you’re following them correctly. It’s recommended to use a spermicide that’s compatible with latex so as not to cause the condom to weaken or break.[4]

How effective is spermicide? 

Compared to some other forms of contraception, spermicide doesn’t have a very high efficacy rate. With typical use, spermicide is 79% effective, meaning on average, 21 out of 100 women will get pregnant over a year of using this method. Even when all guidance is correctly followed, spermicide is only 84% effective with perfect use. [5] For this reason, it’s best to use spermicide as well as another form of birth control, like condoms, to boost the overall effectiveness. 

The contraceptive gel Phexxi has a higher effectiveness than spermicide and is 86% effective with typical use and 93% effective with perfect use. [6]

How much does spermicide cost and where can I buy it? 

One of the advantages of this method is its accessibility. You can purchase spermicide over the counter in most pharmacies, drug stores, and supermarkets. The price of spermicide varies, you may be able to pick some up for free or reduced cost at a sexual health clinic, but in most drug stores, you can expect to pay around $8 to $15 per kit.[7]

What are the benefits of spermicide?

• Hormone-free birth control: Spermicide doesn’t contain any synthetic hormones, meaning it can be a good option for those who want to avoid hormonal birth control like the pill.
• Use it when you need it: You only need to use spermicide when you have sex, this can be preferable to some people who would rather not take birth control continuously or have something long-term in their body, like an IUD.
• It can boost the efficacy of other methods: While it’s not the most effective on its own, spermicide can be used alongside other types of birth control for an added layer of protection.
• No prescription needed: With the exception of Phexxi, it’s easy to get hold of in any drug store or pharmacy. There’s no age limit on who can buy spermicide, and it’s relatively low cost.

What are the disadvantages of spermicide? 

• It’s not as effective as other methods: If effectiveness is top of your list when it comes to choosing birth control, spermicide may not be the right choice for you.
• Doesn’t protect against STIs: You’re still at risk from sexually transmitted infections while using spermicide on its own. Consider using spermicidal condoms if you want to increase your protection against both pregnancy and STIs.
• Increased risk of UTIs: The use of spermicide has been shown to increase the risk of urinary tract infections.[8] If you’re already prone to these, spermicide may not be the right birth control option for you. 
• Increased risk of HIV: Frequent use of Nonoxynol-9 (a chemical found in spermicide) can cause changes in the vagina and rectum that may increase the risk of getting HIV from an infected partner. [9]
• Some people are allergic: Just like with condoms, the chemicals in spermicide can cause an adverse reaction in some people. There are plenty of different types you can try, but it’s always worth talking to your doctor if you notice any unusual changes. Keep in mind that spermicide should never be ingested. 

Can spermicide cause side effects?

While spermicide is non-hormonal, it still contains some chemicals and substances your body may not react well to. Spermicide contains Nonoxynol-9, an ingredient that can irritate the sensitive genital area. If you notice you or your partner has increased sensitivity after using spermicide, you may want to switch brands or try another birth control method. [10]

Can I use Spermicide with Natural Cycles? 

Natural Cycles is the world’s first birth control app. Non-hormonal and free from side effects, it’s another contraceptive option out there for those of you who want to avoid hormonal methods. Natural Cycles works by determining your fertile window based on body temperature. Once you know the days in your cycle you can get pregnant, you can choose to abstain from sex or use protection on these fertile days. 

We always recommend using Natural Cycles with condoms on fertile days, as these are the most effective barrier method available. However, if you want to use spermicide as well, it’s perfectly safe to do so providing you follow the instructions that come with both condoms and spermicide. Natural Cycles is 93% effective with typical use and 98% effective with perfect use. Why not find out if it could work for you today?