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By Mayo Clinic staffTo use spermicide:
- Choose a type of spermicide. Foams, gels and creams offer immediate protection, while suppositories, films and tablets need to be inserted 10 to 30 minutes before sex to dissolve and become active. If more than one hour passes between the application of spermicide and sex, reapply spermicide.
- Apply spermicide. Find a comfortable position, such as lying down. Use an applicator or your fingers to insert spermicide into your vagina on or near your cervix. If you use an applicator, fill the applicator with the recommended amount of cream, gel or foam and insert it into your vagina as far as it will go. Push the plunger on the applicator to release the spermicide near your cervix. To insert spermicide by hand, wash and dry your hands and place the suppository, film or tablet on your fingers. Slide your fingers along the back wall of your vagina as far as you can so that the spermicide covers or rests on or near your cervix. If you're using spermicide with a diaphragm or contraceptive sponge, follow the instructions that come with the device. Don't use spermicide rectally. If you have sex more than once, apply fresh spermicide before each sexual encounter.
- Be cautious after sex. For maximum effectiveness, make sure the spermicide remains in your vagina for at least six hours after sex. After six hours, there's no need to clean any remaining spermicide from your vagina. Douching isn't recommended — but if you choose to douche after sex, wait at least six hours.
Consult your health care provider if you have:
- Persistent vaginal irritation
- Recurring urinary tract infections
References
- Turok D. The quest for better contraception: Future methods. Obstetrics and Gynecology Clinics of North America. 2007;34:137.
- Frequently asked questions: Birth control methods. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. http://www.womenshealth.gov/faq/birth-control-methods.pdf. Accessed Oct. 2, 2009.
- Barrier methods of contraception. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. http://www.acog.org/publications/patient_education/bp022.cfm. Accessed Oct. 2, 2009.
- Over-the-counter vaginal contraceptive and spermicide drug products containing nonoxynol-9; Required labeling. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. http://www.fda.gov/OHRMS/DOCKETS/98fr/80n-0280-nfr0003.pdf. Accessed Oct. 23, 2009.
- Cates W, et al. Vaginal barriers and spermicides. In: Hatcher RA, et al. Contraceptive Technology. 19th ed. New York, N.Y.: Ardent Media, Inc.; 2007:317.
- Zieman M. Overview of contraception. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Oct. 2, 2009.
- Harms RW (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Nov. 13, 2009.
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