Can a spermicide be purchased over-the-counter?
Spermicides and vaginal sponges are two over-the-counter birth control methods used during sex to prevent pregnancy. Over-the-counter means that they can be purchased without a prescription.
Where are spermicides available?
Spermicide is sold in drugstores, grocery stores, and family planning clinics. Spermicide and a condom used together provide a reasonable level of birth control without a prescription.
What are the 4 types of spermicides?
They come in several different forms: cream, gel, foam, film, and suppositories. Spermicides can be used alone but are more effective when used with another birth control method, such as condoms or a diaphragm.
Where can I get vaginal spermicide?
Spermicide is a kind of birth control that has chemicals that stop sperm from reaching an egg. You put it in your vagina before sex to prevent pregnancy. You don’t need a prescription to get spermicide — you can buy it over-the-counter at most drugstores, pharmacies, and superstores in the condom aisle.
What are the disadvantages of spermicide?
Spermicides provide minimal protection from STDs. Insertion may be uncomfortable for some couples. Vaginal irritation is possible, and spermicides may cause an allergic reaction. Effectiveness of spermicides lasts less than an hour.
What are the pros and cons of spermicides?
What are the pros & cons?
- The Pros: When combined with other barrier methods (condom, diaphragm, or cervical cap), the combined failure rate is between 3% – 10%.
- The Cons: Spermicide must be inserted less than 30 minutes prior to intercourse and ideally less than 20 minutes.
Do all condoms have spermicide?
Yes; condoms come in different sizes, styles, and shapes. Some condoms used to contain spermicides (chemicals to kill sperm), but most don’t. It’s best to use condoms without spermicide. Even though guys are the ones who wear male condoms, you can always keep some on hand if you’re in a sexual relationship.
Is there a natural spermicide?
The citric acid in lemons acts as a natural spermicide. The lemon rind itself (with pulp and juice removed) could also be inserted into the vagina and used as a cervical cap.
Why are spermicides bad?
Keep in mind that spermicides provide no protection at all against sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). In fact, they may even increase your risk of contracting STDs because spermicidal chemicals can irritate your skin, leaving you more vulnerable to infection.
Who should not use spermicide?
Your health care provider may discourage use of spermicide if: You’re at high risk of contracting HIV , or you have HIV or AIDS. You have frequent urinary tract infections. You’re at high risk of pregnancy — you’re younger than age 30 or you have sex three or more times a week.
What are the disadvantages of spermicides?
Some of the disadvantages of spermicides are that they:
- do not provide protection from sexually transmitted infections (STIs);
- are not considered an effective form of contraception when used alone;
- may produce side effects such as vaginal or penile irritation;
Why do condoms rip?
The material used to make condoms can weaken over time, so don’t use one that has expired. Condoms may rip during use if they don’t fit properly or if they are not put on correctly (such as not leaving enough room at the tip of the condom).
What does spermicide mean in terms of birth control?
“Spermicide” describes a bunch of different creams, films, foams, gels, and suppositories that contain chemicals that stop sperm from moving.
Where can I buy spermicide over the counter?
Spermicide is sold over-the-counter online and at pharmacies, drugstores, and some supermarkets and grocery stores. You can also find spermicides at some family planning clinics and Planned Parenthood health centers. You don’t need a prescription and there are no age restrictions — anybody can buy spermicide. How much does spermicide cost?
How long does it take for spermicide to disperse?
You insert it deep in your vagina, so it also keeps sperm from getting through your cervix and into your uterus. After 15 minutes it disperses and allows for three hours of safe sex. The spermicide is just something that I do for me.
Is it effective to use spermicide as a barrier?
You can use spermicide to make a barrier method more effective, but it’s not very effective if used alone. If you plan to use spermicide alone, keep in mind that the failure rate is pretty high—21% for typical use.
