Should i buy spermicidal condoms

Condoms are a form of barrier birth control, and they come in many varieties. Some condoms come coated with spermicide, which is a type of chemical.

The spermicide most often used on condoms is nonoxynol When used perfectly, condoms can protect against pregnancy 98 percent of the time. There is no current data indicating that condoms coated with spermicide are more effective at protecting against pregnancy than those without. Spermicide condoms also do not increase protection against sexually transmitted diseases, and they may actually increase the possibility of contracting HIV when having sexual intercourse with someone who already has the disease.

Spermicides, such as nonoxynol-9, are a type of birth control. They work by killing sperm and blocking the cervix. This stops the sperm ejaculated in semen from swimming toward an egg. Spermicides are available in various forms, including:. They can be used alone or in conjunction with other types of birth control, such as a cervical cap or diaphragm. Spermicides do not protect against sexually transmitted diseases STDs. When used alone, spermicides are among the least effective methods of birth control available, with 28 percent of those sexual encounters resulting in pregnancy.

Spermicidal condoms:. The spermicide used on spermicidal condoms, nonoxynol-9, can cause allergic reactions in some people as well. Symptoms include temporary itching, redness, and swelling. It can also cause urinary tract infections in some women. Because spermicide can irritate the penis and vagina, contraceptives containing nonoxynol-9 may increase the risk of HIV transmission. This risk increases if spermicide is used multiple times in one day or for several consecutive days. There are a number of other reasons why this….

Looking for the perf spot to get your birth control pills online? We found the best of the best and put together some tips for choosing the best one…. It is possible your birth control is affecting your sex drive. But research is mixed and shows different birth controls can lower libido, increase sex…. Plan B can delay your period for about a week. It can come earlier or later. Hormonal birth control can cause vaginal dryness. Birth control IUDs are safe and effective, but there can be side effects.

Learn if an IUD is right for you. How spermicide works Do spermicide condoms work? Share on Pinterest. How does spermicide work? How effective are spermicide condoms? Pros and cons of condoms with spermicide. Other birth control to consider. Rectal use of spermicide isn't recommended because it may increase the risk of getting an STI.

Vaginal pH regulator gel can cause vaginal itching or a burning sensation in the vagina. Penile irritation is also possible. More research is needed to know whether this contraceptive gel might protect against STIs.

You can use vaginal pH regulator gel in combination with most types of birth control, but it's not recommended for use with the vaginal ring. Before using spermicide or a vaginal pH regulator gel, read the product instructions carefully. Consult your health care provider if you have any concerns. Spermicide comes in many forms. This is a spermicide film, which dissolves once it's placed in the vagina. This is an example of a package that contains spermicide foam.

Apply spermicide. Find a comfortable position, such as lying down. Using an applicator or your fingers, 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 cervical cap, follow the instructions that come with the device.

If you have sex more than once, apply fresh spermicide before each sexual encounter. Similar to spermicide, you apply the vaginal pH regulator gel Phexxi directly to your vagina. The combination of lactic acid, citric acid and potassium bitartrate in the gel immobilizes sperm so that they can't fertilize an egg. You need to apply the gel within an hour before having sex and reapply the gel each time you have sex.

Talk with your health care provider if you develop persistent vaginal irritation or recurring urinary tract infections after using spermicide or a vaginal pH regulator gel. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. This content does not have an English version.