spermicides

What is spermicide?

Spermicides are chemicals that are advertised as "contraceptives" that can immobilize or kill spermatozoa before they enter the uterus. Despite being notoriously unable to guarantee complete protection from unwanted pregnancies, spermicides continue to capture the attention of many young people who are inexperienced from the sexual point of view. It is therefore good to repeat it:

Used alone, spermicide CANNOT be considered a completely safe method of contraception!

Despite what has been stated, spermicide can be used together with other methods of mechanical contraception (barrier). If associated with the contraceptive diaphragm, for example, the spermicide reduces the risk coefficient, or the failure of the contraceptive protection.

Spermicides can be found in the form of gels, creams, sprays, suppositories or tablets to be inserted into the vagina; the most known spermicidal substance of all is Nonoxilon-9 .

How does it work?

Spermicides act in two ways:

Alteration of sperm membrane integrity: sperm cells are unable to fertilize the egg
Alteration of vaginal pH: by doing so, the spermicide creates an environment hostile to spermatozoa

How to use spermicide?

We reiterate once again that spermicide does not guarantee satisfactory coverage from unwanted pregnancies, therefore we strongly advise against using it alone as a first choice contraceptive method. It is estimated that the aforementioned contraceptive method fails (resulting in an unwanted pregnancy) in 29% of cases.

Spermicide can be used in combination with other barrier contraceptive methods, such as the diaphragm which, given the high Pearl index, does not represent a valid contraceptive method.

To understand...

The Pearl index gives an idea of the effectiveness of a contraceptive method in terms of preventing unwanted pregnancies. In other words, the Pearl index indicates the reliability of the contraceptive practice. In this specific case, the index of failure of the diaphragm fluctuates between 2 and 3 (against 0.1 of the contraceptive pill, in which the risk of conception is very low, almost nil if the correct modalities of use are followed).

Before inserting the diaphragm, the spermicide should be spread directly inside the latex dome, precisely from the part that will be placed in contact with the cervix. Apply a small layer of spermicide even over the silicone flap that covers the edge: this will facilitate the insertion of the diaphragm and facilitate its stronger hold.

Spermicide is sometimes also used by women who use the uterine spiral as a preferential contraceptive method.

Still, some condoms lubricated with nonoxynol-9 are available on the market: the association of the condom with spermicide promises to increase its contraceptive efficacy.

Disadvantages

Although rather sought after by young and very young people, we must not forget the numerous negative aspects of spermicides:

The application of the spermicide can irritate or even damage the vaginal and rectal walls, to the point of creating burning, itching and a local rash
In women, frequent and routine use of spermicide increases the risk of urinary tract infections, bacterial vaginosis, yeast infections and bacterial infections.
The excessive use of spermicides can increase the risk of contracting sexually transmitted diseases, since the vaginal wall, subjected to irritation, becomes more sensitive to pathogenic insults
Spermicide offers no protection against venereal diseases (eg AIDS, gonorrhea, chlamydia, syphilis, condylomata, etc.)
In association with condoms, the spermicide weighs on the final price and reduces the conservation of the barrier contraceptive
Used alone, spermicide cannot be called an effective contraceptive method
Spermicide can create allergic skin reactions in both partners
Spermicidal eggs must be inserted deeply into the vagina about 30 minutes before intercourse: this requires a certain "programming" of the relationship
The effectiveness of the spermicide lasts only for 60 minutes (starting from the moment of insertion / application in the vagina)
Spermicides can give off an unpleasant smell

Advantages

Among the numerous disadvantages of this "contraceptive" method, it is possible to identify some positive factors:

Spermicide does not require a medical prescription: nevertheless, before starting to use these spermicidal formulations, medical advice is always advised
To be inserted / applied, the spermicide does not require the cooperation of the partner
It does not have the side effects typical of hormonal contraceptives (birth control pill, hormonal IUD spiral)
Increases lubrication during sexual intercourse
When used together with contraceptive methods such as the diaphragm, spermicide can reduce its failure rate

Contraindications

Given its possible and probable risks, it can be deduced that spermicide cannot be used by everyone. The use of spermicidal substances should be discouraged in the following cases:

Presence of vaginal anomalies that interfere with the correct application of the spermicide
Multiple partners
Frequent sexual relations
Age of women <30 years
Frequent urinary tract infections
Predisposition to the risk of contracting HIV
Hypersensitivity to one or more components of the spermicide

In conclusion, the use of spermicide as a first choice contraceptive method does not guarantee good coverage from unwanted pregnancies nor from venereal diseases.