Spermicides

What is spermicide?

Spermicides are chemicals advertised as "contraceptives", capable of immobilizing or killing sperm before they enter the uterus. Although they are notoriously unable to provide complete protection from unwanted pregnancy, spermicides continue to capture the attention of countless numbers. young people inexperienced from the point of sexual life. It is therefore good to reiterate it:

• Used alone, spermicide CANNOT be considered a completely safe method of birth control!

Despite this, spermicide can be used in conjunction with other mechanical (barrier) methods of contraception. If associated with the contraceptive diaphragm, for example, the spermicide reduces its risk coefficient, or the failure of contraceptive protection.
Spermicides are available in the form of gels, creams, sprays, suppositories or tablets to be inserted into the vagina; the best known spermicidal substance of all is Nonoxilon-9.

How does it work?

Spermicides act in two ways:

1. Alteration of the membrane integrity of the spermatozoa: the sperm cells are unable to fertilize the egg
2. Alteration of the vaginal pH: in doing so, the spermicide creates a hostile environment for the spermatozoa

How to use the spermicide?

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

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 contraception. failure of the diaphragm oscillates 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 methods of use are followed).

Before inserting the diaphragm, the spermicide must be spread directly inside the latex dome, precisely on the part that will be placed in contact with the uterine cervix. Apply a small layer of spermicide also over the silicon flap that covers the edge: this will facilitate the insertion of the diaphragm and will facilitate a more firm seal.
Spermicide is also sometimes used by women who use the uterine spiral as a preferential method of contraception.
Furthermore, some condoms lubricated with nonoxynol-9 are available on the market: the association of the condom with the 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 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
• The spermicide offers no protection from STDs (eg AIDS, gonorrhea, chlamydia, syphilis, condyloma acuminata, etc.)
• In association with the condom, the spermicide weighs on the final price and decreases the preservation of the barrier contraceptive
• Used alone, spermicide cannot be called an effective method of contraception
• Spermicide can create allergic skin reactions in both partners
• The spermicide eggs must be inserted deeply into the vagina about 30 minutes before intercourse: this requires some "planning" of the intercourse.
• The efficacy of the spermicide lasts only for 60 minutes (starting from the moment of insertion / application in the vagina)
• Spermicides can give off an unpleasant odor

Benefits

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

• The spermicide does not require a doctor's prescription: despite this, before starting to use these spermicidal formulations it is always recommended to consult a doctor.
• To be inserted / applied, the spermicide does not require the cooperation of the partner
• Does not involve the typical side effects of hormonal contraceptives (birth control pill, spiral hormonal IUD)
• Increase lubrication during intercourse
• When used in conjunction with contraceptive methods such as diaphragm, spermicide can reduce their 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 abnormalities that interfere with the correct application of the spermicide
• Multiple partners
• Frequent sexual intercourse
• Age of the woman <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 method of contraception does not guarantee good coverage from unwanted pregnancies nor from venereal diseases.