spermicide
Quick Summary
Spermicide is a substance used to kill sperm, thereby preventing conception. It is a form of contraceptive, which is any method or device used to deliberately prevent pregnancy.12
Spermicides can be used alone or in conjunction with barrier methods like condoms, diaphragms, or cervical caps. When used alone, spermicides have a moderate failure rate, around 20% effective. However, when combined with barrier methods, their effectiveness can increase significantly.23
Common forms of spermicides include creams, foams, jellies, and dissolving vaginal tablets. Nonoxynol-9 is a widely used chemical spermicide. While effective in preventing pregnancy, spermicides alone are not as reliable as other contraceptive methods such as hormonal contraceptives or sterilization.132
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contraceptionBarrier devicesVarious mechanical devices used with spermicides have fewer risks attached, but they are generally less effective in practice because the user must be well-informed and willing to use them consistently. All barrier devices prevent sperm from entering the uterus—by sheathing the penis with a condom, by covering the uterine cervix…
Read MoreVarious mechanical devices used with spermicides have fewer risks attached, but they are generally less effective in practice because the user must be well-informed and willing to use them consistently. All barrier devices prevent sperm from entering the uterus—by sheathing the penis with a condom, by covering the uterine cervix…
Read More- birth controlBarrier methods
…by the addition of a spermicide. When used carefully, condoms can have a failure rate as low as some intrauterine devices. Nonetheless, typical failure rate for male condoms is about 13 percent and for female condoms, about 21 percent.
Read More…by the addition of a spermicide. When used carefully, condoms can have a failure rate as low as some intrauterine devices. Nonetheless, typical failure rate for male condoms is about 13 percent and for female condoms, about 21 percent.
Read More