Chemicals (usually nonoxynol-9) that inactivate or kill sperm.
They are carried in:
- Aerosols (foams)
- Vaginal tablets, suppositories, or dissolvable films
- Creams
Mechanisms of Action
Cause the sperm cell membrane to break, which decreases sperm movement (motility and
mobility) and their ability to fertilize the egg.
Selection
- Aerosols (foams) are effective immediately after insertion.
- Aerosols are recommended if spermicide is to be used as the only contraceptive
method.
- Foaming vaginal tablets and suppositories are convenient to carry and store but require
waiting 10–15 minutes after insertion before intercourse.
- Melting vaginal suppositories also require waiting 10–15 minutes after
insertion before intercourse.
- Spermicidal jellies usually are used only with diaphragms.
Benefits
Contraceptive
- Effective immediately (foams and creams)
- Do not affect breastfeeding
- Can be used as backup to other methods
- No method-related health risks
- No systemic side effects
- Easy-to-use
- Increase wetness (lubrication) during intercourse
- No prescription or medical assessment necessary
Noncontraceptive
- Some protection against STDs (e.g., HBV, HIV/AIDS)
Limitations
- Moderately effective (3–21 pregnancies per 100 women during the first year)
- Effectiveness as a contraceptive depends on willingness to follow instructions
- User-dependent (require continued motivation and use with each act of intercourse)
- User must wait 10–15 minutes after application before intercourse (vaginal foaming
tablets, suppositories and film)
- Each application is effective only for 1–2 hours
- Supplies must be readily available before intercourse occurs
- Resupply must be available
Who Can Use Spermicides
- Women who prefer not to use hormonal methods or should not use them (e.g., smokers over
35 years of age)
- Women who prefer not to or should not use IUDs
- Women who are breastfeeding and need contraception
- Women wanting protection from STDs and whose partner will not use condoms
- Couples needing a temporary method while awaiting another method
- Couples needing a backup method
- Couples who have intercourse infrequently
Who Should Not Use Spermicides
- Women whose age, parity or health problems make pregnancy a high risk
- Women with physical disabilities or who find it unpleasant to touch external genitalia
(vulva and vagina)
- Women with genital anomalies or other abnormalities
- Women with an allergy to spermicides
- Couples who want more effective protection against pregnancy
- Couples who want methods not related to intercourse
- Couples not willing to use correctly and with each act of intercourse
Management Of Common
Side Effects and Other Problems
SIDE EFFECT/
PROBLEM |
MANAGEMENT |
| Vaginal irritation |
Check for vaginitis and
GTIs. If caused by spermicide, switch to another spermicide with a different chemical
composition or help client choose another method. |
| Penile irritation and discomfort |
Check for GTIs. If
caused by spermicide, switch to another spermicide with a different chemical composition
or help client choose another method. |
| Heat sensation in the vagina is bothersome |
Check for allergic or
inflammatory reaction. Reassure that warm sensation is normal. If still concerned, switch
to another spermicide with a different chemical composition or help client choose another
method. |
| Tablets fail to melt |
Select another type of
spermicide with different chemical composition or help client choose another method. |
Client Instructions
- It is important to use spermicide before each act of intercourse.
- There is a 10–15 minute waiting interval after insertion of vaginal tablets,
suppositories or film. There is no waiting interval after inserting aerosols (foams).
- It is important to follow the recommendations of the manufacturer for use and storage of
each product. (Example: shake aerosols before filling the applicator.)
- Apply more spermicide if intercourse does not take place within 1–2 hours.
- Additional spermicide needed for each repeated intercourse.
- It is important to place the spermicide high in the vagina so the cervix is well
covered.
Aerosol (Foam)
- Shake the container 20–30 times before using it.
- Place container in upright position and put applicator over valve. Press applicator to
side so it fills with foam.
- While lying down, insert applicator into the vagina until the tip is at or near the
cervix. Push the plunger and release the foam. There is no need to wait for the foam to
work.
- The foam applicator should be washed with soap and warm water, rinsed and dried. It can
be taken apart for easier cleaning. Do not share applicator with others.
- Keep an extra supply of foam on hand, especially if you cannot see whether the container
is empty.
Vaginal Tablet, Suppository or Film
- Remove vaginal tablet, suppository or film from package.
- While lying down, insert vaginal tablet, suppository or film high in the vagina. (If
applicator provided, insert it into vagina until the tip is at or near the cervix.)
- Wait 10–15 minutes before having intercourse.
- The applicator should be washed with soap and warm water, rinsed and dried. It can be
taken apart for easier cleaning. Do not share applicator with others.
- Keep an extra supply of vaginal tablets, suppositories or film on hand.
Note: Some foaming vaginal tablets may cause a warm sensation in the vagina.
This is normal.
Cream
- To insert contraceptive cream, squeeze into applicator until full. Insert the applicator
into the vagina until the tip is at or near the cervix. Push the plunger and release the
cream. There is no need to wait for the cream to work.
- The applicator should be washed with soap and warm water, rinsed and dried. It can be
taken apart for easier cleaning. Do not share the applicator with others.
- Keep an extra supply of cream on hand, especially if you cannot see whether the
container is empty.
Who Can Provide
- Physicians
- Nurses, Midwives, Paramedics
- Community-based Workers
- Pharmacists and Shopkeepers
Where They Can Be Provided
- Hospitals
- Clinics
- Health Posts
- Private Offices
- Community-based Distribution Programs
- Pharmacies and Shops
 
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