Spermicidal gels

Spermicidal gels are one of the many methods of contraception available on the market. Many people doubt their effectiveness, which is why they are not very popular. But is it right? Find out how spermicidal gels work, how to apply them, and who can use them.

How do spermicidal gels work?

Spermicidal gels are vaginal preparations containing spermicide, a spermicidal agent. The principle of their operation is based on the creation of a barrier inside the vagina through which no sperm can penetrate.

The active ingredient in all spermicidal gels is nonoxynol-9. It is a chemical compound that destroys sperm cell walls. Thus, they are immobilized and are unable to fulfill their function. It is worth knowing that nonoxynol-9 does not affect the genetic material in the sperm. This means that if, despite the use of spermicidal gel, accidental fertilization occurs, the fetus will not be at risk of any malformations or miscarriage.

How to use spermicidal gels?

Before using the spermicidal gel, you must wash your hands with soap and water, and then dry them thoroughly. In addition, it is worth making sure that the product’s expiry date has not expired and that it has not lost its properties for other reasons. We will recognize it mainly from the too thin consistency of the preparation.

Spermicidal gel usually comes with an applicator. Most often it has a syringe-like form. To apply the gel, squeeze the appropriate amount from the tube into the applicator. Then the end of the applicator should be gently inserted into the vagina (it is worth covering it with a layer of lubricant beforehand to minimize the risk of scratching the vaginal walls) and press the plunger to introduce the preparation into the genital tract. It is also worth making sure that the gel is as deep as possible inside the vagina. Then it is enough to slowly take the applicator out and throw it into the trash. From then on, the gel should work for 1-3 hours. After intercourse, it does not need to be washed off, and it is not even advisable as it may interrupt the effect of the remedy. In other words, it is worth waiting for a dozen or so minutes with the bath.

Are spermicidal gels effective?

Doctors agree that spermicidal gels are not a 0% reliable form of contraception. The classic measure of contraceptive effectiveness is the so-called Pearl index. Its value, expressed in a number from 100 to 100, refers to how many of the 6 couples who have had sex regularly for a year have had an unplanned pregnancy using a given method. The Pearl Index for spermicidal gels ranges from 26 to 6, with 26 for clinical testing and 26 for real-life use where misapplication may occur, etc. This means that up to 100 out of XNUMX spermicidal gel uses result in an unplanned pregnancy.

There is therefore no doubt that spermicidal gel cannot completely replace other forms of contraception. Therefore, it works best as an additional protection for people using other methods of contraception, especially mechanical methods. It can be used together with a condom, a contraceptive cap or a diaphragm. Thanks to this, if a barrier contraceptive is damaged (as you know, condoms are prone to tearing), chemical contraception in the form of a spermicidal gel will be an additional barrier to prevent pregnancy.

Spermicidal gels – advantages and disadvantages

In summary, the advantages of spermicidal gels include:

1. The fact that they do not affect the endocrine system of a woman. The same do not apply to their contraindications to using hormonal contraception, such as cancer predisposition, varicose veins, thrombosis or simply fear of future fertility problems.
2. Additional moisturizing effect.
3. Over-the-counter availability.
4. Immediate action after use. Note – before using the preparation, be sure to read its leaflet in case the manufacturer indicates a different start and end time of the preparation.

At the same time, the use of spermicidal gels has some disadvantages. Here are the most important of them:

1. No protection against sexually transmitted diseases. This means that they are not recommended for people who frequently change sexual partners.
2. They can cause allergic reactions in both men and women. Most often they appear as reddening around the genitals. In such a situation, the agent must be washed off immediately and its use should be discontinued.
3. They have an unpleasant taste, so they can reduce the appeal of oral sex, especially since these types of products sometimes leak out of the vagina.
4. They can irritate the inside of the vagina, especially with frequent use. This increases the risk of various infections and increases the susceptibility to contracting some sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV.
5. Since they are a less popular method, these measures are quite expensive. Their price ranges from 40 to even PLN 100 per package.

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