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Spermicides are an inexpensive method of contraception, do not affect hormones, and do not interfere with your sexual activity. However, like other contraceptive methods, spermicides also have side effects and it is still possible for the user to become pregnant.
Spermicides and their side effects
Spermicides work by blocking the cervix and slowing the movement of sperm to the egg to prevent pregnancy. For this to work effectively, spermicide must be inserted into the inside of the vagina near the cervix.
Spermicide products can take many forms, ranging from creams, foams, and gels, which can be directly added using an applicator. The suppository spermicide will melt immediately once it is in the vagina. Meanwhile, a sheet of spermicide is placed in the vagina by hand.
Spermicides are made from a chemical called nonoxynol-9. Since these compounds are in direct contact with the vagina, the side effects of spermicides are generally related to problems with the vagina and the surrounding skin area.
The side effects most often experienced by spermicide users include irritation, burning and burning, and vaginal itching. The vagina can also become dry, give off a distinctive odor, or have a discharge resembling a vaginal discharge.
In some people, the use of spermicides has the risk of causing more serious health problems. These include contact dermatitis, allergic reactions, inflammation and infection of the vagina, urinary tract infections, and irritation of the rectum.
Infections and irritation due to the side effects of spermicide should be treated promptly. The reason is, these two conditions will make it easier for bacteria and viruses to enter, thereby increasing the risk of contracting sexually transmitted diseases.
If you or your partner experience certain symptoms after having sex using a spermicide, stop using the product. Change to another brand or other method of contraception that has minimal side effects.
Are spermicides effective in preventing pregnancy?
The level of effectiveness of the spermicide can change depending on how you use it and whether you are using an additional method of contraception.
Using a spermicide without other methods usually has a 70-80 percent success in preventing pregnancy.
It is undeniable that spermicides still have many disadvantages compared to other contraceptive methods. Apart from the risk of causing side effects to the sex organs, the effectiveness of spermicides is still less effective than condoms or calendar systems.
About 18 out of 100 people who use spermicides will still get pregnant each year. This number can even increase to 28 people because not everyone who chooses spermicide understands the proper way to use it.
However, you can increase the effectiveness of the spermicide by using additional methods of contraception. The effectiveness from 70-80 percent can be 97 percent if you use spermicide and your partner uses a condom.
To achieve such high effectiveness, your partner must know how to use a condom correctly. Condoms will also protect the penis from the side effects of spermicides and the risk of sexually transmitted diseases.
Spermicides can be a great contraceptive method as long as you don't experience any health problems after using them.
Conversely, you may need to consider another method of contraception if using a spermicide has certain health effects.
Talk to your doctor about getting treatment and finding other contraceptive methods that are more suitable for your condition.
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