How to Use Spermicides

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1 What are spermicides?

2 How effective are spermicides?

3 How to Use Spermicide

4 Types of Spermicide

5 Side Effects of Spermicides

How Do You Prevent Pregnancy?

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Co-authored by Hannah Madden Medically reviewed by Luba Lee, FNP-BC, MS

Last Updated: February 3, 2024 References

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Trying to prevent pregnancy while having sex? Spermicides are a popular pregnancy prevention method, because they don’t require a prescription and they don’t use hormones to block pregnancy. Spermicides are the most effective when used correctly, so it’s important to know what you’re doing before use. Read through this article to learn everything you need to know about spermicides, including how they work, how effective they are, and how to use the different types.

Things You Should Know

• Spermicides are a form of pregnancy prevention that kill sperm inside of the vagina. However, they do not protect against STDs or STIs.
• Spermicides come in many different forms, including gels, creams, jellies, suppositories, and films.
• To use spermicides, insert them into your vagina 15 minutes before having sex. Reapply after 1 hour or whenever you have sex again.
• Spermicides may cause irritation or itchiness if you have sensitive skin.

Steps

Section 1 of 5:

What are spermicides?

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1. Spermicides are put into the vagina before sex to prevent pregnancy. Spermicides come in many different forms, including foams, gels, creams, suppositories, and more. The ingredient in the spermicide, nonoxynol-9 (N-9), kills the sperm when it comes into contact with the spermicide.

Section 2 of 5:

How effective are spermicides?

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1. Spermicides are only about 70% effective at preventing pregnancy. Typically, people use spermicides alongside other methods of pregnancy prevention, like condoms. However, keep in mind that spermicides do not prevent STDs and STIs.

   • If you’re going to use another method of birth control along with spermicides, double check the directions on the spermicide to see if it’s latex-safe. If not, spermicide can weaken latex, causing birth control methods like condoms to fail.

Section 3 of 5:

How to Use Spermicide

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1. 1
   Insert the spermicide 10 to 15 minutes before having sex. Spermicides need a couple of minutes to start working. Plan ahead and use your spermicide at least 10 or 15 minutes before you start having vaginal sex.
2. 2
   Stand with 1 leg up on a chair. To make application easier, either lie back with your knees bent, or stand with one foot up on a chair. This position will open up your vagina and relax your muscles.
3. 3
   Insert the spermicide with an applicator or your finger. In order to work, spermicide needs to go deep into your vagina. If your spermicide has an applicator, load it with spermicide and then insert it into your vagina, getting as close to the cervix as you can. If not, use your fingers to insert the spermicide into your vagina.

   • Different spermicides may have different methods of application. Always read the instructions on your spermicide before you use it.
   • For most spermicides, the applicator will have a dosage line that you fill to. However, you should always double check your specific spermicide for directions.
4. 4
   Have sex within 60 minutes of using spermicide. After 1 hour, spermicides become less effective. If you’re going to have sex, do it within 60 minutes of application.
5. 5
   Reapply spermicide every time you have sex. Typically, spermicides are only effective for 1 round of sex. If you have sex again, even if it’s with the same partner, reapply your spermicide.
6. 6
   Do not wash out or remove the spermicide after sex. In order to let the spermicide work, don’t put anything else in your vagina for at least 6 hours. Don’t wash out your vagina either, as that can make the spermicide less effective.

Section 4 of 5:

Types of Spermicide

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1. 1
   Spermicide gel, cream, or jelly Gel, cream, and jelly spermicides usually come with an included applicator inside. To apply them, simply fill the applicator up to the fill line, then insert it into your vagina. Gently press the plunger to release the spermicide inside of yourself.

   • Many people prefer these spermicides because they also act like a lubricant.
2. 2
   Spermicide foam Spermicide foams are similar to creams and jellies in that they usually come with an applicator. To use a spermicide foam, shake the can 20 to 30 times, then fill up the applicator. Insert the applicator deep into your vagina, then press the plunger to insert it into yourself.
3. 3
   Spermicide suppositories Suppositories are small spermicide pills that are inserted into the vagina. To use one, hold the suppository near your vagina and use a clean finger to push it up inside yourself as far as it will go.

   • After about 15 minutes, the suppository will melt into a spermicidal cream.
4. 4
   Spermicide film Spermicidal film is similar to a suppository, but it comes as a small, square film instead of a pill. To apply it, get into a comfortable position and fold the film over 1 finger. Insert the film deep into your vagina, then wait 15 minutes before having sex.

   • Spermicidal films will melt into a spermicidal gel.
5. 5
   Spermicide sponge Spermicidal sponges are small, white plastic sponges coated in spermicide. You can insert the sponge into your vagina up to 24 hours before having sex. To use it, insert the sponge into your vagina as deep as you can using 1 finger. Leave the sponge inside your vagina for 6 to 8 hours after having sex.

   • After 6 to 8 hours, remove the sponge and throw it away.
6. 6
   Spermicide cap Spermicidal caps sit inside your vagina and prevent sperm from entering through the cervix. To use a cap, squeeze spermicide gel or cream into the cap, then fold the cap and insert it into your vagina as deep as you can. Leave it inside yourself for at least 6 hours after having sex.

   • You can leave the cap inside of you for up to 48 hours. After that, remove the cap with your fingers.
7. 7
   Spermicide condoms Spermicide condoms are just like regular condoms, but they’re coated in a spermicidal gel. You can use spermicidal condoms just like you’d use regular condoms without any added steps.

Section 5 of 5:

Side Effects of Spermicides

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1. Some people may experience irritation after using spermicides. While it’s not very common, some people are sensitive to the chemicals inside of spermicide. You or your partner may feel irritation, itching, or burning on your vagina or penis. If a spermicide causes redness or irritation, stop using it and switch to a different method of birth control.

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Tips

• You don’t need a prescription to use spermicide. You can find most spermicides at any drug store near you.
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Warnings

• Your doctor may discourage the use of spermicide if you have HIV or AIDS, or are at risk of contracting HIV.
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• If you are at high risk for pregnancy, it is best to combine spermicide with a barrier method of contraception, like condoms or a diaphragm.
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