How to Use Spermicides

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.
Section 1 of 5:

What are spermicides?

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    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.[1]
Section 2 of 5:

How effective are spermicides?

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    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.[2]
    • 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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    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.[3]
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    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.[4]
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    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.[5]
    • 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.
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    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.[6]
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    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.[7]
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    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.[8]
Section 4 of 5:

Types of Spermicide

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    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.[9]
    • Many people prefer these spermicides because they also act like a lubricant.
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    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.[10]
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    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.[11]
    • After about 15 minutes, the suppository will melt into a spermicidal cream.
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    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.[12]
    • Spermicidal films will melt into a spermicidal gel.
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    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.[13]
    • After 6 to 8 hours, remove the sponge and throw it away.
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    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.[14]
    • You can leave the cap inside of you for up to 48 hours. After that, remove the cap with your fingers.
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    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.[15]
Section 5 of 5:

Side Effects of Spermicides

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    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.[16]

Warnings

  • Your doctor may discourage the use of spermicide if you have HIV or AIDS, or are at risk of contracting HIV.[18]
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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.[19]
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References

  1. ↑ https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/barrier-methods-of-birth-control-spermicide-condom-sponge-diaphragm-and-cervical-cap
  2. ↑ https://myhealth.alberta.ca/sexual-reproductive-health/birth-control/non-hormonal-birth-control/vaginal-spermicides
  3. ↑ https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/004003.htm
  4. ↑ https://www.peelregion.ca/health/talk-to-me/download/lesson-plans/lesson5-pdf/lesson5l.pdf
  5. ↑ https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/004003.htm
  6. ↑ https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/004003.htm
  7. ↑ https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/barrier-methods-of-birth-control-spermicide-condom-sponge-diaphragm-and-cervical-cap
  8. ↑ https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/barrier-methods-of-birth-control-spermicide-condom-sponge-diaphragm-and-cervical-cap
  9. ↑ https://www.mountsinai.org/health-library/special-topic/vaginal-sponge-and-spermicides
  1. ↑ https://www.peelregion.ca/health/talk-to-me/download/lesson-plans/lesson5-pdf/lesson5l.pdf
  2. ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/birth-control/multimedia/spermicide/img-20005721
  3. ↑ https://teenhealthsource.com/birthcontrol/vaginal-contraceptive-film-vcf-details/
  4. ↑ https://www.mountsinai.org/health-library/special-topic/vaginal-sponge-and-spermicides
  5. ↑ https://www.nhsinform.scot/healthy-living/contraception/getting-started/the-different-types-of-contraception
  6. ↑ https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/contraception/male-condoms/
  7. ↑ https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/barrier-methods-of-birth-control-spermicide-condom-sponge-diaphragm-and-cervical-cap
  8. ↑ https://healthy.kaiserpermanente.org/health-wellness/birth-control/types/spermicide
  9. ↑ https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/004003.htm
  10. ↑ https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/004003.htm

About This Article

Luba Lee, FNP-BC, MS
Medically reviewed by:
Luba Lee, FNP-BC, MS
Board-Certified Family Nurse Practitioner
This article was medically reviewed by Luba Lee, FNP-BC, MS and by wikiHow staff writer, Hannah Madden. Luba Lee, FNP-BC is a Board-Certified Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) and educator in Tennessee with over a decade of clinical experience. Luba has certifications in Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), Emergency Medicine, Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), Team Building, and Critical Care Nursing. She received her Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) from the University of Tennessee in 2006. This article has been viewed 40,384 times.
3 votes - 67%
Co-authors: 5
Updated: October 25, 2022
Views: 40,384
Categories: Birth Control and Contraceptives

Medical Disclaimer

The content of this article is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, examination, diagnosis, or treatment. You should always contact your doctor or other qualified healthcare professional before starting, changing, or stopping any kind of health treatment.

Article SummaryX

To use a spermicide, try using a foam, cream, or jelly spermicide. First, fill the applicator tube with the product. Then, get into a comfortable position, such as lying on your back, since the spermicide needs to be inserted deep inside your vagina. Once you’re in position, gently insert the tube into your vagina. Next, squeeze the spermicide out. If you find the applicator uncomfortable, use your finger instead, but make sure you use the same amount of spermicide. Remember that spermicide is effective for about an hour, so you’ll need to apply it every time you have sex. You should also try to use spermicide with a condom, since the spermicide alone won’t protect you from STDs. For tips from our Medical co-author on how to use a film spermicide, keep reading!

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