What does nonoxynol-9 spermicide do?

Spermicide gel Spermicide is a type of contraceptive that kills sperm or stops it from moving. You insert spermicide in the vagina before sex. The chemicals in the spermicide, such as nonoxynol-9, prevent sperm from entering the uterus. You can get spermicide over-the-counter.

Is nonoxynol-9 over-the-counter?

Nonoxynol-9 vaginal is an over-the-counter (OTC) product used for prevention of pregnancy; when used with a condom (foam or gel) or diaphragm (gel), efficacy is increased.

Do you need a doctor’s prescription for spermicide?

Spermicide use does not require a prescription or a visit to a health professional. Spermicide is sold in drugstores, grocery stores, and family planning clinics. Spermicide and a condom used together provide a reasonable level of birth control without a prescription.

Is nonoxynol-9 still used?

Note: If you don’t find them irritating, vaginal spermicides that contain nonoxynol-9 are still an option for contraception when used infrequently and when the risk of H.I.V. or other S.T.I.s is low, although they are less effective than many other methods of contraception.

How does spermicide cream work?

How Does Spermicide Work? Spermicides block the cervix (the opening to the uterus) and slow sperm down to make it harder for them to swim to an egg. In order to work, the spermicide must be placed deep in the vagina close to the cervix. Creams, gels, and foams are squirted into the vagina using an applicator.

How effective is nonoxynol 9 spermicide?

But using spermicide perfectly is hard, so in reality about 28 out of 100 people who use spermicide become pregnant every year — that means spermicide is 72% effective at preventing pregnancy. Using spermicide alone isn’t the most effective way to prevent pregnancy, but it’s better than using no birth control at all.

Is nonoxynol 9 a chemical?

Family Planning/Contraception The active constituent is the chemical nonoxynol-9, which has toxic effects on sperm cell membranes. Spermicides also offer some degree of protection against most STIs but not against HIV.

Does spermicide cause BV?

There are no benefits and it is not safe because it can cause an increased risk in pelvic inflammatory disease, bacterial vaginosis (an infection of the vagina), and ectopic pregnancy (implantation of the fertilized egg outside of the uterus). Your body makes everything it needs to keep it clean.

What products is nonoxynol 9 in?

Nonoxynol-9 is the active ingredient in most spermicidal creams, jellies, foams, gel, film, and suppositories.

What is nonoxynol-9 spermicide?

This spermicide is commonly used in condoms as well as a variety of sexual lubricants and products. The CDC has warned that nonoxynol-9 is ineffective against sexually transmitted diseases, specifically HIV/AIDS. The CDC warned that there is no benefit in using this spermicide for STD prevention.

What is non nonoxynol 9 used for?

Nonoxynol-9 (N-9) is a typical surfactant used as a vaginal spermicide. Spermicides are locally acting non-hormonal contraceptives. When present in the vagina during intercourse, they immobilize/inactivate/damage and/or kill sperms without eliciting systemic effects.

Do spermicides with nonoxynol-9 protect against HIV infections?

Newer evidence on the subject has now suggested that spermicides with the active ingredient nonoxynol-9 do not effectively protect against the transmission of HIV infections.

Are condoms lubricated with N-9 spermicide safe to use?

CDC recommends that previously purchased condoms lubricated with N-9 spermicide continue to be distributed provided the condoms have not passed their expiration date.