Spermicides

What are Spermicides?

Spermicide is an agent that kills spermatozoa (sperm). Spermicide causes the sperm cell membrane to rupture, so the sperm is unable to fertilize the egg. Creams, jellies, foams etc., containing chemical spermicides are used as contraceptives.

Spermicides contain chemicals to stop sperm from getting to an egg. They come in several different forms: cream, gel, foam, film, and suppositories. Spermicides should be used with another birth control method, such as condoms or a diaphragm.

Spermicide doesn’t offer any protection against STDs. And using spermicide several times a day can actually increase your risk for HIV and other sexually transmitted infections. That’s because the chemical in spermicide can irritate your vagina and make it easier for STD germs to enter your body.

The most common active ingredient of spermicides is nonoxynol-9. Spermicides containing nonoxynol-9 are available in many forms, such as jelly (gel), films, and foams.

Most spermicides contain the chemical nonoxynol-9 (N-9). While it doesn’t actually kill the sperm, it does stop it from reaching an egg. Spermicides work by blocking the entrance to your cervix (the lowest part of your uterus) and by stopping sperm from swimming up to an egg.

There are multiple sources suggesting that lemon juice has also been used as a natural spermicide through the ages. There have been recorded uses of lemon juice used by women in the Mediterranean for more than 300 years. Sponges or rags would be soaked in fresh lemon juice before inserting them into the vagina.

Some of the major brands in the United States that offer condoms with spermicides include Durex, Lifestyles, Skyn, and Trojan. Only certain varieties of these brands contain spermicides. Some natural condoms, like those made of lambskin, may also contain spermicides.