Contraceptive Foam, Inserts and Jellies

University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology
Peer Review Status: Internally Peer Reviewed
First Published: 1997
Last Revised: December 2002

How effective are they?
If you use spermicides correctly every time you have sex, your chances of getting pregnant are small. Spermicides used alone without condoms are about 80% effective. You can make your chances of getting pregnant even smaller by using condoms along with spermicides. This method is about 95% effective.

Cost?

• Foam - Starter kits ( a kit with an applicator and a can of foam): Cost about $9 to $13. This should last for about 30 uses, making each use cost about 30 to 40 cents. Refill containers are larger and therefore cost a little more than the starter kit--about $11 to $13.
• Inserts - 10 to 12 per package: Cost about $7 to $10.
• Jellies - 10 pre-filled applicators: Cost about $10.
• Condoms - 36 per package: Cost about $4 to $12 (10 to 33 cents each).

How to use foams and jellies:
The first time you buy foam/gel, a starter kit containing an applicator must be purchased. The applicator can be used more than once. The applicator needs to be washed with soap and water after each use. Replace the container of foam/gel as necessary. It is recommended to keep a second container of foam on hand because with most brands you cannot tell when the container is almost empty.

1. Shake the container 20 times before using to make sure the foam is well mixed with the spermicide.
2. Brands vary in the amount of foam/gel necessary for protection against pregnancy. Some may require more than one full applicator. Follow the directions on the package insert.
3. Place the applicator on the top of the container and apply pressure while pushing down or tilting it to the side (this will vary with the brand) until the applicator is full.
4. While lying on your back, insert the applicator into the vagina as deep as you can, then push the plunger. Stay lying down once you have inserted the foam/gel so it will stay up around the cervix (opening to the uterus). If you walk around it will run out of the vagina and will not be effective.
5. Have intercourse within 20-30 minutes after insertion. If it has been over 30 minutes, insert more foam/gel. Put in more foam/gel each time you have intercourse.
6. It is not recommended to douche after using spermicides. If you want to douche, wait 6-8 hours because the sperm can stay in the vagina this long.

The first time you buy inserts, a starter kit containing an applicator must be purchased for certain brands. Some brands can be used with or without an applicator. If an applicator is used, it may be used more than once and needs to be washed with soap and water after each use. Replace the refill box of inserts as necessary. Follow instructions for each brand if you choose to use either the applicator method of insertion or insert it with your finger.

Applicator method:
Place insert into applicator. While lying on your back, push the applicator deeply into the vagina. Hold the applicator in place and push the plunger to deposit the insert near the cervix. Remove applicator. Wait 10 minutes after placing the insert before intercourse.

Manual method:
The inserts are placed into the vagina before intercourse. Using your index finger, place one insert as far as possible into the vagina. The best protection will occur when the insert is placed deep into the vagina near the cervix. Wait 10 minutes after placing the insert before intercourse.

Most inserts provide protection from 10 minutes to 1 hour after the product is inserted. Place a new insert each time intercourse is repeated. If intercourse has not taken place within 1 hour after placement of the insert, use a new insert.

Advantages:
Spermicides may be purchased at the drugstore, family planning clinics and some grocery stores without a doctor's prescription.

• Spermicides are easy to use and easy to carry.
• Use of a latex condom and spermicides, which contain the chemical Nonoxonyl-9, together reduce the risk of spreading sexually transmitted diseases. These spermicides will not cure any sexually transmitted disease. See a physician for treatment if you think you have one.

Disadvantages:
At least 20 women out of 100 will become pregnant if using a spermicide by itself.

• Spermicides must be inserted at the time of having intercourse and may seem like an interruption.
• Spermicides may irritate the woman's vagina or man's penis. Try changing brands if this is a problem.
• Some women think spermicides are messy. A panty-liner can be worn after intercourse to absorb some of the extra liquid.

See related Patient Textbooks about Obstetrics and Gynecology.

See related Patient Topics Birth Control/Contraception, Family Planning, Men's Health, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Pregnancy and Reproduction or Women's Health.

See related Provider Textbooks about Obstetrics and Gynecology.

See related Provider Topics Birth Control/Contraception, Family Planning, Men's Health, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Pregnancy and Reproduction or Women's Health.

All contents copyright © 1992-2004 the Author(s) and The University of Iowa. All rights reserved.

http://www.vh.org/adult/patient/obgyn/contraceptives/index.html