Update: Current research suggests that spermicides containing Nonoxynol-9 don’t increase the effectiveness of condoms. Condoms are already 98% effective and no research has proven to increase their effectiveness when used with spermicidal lubes. Read more about this in this post.
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There are many couples that simply don’t believe in using condoms as the only layer of protection against pregnancy. Quite admittedly, condoms do provide some sort of a barrier during intercourse.
Condoms are, by far, the most effective, the most convenient, and the most preferred contraceptive today. And the secret why some condoms get close to 99% effectiveness is the spermicidal lube that it comes with.
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Spermicidal lubes contain chemicals that can kill or damage sperms and can also act as a vaginal lubricant. The active ingredient of spermicide is nonoxynol-9. While this chemical can kill sperms to avoid pregnancy, it doesn’t provide any protection against sexually transmitted diseases.
Also known as contraceptive gels, these lubes can be easily bought at local pharmacies and are very convenient to bring around.
Gynol II Extra Strength Contraceptive Jelly contains 3% Nonoxynol-9. It is a water-based lube and can be easily bought from here: order it online.
These lubes can actually work without a condom, although the risks of getting pregnant or acquiring sexually transmitted diseases are higher.
When used alone, spermicidal lubes are regarded as the most ineffective contraceptive method when compared to all the others available today. The failure rate of spermicide is 28% compared to only 2% of condoms [1].
Safety is also a concern when it comes to using them. Some women get irritated by the chemical it is made with.
A spermicidal lube is supposed to be inserted inside the vagina before the intercourse, although some kinds require a different method of application. Be sure to read the label before using it.
The lubes require some 10 minutes for it to spread out inside the vagina so don’t engage in intercourse immediately. In the same way, it will only be effective up to 1 hour after insertion.
Always remember that spermicidal lubes work best with condoms so don’t try to use them without added protection. These lubes can adequately provide the second layer of protection that couples needs to prevent unwanted pregnancies.
Recent studies suggest that using nonoxynol-9 spermicide also comes with certain risks. Find out more about its downsides in this post.
Spermicidal condoms
Many condoms use Nonoxynol-9 lubricant instead of just the regular silicon-base kinds. These are great for people who want to get extra protection and ease of mind in one package.
Trojan offers several versions of their popular condoms in the Armor edition, with spermicidal lubricant (Trojan Ultra Thin included). Other major brands, like Durex (Durex Extra Safe) and Lifestyles also have their versions. You can browse and order them online, for example at Amazon.com.
References:
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1. http://americanpregnancy.org/preventing-pregnancy/spermicide/
