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Spermicide

Spermicide is a barrier method of birth control, but rather than blocking the cervix with an impenetrable piece of material, it makes the sperm unable to move.  What spermicide does is immobilize the sperm so they can’t join an egg for fertilization.

There are many different ways you can get spermicides: as suppositories, creams, foams, jellies, or film.  You can get them as liquids or as solids which melt once they enter your body.

The woman, lying on her back, or squatting, inserts the spermicide deep into her vagina.  Typically there is a ten-minute waiting period before they take effect.  They are usually only effective for an hour after insertion.  Read the package directions before using.

Spermicide alone does not have a very high rate of pregnancy prevention.  However, spermicide coupled with condoms or female condoms is a very effective method of birth control.  You can also use them with other methods, such as hormonal methods.  Most prescription barrier methods require that you use spermicide.

Nonoxynol-9 is one type of spermicide that doctors at the World Health Organization are recommending to stop using.  Although it does immobilize sperm, it can also increase the chance of getting a sexually transmitted disease or infection such as HIV.  If you are currently using nonoxynol-9 and you haven’t been having problems, you can continue to use it.  Don’t use it for anal sex, however.

No spermicides help prevent the spread of sexually transmitted diseases or infection.  To practice safe sex, you will need to couple your use of spermicide with another method.

You should not use spermicides many times in one day. 

Some people find that they have adverse reactions to spermicide (both men and women).  You can try a different brand or method of spermicide which will be more effective.

One disadvantage that some people notice with spermicide is that it can be messy.  Another disadvantage is that it is hard to position correctly over the cervix, and so has a higher level of human failure than some other modes of contraception.