Spermicide - meaning and definition
Alsospermicidal gelnonoxynol-9spermicidesspermicidalN-9
Not yet reviewed by a clinician. This health entry was written from the public-health sources listed below and is general information only. It is not medical advice.
Definition
Spermicide is a gel, foam, film or pessary placed in the vagina before sex that contains a chemical which stops sperm from moving.
At a glance
- Spermicide is a gel, foam, film or pessary containing a chemical that stops sperm from moving.
- Used alone it is one of the least effective contraceptives, around 72% with typical use.
- It is more often used to boost a diaphragm, cap or sponge.
- Its common ingredient, nonoxynol-9, can irritate the vagina or anus, especially with frequent use.
- It offers no protection against infections and is not recommended for people at higher risk of HIV.
In detail
Used on its own, spermicide is one of the least effective contraceptives, preventing pregnancy only around 72% of the time with typical use. It is more often used to boost a diaphragm, cap or sponge.
The most common ingredient, nonoxynol-9, can irritate the lining of the vagina or anus, especially with frequent use. That irritation may make it easier for HIV to pass, so spermicide is not recommended for people at higher risk of HIV, and it offers no protection against infections itself.
In a sentence
- The diaphragm came with instructions to use it with spermicide.
- My nurse said she wouldn't rely on spermicide on its own.
Where the word comes from
Formed from "sperm" and the suffix "-cide", from Latin "caedere", to kill, as in "insecticide".
Not to be confused with
- Lubricant
Lubricant reduces friction and has no contraceptive effect.
Common questions
Do condoms with spermicide protect better?
Spermicide does not protect against infections, and nonoxynol-9 can irritate the skin, which may make HIV transmission easier. For this reason many health bodies do not recommend spermicide-coated condoms for people at higher risk of HIV. A clinician, pharmacist or sexual health service can help with questions about a specific situation.
Can spermicide be used on its own?
It can, but it is one of the least effective contraceptives when used alone, preventing pregnancy only around 72% of the time with typical use.