Spermicide
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Spermicide
A spermicide is a substance that kills sperm; it is placed into the vagina to prevent pregnancy. Spermicides are most effective when they are used with a barrier method, such as a condom or diaphragm.
Spermicides are available as jelly, foam, cream, vaginal suppositories, and film. Most spermicides come with an applicator. The applicator is filled with spermicide and then inserted into a vagina right before intercourse.
A spermicide film or suppository is inserted deep into the vagina close to the cervix. Film or suppositories must be inserted at least 15 minutes before intercourse to allow the spermicide to dissolve and spread in the vagina.
One application of spermicide is used for each act of sexual intercourse.
Credits
| Author | Jeannette Curtis |
| Author | Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS |
| Editor | Kathleen M. Ariss, MS |
| Editor | Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA |
| Associate Editor | Tracy Landauer |
| Associate Editor | Pat Truman |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Patrice Burgess, MD - Family Medicine |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine |
| Last Updated | May 25, 2007 |
| Last updated: | May 25, 2007 |
|---|---|
| Author: | Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS |
| Reviewed By: | Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine |
| Editors: | Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Pat Truman |
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