How effective is spermicide?

How effective is spermicide at preventing pregnancy?

Like all birth control methods, spermicide is most effective when you use it correctly every single time you have vaginal sex. Be sure to read the directions that come with your type of spermicide and use it every time you have sex, or it won’t work as well.

When it comes to the numbers, 18 out of 100 people who use spermicide will become pregnant each year, even if they always use it correctly. But using spermicide perfectly is hard, so in reality about 21 out of 100 people who use spermicide become pregnant every year — that means spermicide is 79% effective at preventing pregnancy.

Using spermicide alone isn’t the most effective way to prevent pregnancy, but it’s better than using no birth control at all. If you’re serious about preventing pregnancy, use spermicide along with another method, like condoms or withdrawal (pulling out).

Looking for birth control that offers maximum protection from pregnancy? Check out IUDs and the implant. They’re the most effective kinds of birth control.

How can I make spermicide more effective?

Using spermicide correctly every single time you have vaginal sex is the way to go. The best way to increase your pregnancy prevention powers is to use spermicide along with another birth control method. Your partner can pull out before ejaculating (cumming), which helps keep sperm out of the vagina so it can’t cause pregnancy. Condoms and spermicide give great protection against pregnancy, and condoms also prevent STDs.

Does spermicide protect against STDs?

No, spermicide does NOT protect against STDs. In fact, using spermicide many times a day may actually increase your risk for HIV and other sexually transmitted infections. That’s because the chemical in spermicide (called Nonoxynol-9) can irritate your vagina and make it easier for STD germs to enter your body.

Adding condoms to the mix helps protect you from STDs and gives you an extra boost of pregnancy prevention. If you’re going to have sex, using condoms every time and getting tested are the best ways to keep yourself healthy.