Spermicide

Statistics

 *     First  Used: BCE  ; 1800s; 1930s
 * Duration  : Single-use
 *   Implementation  : Via user
 *   Effectiveness  : 72% (28/100)
 *   Costs  : $8 per package
 *   STI  Protection: N  one

History
In order to prevent unintended pregnancy in the afterlife, recipes for birth control methods were buried with the dead. This was in 1850 B.C.E. and the spermicides used were honey, sodium carbonate, and crocodile dung.

<span lang="EN" style="color: rgb(58, 58, 58); font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-ansi-language: EN;">In the sixth century, a Greek physician promoted the use of cedar rosin combined with myrtle, lead, alum, or wine (as well as suggesting that their partners coat their penises with alum, pomegranate, gallnut, or vinegar). Aristotle is even said to have suggested the use of spermicides (coating the vagina with oil of cedar, ointment of lead, or frankincense mixed with olive oil).

<p style="line-height: 17.6pt;"><span lang="EN" style="color: rgb(58, 58, 58); font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-ansi-language: EN;">Recently, people have tried to prove that Coca-Cola and lemon juice are effective to use as spermicide, but today the most common active ingredient of spermicides is nonoxynol-9.

Description
Spermicide is a non hormonal birth control method that contains chemicals that stop the sperm from moving. These are available in creams, film, foams, gels, and suppositories.

Spermicide, like most birth controls are more effective if used in a combination with another birth control. Spermicide is always used with the Diaphragm and Cervical Cap methods.

The Spermicide works in stopping sperm movement but also by blocking the cervix, blocking any potential sperm from making contact with an egg.

Effects
When women use as directed, spermicide has an 85% success rate in preventing pregnancy. If spermicide is not always used as directed, the success rate in pregnancy prevention decreases and is only 71% effectiveness.

As you may notice by the rates of effectiveness, spermicide is not the most effective birth control when used alone. This type of birth control is more successful when used with a latex condom. This is especially important because spermicide does not reduce the risk of sexually transmitted diseases.

Benefits:


 * Easy to get in any drugstore or supermarket


 * Does not require a prescription


 * It can be used during breastfeeding


 * No effect on a woman’s hormones


 * It can be carried in a purse or pocket

Disadvantages:


 * Some may be allergic to spermicides


 * Some may get skin irritation from spermicides


 * Some may complain that spermicides are messy


 * Needs to be used as directed to block the cervix

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