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What exactly are spermicides and how do they prevent pregnancy?

Basically, spermicides are simply substances that kill or damage sperm thus preventing them from fertilizing an egg. They are available in creams, jellies, foams, dissolving films, as well as suppositories that are inserted just prior to intercourse.
 
Some creams or jellies are designed to be used in conjunction with contraceptive devices such as the cervical cap or shield. It is recommended that you do not rely on just a spermicide as contraception. However, it is better than using no contraception whatsoever. Using spermicide together with a condom or the LAM method, will give you a higher degree of protection. Spermicides are also handy if you have forgotten to take your birth control pill.
 
As far as reliability goes, spermicides alone are not very effective as prevention against pregnancy. Studies have shown that about 29% of women who rely only on spermicides end up pregnant in the first year of use. It must be added though, that this number includes women who do not use the spermicide correctly, or do not use it each time before having sex.
 
However, at least 18% of women who do use spermicide correctly will become pregnant during the first year of use. It is for this reason that experts recommend that using a spermicide on its own is not an effective contraceptive.
 
Using a spermicide together with a regular latex condom will be better protection against pregnancy than using a condom on its own. Using condoms that are pre-treated with the spermicide, N-9, are not more effective as a contraceptive and are more likely to cause vaginal irritation than regular condoms.
 
There are some people who believe that spermicides will protect them from STIs. This is not the case at all. Studies have shown that frequent use of spermicide N-9 can cause irritation to the genitals, sometimes resulting in breaks in tissue that will actually make you more susceptible to HIV as well as other STIs. If you are a high risk for HIV, it is recommended that you do not use a spermicide. If you are not in a long-term relationship with one person, then it is better for you to use latex condoms for protection. If for some reason you cannot use latex condoms, then use polyurethane male or female condoms instead.
 
Spermicides are quite safe to use while breastfeeding, as these have no known effects on the quality or production of breast milk. Spermicide foams are available in aerosol cans, and creams and jellies come in tubes. Some spermicides are sold with applicators and also in pre-filled dispensers. These are also available in refills. Spermicides that come in the form of film or suppositories are sold in packets.
 
It is very important that you use the spermicide correctly, so make sure to follow the instruction on the packaging very carefully. Ensure that you have enough of the product on hand as well as an applicator if necessary. Also make sure that the product is not past the expiry date. If you are using the foam, it is difficult to see how much is left in the can, so make sure to always have a refill handy. Spermicides, especially the film products, should be stored in a cool, dry, place. Read the instruction label carefully and wash your hands before use. If you are using foam, then shake the can well before use. In the case of film, see to it that your fingers are completely dry before removing it from the packet.
 
As with other spermicide products, if you are using a spermicide with a diaphragm or cervical cap, then follow the instructions very carefully. Apply the correct amount of jelly or cream before insertion. You should lie down or squat in order to insert the spermicide into your vagina. Foam, jelly or cream should be inserted with the applicator, and suppositories or film with your finger. Make sure to insert the spermicide deep enough inside your vagina so that it comes into contact with your cervix.
 
Foams, creams, and jellies are normally effective immediately, while suppositories and film need a waiting period of about 15 minutes after insertion before having intercourse. Normally, one dose of spermicide is sufficient for an hour after insertion. If your partner does not ejaculate within that time, then it is necessary to insert more. Very importantly, a new dose should be inserted before each sex act, even if you have intercourse more than once in one hour. After ejaculation, semen and spermicide might run out of your vagina. Shower if you want to, but do not bathe or rinse out your vagina, otherwise the whole point of the spermicide will be lost. At least six hours after intercourse is needed for the spermicide to kill the sperm. You might want to wear a sanitary pad during this time to absorb any leakage. Spermicidal films and bio adhesive jellies are usually less messy than other spermicidal products.
 
There are some men and women who are sensitive to spermicidal products and experience certain side effects. It is normally the spermicide itself that is to blame, but one of the other ingredients could also be the cause. Irritation from the spermicide usually occurs with frequent use. If you or your partner becomes irritated in any way from the product, then stop using it for a few days to see what happens. Do use condoms in the meantime though. If the irritation persists, then see your doctor to check that you do not have a vaginal infection or STI.
 
You could also ask your doctor to recommend a different spermicide with different ingredients. If you are using latex condoms or a rubber diaphragm in conjunction with the spermicide, you could try using a polyurethane condom or silicone diaphragm and check that sensitivity to latex is not the problem. If all your efforts are in vain, and the irritation persists, then it is better for you to use another form of contraception. The N-9 contained in spermicides alters the pH balance of the vagina that in turn affects some of the beneficial bacteria, which makes you more susceptible to urinary tract infections. If you have recurring UTIs, then it would be better for you to use a contraception that does not require spermicide.
 
Oral sex loses its appeal when you use spermicides, as they do not taste too good at all. However, flavored versions of spermicides are available from specialty stores.
It is recommended that a product containing N-9 not be used as a lubricant for anal sex, as it will very likely damage the delicate tissue in that area.

More questions

There are some very good reasons that you would want to avoid sexual intercourse.
Your vagina will naturally shrink after delivery, as your body heals, but whether it returns to its original size, depends on a number of factors.
Your menstrual cycle usually starts towards the end of your breastfeeding phase, but how regular it is once it is back varies from woman to woman.
It is not uncommon for women to experience pain and discomfort during sex, for the first couple of months after having a baby.
The delaying effect that breastfeeding has on the return of normal menstruation has an effect on fertility and can be considered as a method of contraception – although it is not a very reliable one.
The Intrauterine System, or IUS, is an effective method of birth control that is safe to use while breastfeeding.
It is true that some women experience a drop in their sex drive while breastfeeding, however, this isn’t always the case.
The return to your normal cycle is not a hard and fast rule and it can take anything from a month to a year before your first post baby period happens.
It is entirely up to you and your husband as to when you want to start having sex after the birth of your baby. The best thing to do is to have patience and wait until your body is ready for sex after your baby is born.
As very often happens, if you are just too tired to have sex after a long day, then tell your husband. If he is understanding and clever, he will help you as much as he can. After all, you will both benefit from this.

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