Jellies, Gels, and Foams

Spermicides are available in a variety of foams, gels, and jellies.

Starter packages of most brands contain the spermicide plus reusable applicators; refill packages and Ortho’s Gynol II do not include applicators, which are necessary for using these spermicides. Prod- ucts like Conceptrol Gel Disposables and Advantage 24 offer indi- vidual applicators prefilled with spermicide for one-time use.

Some products are made to be used primarily with the additional protection of a diaphragm or cervical cap. Others are formulated to be used alone, and an applicator of these generally will contain more nonoxynol-9 than an applicator of a product designed to accompany a diaphragm or condom. Read the label carefully to be sure you are getting the degree of protection you want.

Normal body temperature melts most spermicides, allowing them to spread around the vagina and over the opening of the cervix.

Melting takes place within minutes, so these spermicides are effec- tive almost immediately after application. For full protection, you must apply the spermicide high in the vagina, close to the cervix.

Most spermicides are effective for only 1 hour, so they should be applied not long before you have sex. If an hour passes before you have intercourse, add more spermicide. If you are going to have sex again and more than an hour has passed since you inserted spermi- cide, use another application.

The amount of active ingredient differs from product to product.

It is important to use the applicator that comes with a particular spermicide, because the applicator is sized to provide the correct dose for its product only. To insert the applicator easily, choose a position that is comfortable for you. You can stand with a foot on a chair or bathtub, squat on your heels, or insert it while you are lying down.

Do not throw out the applicator when you have finished with

that container of spermicide. Save it to use with refills. You will get

more spermicide for your money if you buy refill containers that are sold without applicators.

After sex, do not douche or wash out the spermicide for at least 6 hours. A tampon or minipad used after lovemaking will protect you against any leakage.

For gels and jellies in tubes, remove the screw-on top of the tube and put on the applicator in its place. Squeeze the tube to fill the applicator until the plunger is pushed out completely. Unscrew the applicator, gently insert it deep into the vagina, and push in the plunger as far as it will go. Remove the applicator from the vagina by its barrel, not by the plunger. Pulling on the plunger may cause it to suction out some spermicide.

Contraceptive foams are available in pressurized aerosol cans and are used with applicators. Before using, it is important to shake the can thoroughly to mix the spermicide into the foam—the spermi- cide tends to settle in the bottom of the can. The foam should have the consistency of shaving cream—the more bubbles it has, the better it will spread around your vagina.

To fill the plunger-type plastic applicator, place it on the can of foam and either push or tilt it so foam flows into it. As the applica- tor fills, the foam pushes up the plunger. (The filling technique varies from brand to brand, and each package has directions ex- plaining how to use it.) When full, insert the applicator deep into the vagina and push in the plunger until it stops. Remove the applicator with the plunger still pushed in to avoid withdrawing any foam.

You can insert foam up to 30 minutes before you have sex. If you do not have sex within that time, add another applicator of foam just before you do have intercourse.

Care and Storage. Wash the applicator thoroughly inside and out with hot water and detergent or soap. Do not boil it, because the plastic is likely to melt. To keep it clean, store the applicator in the original box or in a closed plastic bag. Store all spermicides at room temperature, away from extreme heat or cold. They should not be used more than 2 years after purchase or beyond the expiration date marked on the package.

With foam, it is impossible to know how much remains in the

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can after you have been using it a while. To make sure you do not run out, buy two containers at first and, from then on, buy another every time one becomes empty. That way you will always have a supply of foam on hand whenever you need it.

Cost. Gels and jellies cost about $10, depending on size and whether the package includes an applicator. Foams cost about $16 or more per can. After you have an applicator, it is more economical to buy the refill containers that are sold without applicators, because they offer more spermicide for the money.

Bioadhesive Gel

Newly available is a spermicide gel that combines nonoxynol-9 with a patented “bioadhesive” that clings to the cervix and the walls of the vagina for 24 hours. This product, Advantage 24, contains less nonoxynol-9 than many others—enough to protect against preg- nancy but usually not enough to irritate the vagina or penis. It is not washed away by the man’s ejaculate, the woman’s menstruation, or any secretions. Advantage 24 is not perfumed or flavored and does not leak from the vagina. After it is applied, sex can take place anytime in the next 24 hours. One application, however, cannot be used for multiple acts of intercourse—additional applications are needed.

Advantage 24 is sold in prefilled applicators for one-time use.

Before inserting it, you hold the thick end of the applicator and shake it vigorously—like a thermometer—to force the gel to the thin end. You then twist off the tab at the thin end, insert that end into your vagina as far as possible, and squeeze the thick end of the applicator to deposit the gel close to your cervix.

You can use Advantage 24 alone or with a condom. As with other spermicides, douching is not recommended. If you feel douch- ing is necessary, wait at least 6 hours after your last intercourse.

Care and Storage. Store at room temperature, away from extreme

heat and cold. For example, do not leave the package in a coat

pocket or in a purse on a radiator.

Cost. Advantage 24 is sold in packages of three for $7.99 or six for

$11.99.