What is a spermicide?

Spermicide is a local contraceptive method that's still little known and sometimes misunderstood, yet it plays an important role in the history of contraception. For those considering this option or wanting to better understand why it's strongly discouraged when trying to get pregnant, let's take a look together.

What is a spermicide?

A spermicide is a chemical substance that destroys or immobilizes sperm before they can reach an egg. Used alone or in conjunction with a barrier method (such as a diaphragm or cervical cap), spermicide is a local contraceptive method.

It comes in different forms:

• Vaginal gels or creams
  

• Ovules (to be inserted and left to melt)
  

• Contraceptive sponges (soaked foam base)
  

• Condoms coated with spermicide, identifiable on their packaging

How does a spermicide work?

Spermicide works by destroying the outer membrane of sperm, rendering them inactive and therefore unable to fertilize an egg.

The most commonly used active ingredient is nonoxynol-9, a surfactant that disrupts the integrity of sperm as soon as they come into contact with it.

Depending on the chosen form:

• The ovules take 10 to 15 minutes to melt and become active, and remain effective for about an hour.
  

• Gels and creams work immediately, but again, their effectiveness does not exceed 60 minutes.
  

• The contraceptive sponge gradually releases the spermicide while creating a mechanical barrier.

It is essential to insert the spermicide into the vagina before each sexual act. The product is not effective afterward, and in no way replaces emergency contraception. It is imperative to reapply the product for each subsequent act of intercourse, even if it occurs shortly after the previous act.

Also note: The effectiveness of spermicide may be impaired by douching or internal cleansing, which can remove the product. (For your intimate health, we strongly advise against douching.)

Where can you find spermicides?

Spermicides are available:

• In pharmacies, without a prescription
  

• In certain specific products (sponges, ovules, gels)
  

• In some condoms, often marked with a "with spermicide" label
  
  

It is important to note that spermicides are no longer widely used alone, as their effectiveness is relatively moderate (between 72% and 82% with typical use), much lower than that of other methods of contraception. Instead, they are recommended as a complement to a barrier method to enhance protection.

Side effects

Although available without a prescription, spermicides are not without drawbacks. They do not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Repeated use, especially with nonoxynol-9, can increase the risk of vaginal micro-lesions, promoting the transmission of certain STIs such as HIV. They can cause local irritation or burning in some women or their partners. Finally, very frequent use can disrupt the vaginal flora and promote vaginal infections.

Why it is not recommended if you want to get pregnant

The role of a spermicide is, by definition, to neutralize sperm. This is therefore incompatible with a conception plan. Even in very small quantities, a spermicide can:

• Alter vaginal pH, making it too acidic for sperm survival
  

• Damage their membrane, making them unable to fertilize
  

• Slow down their mobility, which is essential for them to reach the egg
  
  

Many so-called "conventional" lubricants contain spermicidal agents without this being clearly indicated. This is why, when trying for a baby, it is imperative to use a so-called "fertility-friendly" lubricant , specifically formulated to not harm sperm.

What alternatives?

If you're looking for a solution to maintain your intimate comfort while respecting your desire to become pregnant (or simply to avoid spermicide), there are several interesting and complementary alternatives. Here are the main ones:

Use “fertility-friendly” lubricants

These lubricants are specifically formulated to be compatible with a baby project. They:

• Respect the fertile vaginal pH, between 7 and 8 — an environment favorable to the survival of sperm.

• Have an adapted osmolarity, so as not to damage the sperm membranes.

• Are guaranteed to be free from spermicidal agents and chemical disruptors.

👉 Some brands like Fertilily, Conceive Plus, or Prefert have been clinically tested for safety. Their texture mimics that of fertile cervical mucus, which promotes the progression of sperm towards the egg.

To learn how to use a fertility lubricant properly, visit our article :)

Use non-hormonal contraception (except for the baby route)

If you're not planning to conceive but want to avoid hormones or spermicides, here are some options:

• Spermicide-free condoms that protect against STIs while respecting fertility.

• The copper IUD is a reliable and long-lasting method, without hormones. (Be careful, however, as this method of contraception can increase menstrual flow.)

• Symptothermal method, a natural method of understanding the cycle (to be used with caution).

• The diaphragm or cervical cap, provided that spermicidal gels are avoided in addition.

These methods can be combined with a good neutral lubricant if comfort is needed.

In short, spermicide is a local contraceptive method that works by destroying or immobilizing sperm. Easy to access and available in different forms (ovules, creams, gels, condoms, etc.), it is however not recommended as a primary method due to its moderate effectiveness. It does not protect against STIs, can cause irritation and is completely inadvisable if you want to get pregnant. If you want to get pregnant , it is better to opt for “fertility-friendly” lubricants and avoid any product containing nonoxynol-9.