02- Network: How Effective Are Spermicides?

While spermicides appeal to some women, users should not expect substantial protection.. . Spermicides appeal to many women seeking contraception. In countries where they are available, obtaining them usually does not require a prescription or a provider's help. Using them is easy and sometimes can be done without a sexual partner's knowledge.. . They can be used only when needed. And while they damage or kill sperm and may have minor localized side effects, spermicides have no effect on various systems throughout a woman's body. Finally, they come in different formulations, giving women a variety of choices: films, suppositories, gels, foams, creams or tablets.. . However, spermicides used alone are among the least effective of modern contraceptives in preventing pregnancy. Pregnancy rates in typical use are about 26 percent in the first year.1 Thus, spermicides are more appropriate for women who cannot use other contraceptive methods or choose not to, and for women willing to risk an unintended pregnancy. Spermicide users should be informed about the use of emergency contraception as a backup, in case a spermicide was not used or was used incorrectly.. . Furthermore, women should not expect sizable protection against sexually transmitted diseases, or STDs. Nonoxynol-9 (N-9) appears to provide modest protection against ...

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