Contraception

Methods of Contraception: Contraceptive Methods for Women: Spermicides

Vaginal Foam
Vaginal foam comes in a small aerosol can with a special applicator. After shaking the can, the woman fills the applicator with foam and then, lying down, inserts it deep into her vagina. This must be done not more than half an hour before each coitus. Two applications are better than one. The foam kills the sperm and also blocks the cervix mechanically, thus preventing any sperm cells that might have survived from entering the uterus. The protection can be increased further if the man uses a condom at the same time.
Effectiveness: about 90 percent; if the man also wears a condom, close to 100 percent.

Foaming Tablets and Suppositories
Vaginal foaming tablets and suppositories can only work when they have time enough to dissolve inside the vagina. They must, therefore, be inserted 10 to 15 minutes before each coitus. However, if used alone they do not offer much protection against pregnancy.
Effectiveness: not very effective.

Using spermicides. 1. Inserting spermicidal foam with an applicator.
2. Inserting a spermicidal suppository.

Spermicidal Creams and Jellies
Spermicidal creams and jellies are less effective than foam because they sometimes disperse unevenly. Some can be used by themselves, just as vaginal foam. However, they provide much greater protection when used together with a diaphragm. If no diaphragm is available, the man should wear a condom.
Effectiveness: not very effective without a diaphragm.