Spermicidal jellies and foams are one of the unconventional birth control means which kill sperm before it reaches woman’s reproductive organs. Are they effective? How do they work?
At this point, it is necessary to emphasize that both spermicidal jellies and foams are not highly effective. For this reason, they should be treated as supplementary, rather than primary protection. Sexologists recommend them in combination with condoms. Let’s have a closer look at spermicidal jellies and foams.
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How spermicidal jellies and foams work?
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According to experts from Lycknis, spermicidal jellies and foams are birth control means intended for women. Jellies differ from foams in terms of consistency and length of effectiveness. Both products contain nonoxynol-9 – it is a substance from the spermicide group known for its spermicidal properties. After the preparation has been rubbed in the intimate spot, it now serves as a barrier against spermatozoon and hinders insemination.
It is important that we stress that nonoxynol-9 does not damage the spermatozoon. If the birth control is used and sperm reaches a woman’s reproductive organ, the fetus will develop without any difficulties. The use of jellies and foams of this sort, therefore, does not entail potential birth defects.
What spermicidal jellies look like and how to apply them?
Spermicidal jellies are transparent, dense and odorless. They must be applied inside the vagina with the use of special tool supplied in the package. This device resembles a tube with a piston. Before the intercourse, the substance must fill the tube and the piston must be pressed.
Satisfying results assures combination of spermicidal jelly and diaphragm or cervical cap. The diaphragm or cap must be covered in jelly and then placed deep in the vagina.
What spermicidal foams look like and how to apply them?
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Spermicidal foams are available in pressurized containers supplied with a special applicator. They resemble a normal shaving foam but are denser and not so greasy. The application of foams looks like jellies’ – fill the tube with foam and then put the tube inside the vagina and press the piston. Foams easily lose their density, melt and make a mess. As opposed to jellies, they act immediately – you do not need to wait.
Where to buy spermicidal jellies and foams?
You can buy spermicidal jellies and foams in online pharmacies and web auctions, such as Allegro. They are not very popular birth control means, yet combined with traditional methods prove to provide additional protection. One package assures about 13 applications and costs more or less 80 zlotys.
