Spermicide Information

Spermicide is a type of birth control considered a vaginal barrier method. When spermicide is used, a chemical barrier is formed that paralyzes or kills sperm, not allowing it to pass through the cervix.

Types

• Spermicides come in different forms, including suppositories, foams, vaginal creams, sponges and films, notes Young Women's Health.org.

Effectiveness

• Spermicides can be used alone but are more effective when used with another type of contraception, such as a condom. Spermicide alone is 85 percent effective, which means 15 women out of 100 who use spermicide correctly and all the time still get pregnant. Spermicide use alone is considered one of the less effective methods of contraception.

Time Frame

• When using vaginal spermicide suppositories, wait for 15 minutes after insertion before having sex to give the suppository time to foam, which is necessary. A spermicide is effective for about one hour. If you have sex again later in the day or night, you will need to insert more spermicide.