METHODS OF CONTRACEPTION: FEMALE CONDOM, FOAMS, SUPPOSITORIES AND CREAMS
Thursday, June 23rd, 2011Foams, Suppositories, Jellies, and Creams
Like condoms, jellies, creams, suppositories, and foam do not require a prescription. Chemically, they are referred to as spermicides – substances designed to kill sperm. Foams, suppositories, jellies, and creams usually contain nonoxynol-9, a detergent believed to be effective in also killing viruses, bacteria, and other organisms. Although they are not recommended as the primary form of contraception, spermicides are often recommended for use with other forms of contraception. Though they help prevent the spread of certain STIs, they are most effective when used in conjunction with a condom.
Jellies and creams are packaged in tubes, and foams are available in aerosol cans. All have tubes designed for insertion into the vagina. They must be inserted far enough to cover the cervix, providing both a chemical barrier that kills sperm and a physical barrier that stops sperm from continuing toward an egg.
Suppositories are waxy capsules that are placed deep in the vagina and melt once they are inside. They must be inserted 10 to 20 minutes before intercourse to have time to melt but no longer than one hour prior to intercourse or they lose their effectiveness.
Female Condom
This contraceptive device for internal use by women was approved by the FDA in 1993. The female condom is a single-use, soft, loose-fitting polyurethane sheath. It is designed as one unit with two diaphragm-like rings. One ring, which lies inside the sheath, serves as an insertion mechanism and internal anchor. The other ring, which remains outside the vagina once the device is inserted, protects the labia and the base of the penis from infection. Many women like the female condom because it gives them more control over reproduction than does the male condom. They believe that women must take full responsibility for birth control since they are the ones who become pregnant. When used correctly, the female condom provides protection against HIV and STIs comparable to that of a latex male condom.
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