Spermicides – these are contraceptives of local action, which tend to damage spermatozoa. They exist in the form of vaginal tablets, suppositories, creams, gels, foams.
Ease of use, as well as the absence of systemic effects on the body, make these contraceptives quite popular among the population.
In this article on estet-portal.com, read about the mechanism of action, the advantages and disadvantages of using spermicides, as well as some of the features of their practical application.
Benzalkonium chloride – the most popular member of the spermicide group
The most popular representative of the spermicide group of contraceptives is benzalkonium chloride.
Benzalkonium chloride – it is a chemical that has contraceptive and antiseptic properties.
The mechanism of the contraceptive action of this spermicide lies in its ability to interact with lipoproteins of spermatozoa membranes, violating their barrier function. This leads to damage first to the flagella, and then the heads of the spermatozoa. As a result, fertilization becomes impossible.
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The undoubted advantage of using spermicides – their antimicrobial activity
The undoubted advantage of using spermicides, in particular benzalkonium chloride, is its antimicrobial activity.
Benzalkonium chloride has bactericidal properties against microorganisms such as staphylococci, streptococci, gram-negative bacteria, anaerobes.
Therefore, the use of spermicides during sexual intercourse prevents the development of some diseases that are sexually transmitted.
Benzalkonium chloride is weak against organisms such as Gardnerella vaginalis, Candida albicans and Treponema pallidum.
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Features of the practical use of different forms of spermicides
Suppositories and spermicide tablets should be administered 10-20 minutes before sexual intercourse.
The contraceptive effect when using tablets develops after 8-10 minutes, candles – 5 minutes, creams – about 3 minutes.
If the above forms of spermicides are used, then additional injections are necessary during repeated sexual intercourse.
There are also special contraceptive polyurethane sponges impregnated with spermicides. The most commonly used active ingredients are nonoxynol-9 and benzalkonium chloride.
The contraceptive property of the sponge is due to both a mechanical obstacle to the entry of spermatozoa into the cervical canal, and chemical spermicidal activity.
The contraceptive sponge can be in the vagina for up to 24 hours. It is not recommended to remove the contraceptive sponge within 6 hours after intercourse.
The advantage of the contraceptive sponge is that there is no need for additional insertion during repeated intercourse during the day.
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The main disadvantage of spermicides is the low effectiveness of contraception
Pearl index is used to assess the effectiveness of contraceptives. The Pearl Index measures the number of unplanned pregnancies in 100 women during the year who used any particular contraceptive.
The smaller the value of the Pearl index – the higher the effectiveness of the contraceptive. For spermicides, the Pearl index is 6-20.
Thus, the main disadvantage of using spermicides as the only contraceptive is the relatively high risk of unintended pregnancy.
Couples who do not plan to become pregnant in the near future should be advised to combine spermicide use with other methods of contraception (eg, barrier or hormonal).
Thus, regarding the use of spermicides as a method of preventing pregnancy, the following conclusions can be drawn:
1. The advantages of spermicides are their ease of use, as well as the presence of antimicrobial action;
2. Spermicides do not have a systemic effect, which significantly reduces the risk of side effects of drugs;
3. The disadvantage of spermicides is the high risk of unwanted pregnancy when using this method as the only method of protection;
4. For effective contraception, spermicides are recommended to be combined with other contraceptives (for example, condoms).
Thank you for staying with estet-portal.com. Read other interesting articles in the "Gynecology" section. You may also be interested in: Contraceptives and lactation: effective and safe methods
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