Vaginal contraceptives: creams, gels, aerosols. Effective contraceptives - creams, gels, foams

Modern life is very difficult. Work occupies a huge place in it. Due to work, there is little free time left. This contributes to the fact that people entering into interpersonal relationships strive to develop them faster. When it comes to intimacy, people sometimes forget about the most important thing - contraception. However, this is always worth remembering, because when using contraception, people not only protect themselves from undesirable consequences, but also take care of their loved one and future children.

Modern ones are varied. They are divided into several groups (non-hormonal, hormonal, emergency, etc.). One of the means of contraception is spermicidal cream. What is it, how does it work and how effective is it? Let's try to find answers to these important questions.

What are spermicides?

Spermicides are contraceptives related to chemical methods of protection. They are substances that negatively affect sperm entering the vagina, destroy them, and prevent their penetration into the uterus. This effect is explained by the presence of a special chemically active component in spermicides.

Spermicides arose in ancient times. Women used to make soda, insert lemon slices, and aspirin tablets into the vagina. Modern spermicides come in different forms. There are tablets, suppositories, foams, tampons. One of the products is spermicidal gel (cream). Let's consider its advantages and disadvantages.

Benefits of spermicidal cream

One of the main advantages of this contraceptive is its availability. The drug in cream form can be easily purchased at any pharmacy without a prescription. The product is relatively inexpensive, which is considered a definite plus. The advantages of spermicidal cream include its safety. The product does not contain hormones. It can be used by both women who have given birth and women who have not given birth.

Spermicidal creams are easy to use. They are inserted into the vagina 20-30 minutes before sexual intercourse and are usually effective for 1 hour. The effectiveness of these contraceptives is not high enough. According to statistics, out of 100 women, 25-30 become pregnant.

Disadvantages of spermicidal cream

The disadvantages of modern spermicidal creams are associated with the presence of side effects. After sexual intercourse, partners may feel burning and itching in the area of the external genitalia and experience manifestations of an allergic reaction. Another disadvantage of spermicides is that their use does not exclude the possibility of infecting partners with sexually transmitted diseases.

Another disadvantage of contraception is the inability to use spermicidal cream frequently or consistently. This drug belongs to chemical contraception. Frequent or constant use may cause irritation or damage to the vaginal mucosa. This, in turn, can lead to the transmission of HIV infection.

Composition of spermicidal creams and a list of common products

Spermicides contain certain active ingredients:

Surfunkts. These substances include benzalkonium chloride, menfegol, octoxynol, nonoxynol-9. The first of them is considered the most effective. Studies have shown that benzalkonium chloride destroys sperm entering the vagina within 20 seconds. Its advantages include not only high efficiency, but also the ability to kill bacteria and viruses.
Inhibitors of active enzymes. This group of substances includes A-gen 53, Sin-a-gen.

When making spermicidal creams, the active substance (benzalkonium chloride or some other) is introduced into its future carrier - into a product that promotes the distribution of the component in the vagina and gives an enveloping effect.

It is known that there are different spermicidal creams. Here is their list:

"Pharmatex";
"Dolphin";
"Conceptrol";
Coromex;
"Ortho";
"Ortho-Gynol";
"Ramses";
"Rendell"
"Alpagel".

"Pharmatex": description of the drug

An effective spermicidal vaginal product is Pharmatex with the scent of lavender. The composition contains a 50% aqueous solution. Excipients are citric acid and lavender oil. Spermicidal cream quickly destroys the membranes of spermatozoa. It also protects against certain diseases, infection with gonococci, Trichomonas, and chlamydia.

Pharmatex vaginal cream is convenient to use. The manufacturer has created a special dispenser with which you can take the required amount of product from the tube and insert it into the vagina. It was said above that spermicidal agents act within 1 hour. Pharmatex spermicidal cream has a different effect. The instructions indicate that it is effective for 10 hours.

Other drugs

The spermicidal agent in Dolphin and Conceptol is nonoxynol-9, in Alpagel it is benzalkonium chloride, and in other drugs it is octoxynol. It is known that “Alpagel”, like “Pharmatex”, acts for 10 hours, and other spermicidal agents - for 1 hour.

The listed active ingredients make contraceptive creams effective. It is impossible to name the prices of the drugs, because all of them are not available in modern pharmacies. The exception is Pharmatex. It can be bought at any pharmacy or ordered on the World Wide Web. Its price is about 400 rubles for a small tube. "Pharmatex" is available for sale not only in those who wish, but can purchase this drug in other dosage forms that are most convenient for them (for example, in the form of vaginal tablets or capsules).

When using, you must follow certain rules to maintain its effectiveness:

2 hours before sex and within 2 hours after intimacy, you should not use soap to wash the genitals, as it has a destructive effect on the spermicidal cream;
before each repeated sexual intercourse, a new dose of the drug is administered;
after sexual intercourse, it is only allowed to perform external toilet of the genitals with clean water;
After using spermicidal cream, you should not take baths, swim in the pool, or the sea.

If any disease occurs or a chronic illness worsens, then the use of spermicidal contraceptives is temporarily abandoned. Vaginal creams are re-applied only after the prescribed course of treatment has been effectively completed.

About barrier contraception

So, we looked at spermicidal creams. It was said above that these drugs belong to chemical contraception. In turn, it is part of a large group of barrier methods of protection. Their principle of operation is simple and can be seen from the name. The idea is to create an obstacle on the path of the sperm to the egg.

Barrier contraception consists not only of chemical methods of protection against unwanted pregnancy. It also includes mechanical methods that are implemented through the use of:

condoms;
diaphragms;
cervical caps;
femidons (female condoms).

Using condoms

The most famous and popular means that barrier contraception includes are condoms. They have been used by mankind for a very long time. Their history goes back to the times of the Roman Empire. In this state, people previously used animal bladders to protect themselves from pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases.

Today, condoms are made from thin latex. They are made with different reliefs and treated with special lubricants. Condoms are the most common because they have many advantages:

they are easy to use and accessible;
protect against sexually transmitted infections, including HIV;
relieves unpleasant symptoms that occur in women with

Which is better: spermicidal creams or condoms?

People who are considering using contraception face difficult choices. They do not know which method of contraception to choose - to choose condoms or spermicidal cream. The composition of the latter can negatively affect the genitals of partners with constant use, so the product is recommended to be used only by those people who have rare sexual intercourse. Also, an indication for the use of creams is a break when using combined oral contraceptives (hormonal drugs).

Regarding condoms, it is worth noting that they protect against most sexually transmitted infections. This is an important advantage of these products over spermicidal creams. However, the contraceptive effect of condoms is very low. Thin latex may tear. To reduce the likelihood of unwanted pregnancy, it is recommended to use condoms in combination with other means of contraception - with combined oral medications.

Thus, it is impossible to give a specific answer to the question of which contraceptive is the best. Both spermicides and condoms have specific advantages and disadvantages. You should choose a product taking into account your lifestyle, age, and personal preferences.

To modern contraceptives There are many requirements: they must be highly reliable, easy to use, and harmless to health. There is no ideal contraceptive on the pharmaceutical market, but production does not stand still. One of the most optimal means of contraception is the drug Benatex. In addition to preventing pregnancy, this remedy has an antifungal and antiseptic effect.

The effect of the drug is based on the fact that the active substance thickens the mucus of the cervix; destroys sperm; forms a barrier through which the pathogens of gonorrhea, chlamydia, herpes, candidiasis, and staphylococcus cannot pass. Benatex suppositories are used when there is a lack of intimate lubrication, and tablets are used when there is an excess of it.

A huge advantage of the drug is that it can be used by women in the postpartum period during breastfeeding; and during menopause.

The effectiveness of the drug is quite high, although it is inferior to the effectiveness of hormonal oral contraception.

An analysis of reviews from women who have used this spermicidal contraceptive shows that it is a fairly comfortable and reliable means of contraception, but it is best to use it after consultation with a gynecologist.

Myths about spermicidal contraceptives

1. Low efficiency.
Spermicidal contraceptives sometimes show slightly less effectiveness than hormonal ones, but, nevertheless, the difference between the effectiveness indicators is not critical. In addition, their action is multi-stage, which provides additional protection: included in Benatex benzalkonium chloride first destroys the flagellum and head of the sperm, then thickens the cervical mucus, preventing passage into the uterus.

2. The use of spermicides is complicated; they must be used just before sexual intercourse, when sexual partners are not in the mood for it.
It is easy to administer a Benatex suppository or tablet, and this can be done not even in 10 minutes, as recommended in the instructions, but in an hour. You just need to keep in mind that the effect lasts 3 - 4 hours, therefore, if you administered the drug an hour before sexual intercourse, then the effect after sex will last an hour less. For irregular sex, it is convenient to use Benatex because it does not need to be taken every day at the same time, like an oral contraceptive drug.

3. Spermicides, after being inserted into the vagina, foam, or flow, or irritate the mucous membrane.
Benatex suppositories and tablets do not flow or foam, unlike other drugs. In some cases, burning of the mucous membrane actually occurs.

4. After sex, you cannot perform genital hygiene, which is inconvenient.
After sex using Benatex, you can wash yourself with water without soap - often this is enough for hygienic post-coital procedures.

5. Long-term use of spermicides leads to vaginal dysbiosis.
The contraceptive does not in any way affect the normal flora of the vagina; accordingly, it does not cause an imbalance of beneficial and opportunistic flora.

6. Spermicides are only an additional method of contraception.
Benatex is a complete barrier method of contraception, and it is recommended for women of the reproductive period. Often, only it can be used by those women who, for some reason, are not suitable for oral contraceptives. In addition, it is also reliable protection against sexually transmitted infections.

Composition and dosage form

The main active ingredient of the drug is benzalkonium chloride.

Vaginal suppositories ( candles) – the package contains 10 pieces. Vaginal tablets – the package contains 15 pieces.
Vaginal gel ( cream) 1.2% 50g.

Pharmacodynamics

The drug belongs to local contraceptives. Shows antiprotozoal, antifungal, antiseptic properties; neutralizes the herpes virus; shows activity against Escherichia coli, streptococci, gonococci, staphylococci. May affect bacteria that are resistant to antibiotics.

5 minutes after administration intravaginally, benzalkonium chloride begins to act. The spermicidal effect is manifested due to the ability to damage sperm membranes ( first - the flagellum, and then the heads). Fertilization with damaged sperm is impossible. The drug is effective in preventing sexually transmitted infections, and does not affect the hormonal cycle and the lactoflora of the vagina.

Pharmacokinetics

The drug is practically not absorbed, which means that the active substance does not enter the systemic bloodstream. Remains of a candle or tablet are removed by regular washing.

Indications for use

Local contraception:
1. For breastfeeding women.
2. For women of childbearing age.
3. For those who need occasional protection ( irregular sex life).
4. For those who have missed a regularly used oral contraceptive.
5. For those for whom oral contraceptives are contraindicated ( for vascular diseases, for example).
6. Prevention of sexually transmitted infections.

Candles (suppositories)

They have a lubricating effect - that is, they can act as a lubricant when there is insufficient lubricant secretion from the female vagina. The suppository is administered five minutes before sexual intercourse, while lying on your back. The effect lasts 4 hours. In case of repeated sexual intercourse, it is necessary to insert another suppository. True, a side effect may occur: a burning sensation in the genital area of the partners. The frequency of use is limited by individual tolerance of benzalkonium chloride and the frequency of sexual intercourse.

Pills

Recommended when producing excessive amounts of intimate lubricant. The tablet is administered ten minutes before sexual intercourse, while lying on your back. The effect lasts 3 hours.

Gel (cream)

It is inserted into the vagina in a lying position using a dispenser-applicator. The effect of the drug begins instantly and lasts 10 hours.

Side effects

Burning in the genital area.
Allergic reaction.

Special instructions

Careful adherence to the instructions increases the effectiveness of Benatex. The drug can be used in conjunction with intrauterine contraception. Immediately after sexual intercourse, you should not douche with soapy water, because the soap solution destroys the active component of Benatex and, accordingly, this reduces the contraceptive effect. However, it is not prohibited to perform external toileting of the genitals with water without soap.

Interaction

Iodine solutions inactivate benzalkonium chloride. Any drug that is administered intravaginally reduces the contraceptive effect of Benatex.

Analogues

Benzalkonium chloride C14,
Contratex,
Pharmaginex,
Dettol benzalkonium chloride,
Gynekotex,

Contraceptive creams and gels - list, benefits of use and instructions for use. Such products are widely popular in the modern contraceptive market. The leading positions are given to contraceptive creams Benatex and Farmatex. Let's talk about them in more detail in today's article.

Benatex contraceptive cream - price, pharmacological action, advantages.

The wide popularity of this drug is explained by the fact that the active ingredients included in the cream do not significantly affect the hormonal balance of the female body. The principle of action of Benatex is to destroy the protein membranes of male sperm. Initially, the outer shell is destroyed, after which the entire head of the sperm is destroyed, thereby completely eliminating successful fertilization. Benatex cream should be used only when necessary. This means that if your sex life is irregular, you have contraindications to taking hormonal pills and using the IUD, then it is best to use Benatex contraceptive cream. Reviews from doctors indicate that this remedy does not affect the sexual libido of both partners. In addition, a woman can use it unnoticed. The cream has a long duration of action (up to ten hours), however, one dose is only enough for one contact.

Pharmatex contraceptive cream – price, principle of action, features of use.

Pharmatex is a contraceptive that is both an antiseptic and a spermicide. The spermicidal effect of the cream is due to the fact that the drug is capable of damaging the membranes of male sperm: first the flagella, then the heads. As a result, fertilization becomes impossible. The cream must be inserted into the vagina using a dispenser - applicator, preferably in a lying position. The action of Pharmatex develops instantly and lasts about ten hours.

Interesting on the web:

How to use non-hormonal contraceptive creams correctly? Features and nuances of application.

It should be taken into account that creams begin to act almost instantly, for this reason they should be applied immediately before intimacy. Contraceptive creams must be administered with a special dispenser (there is a convenient applicator at its end). It should be remembered that irregular use of these contraceptives is allowed.

The creams are extremely easy to use, but it must be taken into account that under the influence of water and detergents, the properties of the preparations are significantly reduced, and therefore the risk of pregnancy increases. It is not advisable to take a bath or swim in the pool. Even a very weak soap solution has a negative effect on the drug; it destroys it. Remember that contraceptive creams provide protection against some sexually transmitted infections, such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa, gonorrhea, E. coli, staphylococci, streptococci, chlamydia, Protea, etc.

Cautions for the use of contraceptive creams.

The active component of the drugs is benzalkonium chloride, which is extremely quickly eliminated from the female body. To be sure that the body accepts the drug, you should do a test. Apply a little cream to a small area of the genitals. If after some time there is no burning sensation, itching or swelling, then you can safely use the cream. Such contraceptives receive multiple positive reviews from women.

Modern contraception is very diverse. And if previously for most women the most acceptable type of contraceptives were various hormonal drugs, today spermicide-based products are becoming increasingly popular.

Spermicidal contraceptives belong to the category of female contraception and are chemical agents whose main active ingredient kills sperm in the first 60 seconds after they enter the vagina. This speed of action is necessary because sperm have high mobility - in a maximum of 2 minutes they are able to penetrate the uterus and reach its tubes, and after that conception can only be prevented by hormonal drugs or.

Typically, gynecologists do not recommend that patients use spermicidal contraceptives as an independent means of contraception, since such drugs themselves are not highly effective (on average about 80%). To increase reliability, they are combined with other methods of protection, for example, with hormonal oral medications or condoms, using spermicides as a lubricant.

Types of spermicidal contraceptives

Spermicides include:

suppositories (vaginal suppositories), which dissolve in the vagina when exposed to body temperature;
jellies, foams and gels;
soluble films;
foaming tablets;
sponges.

Suppositories and dissolving tablets

They are used both in combination with condoms and separately, although this does not provide sufficient protection. The effectiveness of dissolving tablets and suppositories is about 82%. The drugs begin to act only after dissolving inside, and this takes about 15 minutes, so contraceptives must be administered before sexual intercourse, 15–20 minutes.

If the candle has not completely dissolved, the contraceptive effect is significantly reduced, and the remains of the candle can cause a lot of unpleasant sensations during sexual intercourse. The effect of vaginal tablets or suppositories usually lasts for an hour, but you must also remember that before each act a new contraceptive should be introduced, even if intercourse is repeated within an hour.

Jelly, foams and gels

Quite often, such spermicidal contraceptives are used together with cervical caps or, which together provide maximum effect. Aerosol foam is highly effective (about 95%), so it can be used independently, but its administration requires a special aerosol container with an applicator.

Creams and gels are usually packaged in tubes and are applied either with a clean finger or a special applicator. The gel is often used as a spermicidal lubricant.

Spermicidal gel lubricants, foams and creams begin to act immediately after application, maintaining a contraceptive effect for about an hour, but if the product is used together with a cap or diaphragm, its effect increases to 6 hours. The contraceptive effect is also enhanced.

Gels are used as an additional lubricant and to moisturize the vagina in case of excessive dryness. Spermicidal lubricant not only perfectly moisturizes, but also enhances the effect of other contraceptives, creating protection against infections. The contraceptive effectiveness of creams and gels does not exceed 82%.

Soluble films

Spermicidal films are often used in conjunction with a diaphragm, but they can also be used independently, remembering that the effectiveness of the product does not exceed 83%. It is necessary to insert the film into the vagina to the maximum possible depth, 15 minutes before the start of sexual contact, since this time is necessary for the film to dissolve and begin its action. The films retain their contraceptive effect for about an hour, but repeated sexual intercourse requires the introduction of a new product.

Foaming tablets and suppositories

Foaming suppositories and tablets, like dissolving ones, require insertion into the vagina approximately 15 minutes before intercourse. The suppository must be inserted as deeply as possible using a special applicator. The effectiveness of the product is about 85%.

Often, when using this type of contraception, women notice a burning sensation in the vagina during the dissolution of the tablet or suppository, which is a normal reaction to the spread of spermicides by foaming.

Sponges

A spermicidal contraceptive of this type is a means that combines two types of protection: chemical and mechanical. It creates a barrier for sperm, preventing them from entering the uterus. In this case, the sponge not only catches sperm, but also releases the spermicidal substance it contains, which kills them in the vagina. These sponges are made from polyurethane, which is impregnated with benzalkonium chloride or nonoxylone-9.

The effect of the injection lasts for 24 hours, which does not require re-use of spermicidal contraceptives during subsequent sexual intercourse. The effectiveness of the product is about 87%.

The sponge should be inserted before sexual intercourse, but it should not be removed immediately after it. Before removing the product, it is better to wait about 6 hours so that all sperm lose viability.

Pros and cons of spermicidal contraceptives

easy to use;
hormonal levels in the body are not disrupted;
drugs reduce the risk of spreading infections, including sexually transmitted ones;
can be used during breastfeeding and pregnancy (as protection against infections);
can be used as a lubricant if additional moisture is needed;
You don't need a doctor's prescription to purchase.

Spermicidal contraception is usually not used as an independent means due to low efficiency;
most drugs require application (introduction) 10 minutes before sexual intercourse, which is not always convenient;
may cause side effects and allergic reactions in some women subject to individual intolerance;
You can go to the shower after sexual intercourse only after the time specified in the instructions supplied with the product has expired.

The use of spermicidal contraception as an independent means of protection may not give the expected result, so it is best to use it as an addition to other contraceptives. This will ensure high reliability and confidence in protection.

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Let us pay attention to the question of what contraceptive films and sponges are as effective contraceptive drugs.

Effective contraceptives - variety

Contraceptive film as a contraceptive drug

The contraceptive film has a size of 2x2 cm. It is treated with one or another spermicide, most often nonoxynol-9. Inserted into the posterior vaginal fornix 10-15 minutes before sexual intercourse. Contraceptive creams and gels and aerosol foams are produced either for single use or for use in combination with a diaphragm or cap. To introduce them, a guide is used, into which the spermicide is drawn from a standard container. The contraceptive is then squeezed into the vagina. Contraceptive aerosol foam is formed during the extrusion process.

Aerosol and cream for contraception

Aerosol and cream are distributed throughout the vagina faster than gel and suppositories and form a barrier in front of the cervix. Sexual intercourse can be performed immediately after the introduction of foam, cream or gel. In this case, there is no need to wait a certain period of time for dissolution, as when using suppositories and tablets.

Erased. This reliable, highly effective remedy for preventing unplanned pregnancy contains the spermicide nonoxynol-9. Steriline does not have an unpleasant taste or smell. Dissolving in the vagina, the drug exhibits lubricating properties and is therefore practically invisible during intimate relationships. Sterilin should be inserted into the vagina 15 minutes before sexual intercourse, and it remains effective for one hour.

In our country, the pharmacy chain has Delphen cream and gramicidin paste.

Cream "Delfen"- white ointment containing 12.5 weight percent nonoxynol-9. When using this cream, the drug is distributed quickly and evenly.

Gramicidin paste. Ingredients: 2% solution of gramicidin - 9.89%, 40% solution of lactic acid - 0.51%, emulsifier - 15%, distilled water - 74.6%. The paste has spermicidal, bacteriostatic and bactericidal effects against streptococci, pneumococci, and causative agents of anaerobic infections.

Contraceptive sponges as an effective contraceptive

Natural sea sponges have been used as contraceptives for centuries. In 1970, sponges made from natural collagen and synthetic sponges impregnated with spermicide were created. This contraceptive has both mechanical and chemical effects. The contraceptive sponge prevents sperm from entering the cervical canal, retaining sperm in itself and releasing spermicide into the vagina. The sponges are made of polyurethane interspersed with nonoxynol-9 or benzalkonium chloride. Therefore, when using such sponges, there is no need to administer additional spermicide during repeated sexual intercourse.

The sponges are packaged in individual sealed containers that provide the necessary moisture. They are produced in one size and do not require individual selection. A sponge soaked in spermicide is inserted into the vagina immediately before sexual intercourse and placed above the cervix. Thanks to this, it provides some protection against infection entering the cervix and reduces the risk of diseases of the pelvic organs and the development of disorders in the mucous membrane of the cervix.

It is recommended not to remove the sponge for 6 hours after intercourse to ensure that the sperm that enter the vagina have lost their viability. Reusing the sponge is not recommended, as rinsing it removes a significant amount of spermicide and, therefore, reduces the effectiveness of protection. The sponge can be inserted a day before sexual intercourse, leaving it in the vagina for up to 30 hours.

When using a sponge, pregnancy occurs within 1 year in 18% of nulliparous and 36% of parous women. With constant and correct use, pregnancy occurs in 9% of nulliparous and 20% of parous women.

Pharmatex tampons are available for sale, which are a sponge impregnated with a spermicidal substance in an amount of 5 g. The composition of the substance is: benzalkonium chloride - 1.2 g, boric acid - 2.0 g, flavored base.

To increase the effectiveness of contraceptive films and sponges, it is necessary to take into account the physiological characteristics of the cycle (they will be discussed in the chapter on natural methods of contraception) and on the most dangerous days either refuse intimacy or use additional barrier methods of contraception (condom, diaphragm).