Foams and Gels

You can purchase what are called spermicides in drug stores. They work by killing sperm and come in several forms - foam, gel, cream, film, suppository, or tablet. They are inserted or placed in the vagina no more than one hour before intercourse and left in place at least six to eight hours after. You may protect yourself more against getting pregnant if you use a spermicide with a male condom, diaphragm, or cervical cap. There are spermicidal products made specifically for use with the diaphragm and cervical cap. Check the package to make sure you are buying what you want.

All spermicides have sperm-killing chemicals in them. Some spermicides also have an ingredient called nonoxynol-9, which can protect you from the STDs gonorrhea and chlamydia. Nonoxynol-9 will not protect you from HIV. Some women are sensitive to nonoxynol-9 and need to use spermicides without it. Spermicides alone are about 74% effective at preventing pregnancy.