Spermicide

• an agent that causes the death of spermatozoa before they can enter the cervix.
• usually a chemical barrier method and is often used in combination with other physical barrier
methods
• Spermicides work by not only actively killing sperm cells but also changing the vaginal pH to a
strong acid level, a condition not conducive to sperm survival.

Advantages:
• may be purchased without a prescription or an appointment with a healthcare provider
• lower cost
• when used in conjunction with another contraceptive methods, there is an increase in
effectiveness
• various preparations are available: gels, creams, sponges, films, foams, and vaginal
suppositories

Disadvantages:
• does not protect against STI’s
• contraindicated in women with acute cervicitis may cause further irritation
• may bring about discomfort in vaginal leakage
• does not guarantee 100% success rate in contraception

Cervical Cap
• a cap made of soft rubber shaped like a thimble, which fits snugly over the uterine cervix.
• cervical caps are usually fitted individually by a healthcare provider and used in conjunction with
spermicides.

Advantages:
• may be kept longer inside the cervix than diaphragm because they do not put pressure on
the vaginal walls or urethra
• cost-effective

Disadvantages:
• failure rate is estimated to be as high as 23% to 35% because caps tend to dislodge more
readily during coitus.
• many women cannot use cervical caps because their cervix is too short for the cap to fit
properly
• Contraindicated for women with: current abnormal Pap smear, history of TSS, allergy to
latex or spermicide, history of cervicitis or cervical infection and cervical cancer, and
undiagnosed vaginal bleeding.
• may find discomfort during coitus