Spermicides are a type of birth control. They're chemicals that kill sperm, and they're designed to be inserted into the vagina before sexual intercourse. They come in cream, gel, foam, a paper-like film and suppository form. Most spermicides must be inserted into the vagina 15 minutes before sex, and are only effective for one hour. To reduce the risk of an STD, spermicides can be used with a condom. But it's important to know that spermicides can irritate the vagina. Along with discomfort, this can raise a person's risk of contracting STDs during sex with an infected person.
Spermicides
Spermicides are a form of chemical birth control that kill sperm on contact. They come in several forms -- cream, gel, foam, film and suppository -- to insert into the vagina before sex. On their own, spermicides are 72% to 90% effective at preventing pregnancy (this increases when combined with other forms of birth control). Spermicides do not protect against sexually transmitted diseases.
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American Diabetes Association answeredThese work by killing sperm and can be purchased without a prescription. There are several types: foam, gel, cream, suppository, or tablet. They can be used alone or to increase the effectiveness of barrier methods. They are 72–90% effective.