The information provided here is meant to give you general information about spermicides and does not replace the need to talk to a health care provider if you would like to use spermicides as a contraceptive method. A woman uses spermicides to kill the man's sperm before it can make her pregnant.
Spermicides come as foams, jellies, creams, foaming tablets, or vaginal suppositories.
Spermicides are effective when they are used correctly every time you have sexual intercourse. Spermicides offer more protection against pregnancy and against STIs when they are used with condoms. Spermicides may offer protection against some sexually transmitted infections , but they have not been proven to be protective against HIV infection . Aside from abstinence, latex condoms offer the best protection against these infections. You put the spermicide high in your vagina before the man inserts his penis.