Gels and Spermicides-do they work ?

iVillage Member
Registered: 02-24-2004
Gels and Spermicides-do they work ?
2
Wed, 02-25-2004 - 11:14am
Does any one else use those contraceptol gels or spemicides ? Do you use them with anything ? or use the pull-out as well ??? Would you trust just the gel on its own ?

Please help me...Im just triing to be sure that I can really trust those things...I dont want to use a condom, and I just got off the patch because it made me gain weight, and i think the pull out methood completely distroys the mood...I dont know how to use a diaphram, so this is pretty much the only way...anyone have any advise for my Boyfriend and me ? Thanks so much in advance !

Dawn

iVillage Member
Registered: 01-15-2003
Wed, 02-25-2004 - 12:04pm
I wouldn't consider spermacides (in their various forms) to be an acceptable method of contraception to be used alone. Withdrawl is highly ineffective & spoils the mood (as you've noted!), so I personally don't feel it is worth trying. I understand where you're coming from on condoms, they're awful!

In order to get a diaphragm, you have to be fitted, so "not knowing how to use one" is not a problem. When you get fitted, the doctor should explain how to use it correctly. Using a good spermicide with a diaphragm can be a very effective method of birth control. I personally didn't care for the one I had (over 10 years ago) but there are people here who use them with great success (Jill!).

Different formulations of hormonal birth control can have very different effects on your body. You didn't like the patch, have you considered one of the many different kinds of the Pill? How about Nuva Ring?

Good luck finding an effective method that works for you.

iVillage Member
Registered: 12-30-2003
Wed, 02-25-2004 - 12:19pm
Hi Dawn,

Spermicides are much more effective if used with a barrier; condom, diaphragm or cervical cap. I wouldn't consider spermicides alone to be effective enough for me. I agree totally that withdrawal leaves out the best part and even then it’s not an effective method. A diaphragm does need to be fitted but once you have it, it can be worn for 24 hrs. at a time so spontaneity isn’t a problem as it is with condoms and it is easy to learn how to insert and remove it. Your fitter will teach you how during your fitting visit. I wear a diaphragm and am very pleased with how well it has worked for me. If you would like to know more about diaphragms there is additional information about them in the Boards FAQs at http://pages.ivillage.com/cl-judie_rae/id1.html

I hope you find a method that works well for you.

      Jill