Spermicide

Spermicides are substances that destroy sperm .

The most famous representative of this group is benzalkonium chloride .

The mechanism of contraceptive (or contraceptive chemicals) is based on the ability of the active ingredient in their composition to destroy sperm within a few seconds (no more than 60). Such a strict requirement for the time interval is explained by the ability of sperm to penetrate the cervical canal just a few seconds after ejaculation, and after 90 seconds to reach the fallopian tubes.

The contraceptive effect of spermicides is measured by the Pearl Index - 18-24 pregnancies per 100 women for 1 year of regular use. Effectiveness depends on compliance with the rules set out in the instructions for medical use.

This method of contraception is recommended to be used in combination with others, to increase their reliability.

For example, it can be used together with condoms (at the same time) for increased protection, as well as for protection against sexually transmitted diseases. This is the so-called double Dutch method, the efficiency of which reaches 98%. And it is especially suitable for young women with irregular sexual intercourse and the absence of a permanent partner. And also in the case when there is no full confidence in the absence of sexually transmitted diseases with a partner.

Also positive is the possibility of enhancing the contraceptive effect of hormonal tablets with spermicides. This is based on the following data:

• if a woman started taking hormonal oral contraceptives (GOK), then their effect develops no earlier than after 2 weeks of regular intake. During this time, inhibition of ovulation develops. At this time, the use of an additional method of contraception is necessary.
• if a woman missed another pill for more than 12 hours, it is necessary to take the pill as soon as possible and use additional contraception on this day with spermicides or a condom.
• if the tablet skipped time was more than 24 hours, it is necessary to continue taking the tablets on schedule, but the entire current menstrual cycle is considered unprotected and requires the use of additional contraception.

Advantages of the method:

• The simplicity and accessibility of the method.
• They do not contain hormones and do not violate the hormonal background of a woman.
• Do not penetrate into the blood and breast milk, act only locally.
• They have good moisturizing properties and can be used as lubricants.
• Some protective effect from sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), pelvic inflammatory disease, and infertility when used together with barrier agents (nonoxynol-9 in vitro causes the death of gonococci , genital herpes virus , Trichomonas , pale treponema). Spermicides only reduce the possibility of STD infection, but do not completely protect against them.

The disadvantages of the method:

• The relationship of the use of spermicides with sexual intercourse: when using suppositories, tablets and films, it is necessary to observe a 10-15 minute interval before sexual intercourse.
• Do not use a shower with soap and other detergents before the time specified for this spermicide. For hygiene purposes, it is recommended to use only clean water. Therefore, it is better to take a shower before intercourse.
• Side effects: skin irritation, allergy to spermicide; in these cases, you should consult your doctor and, possibly, change the method of contraception.

Spermicides are available in the following forms:

• vaginal suppositories (Erotex, Pharmatex);
• foam and jelly;
• foaming candles (Contraceptin-T, Patentex Oval );
• foaming tablets (Pharmatex);
• soluble films (Farmateks);
• sponges (Farmateks).

As the active ingredient in modern spermicides are used:

• Surfactants : nonoxynol-9 , octoxynol , menfegol , benzalkonium chloride (benzalkonium chloride - dimethyl-alkyl-benzyl-ammonium chloride-benzalkonium - causes total destruction of spermatozoa within 10 seconds at a concentration of 0.005% , which exceeds the effect of nonoxynol-9 by 4 times; possesses in vitro bactericidal and virucidal action against herpes simplex viruses types 1 and 2, cytomegalovirus , HIV );
• active enzyme inhibitors: A-gene 53 (A-gen 53), syn-a-gene (Syn-a-gen).

In addition to the active substance, the carrier (base) is included in the composition of spermicides - a product that provides dispersion and enveloping effect in the vagina, due to which a peculiar barrier arises around the cervix.

The most common spermicidal drugs in the world: