What are spermicides and how do they work?
Spermicides are chemical products that inactivate or kill sperm to prevent pregnancy. They are available in a variety of formats such as a cream jelly, foam or foaming tablet that is inserted into the vagina before having sex Some condoms also come lubricated with spermicide.The most common spermicide is Nonoxynol 9. Recent research on Nonoxynol 9 has found that it does NOT protect against STDs or HIV as previously thought. So spermicides should only be used by HIV negative women who are sure that their partner is HIV negative along with a barrier method of contraception such as diaphragm or cap. Condoms containing Nonoxynol 9 are NOT recommended. However it is much safer to use a condom containing Nonoxynol 9 than no condom at all.
