Overview

Spermicide is a type of contraceptive that kills sperm or stops it from moving. You insert spermicide in the vagina before sex. The chemicals in the spermicide, such as nonoxynol-9, prevent sperm from entering the uterus. You can get spermicide over-the-counter. It's available in many forms, including cream, gel, foam, film, suppository and tablet.

Spermicide isn't a very effective birth control method when used alone. However, you can use spermicide with a barrier method — such as a condom, diaphragm or cervical cap — to improve its effectiveness with preventing pregnancy. Spermicide doesn't protect against sexually transmitted infections.

Newer to the market is a vaginal pH regulator gel (Phexxi) that immobilizes sperm, so they can't get to an egg to fertilize it. Similar to some types of spermicide, you put the gel in your vagina with a pre-filled applicator. This type of contraceptive gel is available by prescription only.