Dear luvababy5,

Spermicide foam, cream, jelly, film, and suppositories are inserted deep into the vagina shortly before intercourse. The chemical spermicide that they contain immobilizes sperm, preventing it from joining with an egg.

Used alone, spermicides are among the least reliable methods of birth control — even with perfect use, they are only up to 85 percent effective against pregnancy, and they offer no protection against sexually transmitted infections.

Also, be aware that using the spermicide nonoxynol-9 many times a day, by people at risk for HIV, or for anal sex, may irritate tissue and increase the risk of HIV and other infections. (Most spermicide available in the U.S. contains nonoxynol-9.)

Hope this information helps!

Take care,

teenwire.com^® Editors

This column is for informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have a medical problem, please call toll-free 1-800-230-PLAN for an appointment with the Planned Parenthood health center nearest you.