Compare
Compare Birth Control methods
Browse every side-by-side birth control comparison, or select methods from the list to compare your own combination.
Side-by-side comparison
- Spermicide A chemical gel, foam, or film inserted into the vagina before sex to disable sperm, available over the counter.
- Second method
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| Method | Spermicide A chemical gel, foam, or film inserted into the vagina before sex to disable sperm, available over the counter. | Second method Select a method using "+ Add method" above |
|---|---|---|
| Efficacy | Spermicide 79% typical use Least effective: under 90 out of 100 people successfully prevent pregnancy per year. | — |
| Cost | Spermicide $16–$18 per package Insurance: Varies | — |
| Duration | Spermicide Single use, one dose before each act of sex (gel works for up to 1 hour; film goes in 15 minutes to 3 hours before sex) | — |
| Reversibility | Spermicide Reversible | — |
| STI protection | Spermicide No | — |
| How it works | Spermicide A chemical (usually nonoxynol-9) immobilizes or kills sperm on contact. Inserted into the vagina before sex. | — |
| Prescription | Spermicide Not required Over-the-Counter | — |
| Side effects | Spermicide
| — |
| Who shouldn't use this | Spermicide
| — |