Over-the-Counter
Chemical Barrier

Spermicide

A chemical gel, foam, or film inserted into the vagina before sex to disable sperm, available over the counter.

Last verified: · Updated:

Spermicide (Chemical Barrier)Compare

Method at a Glance

Effectiveness

79 out of 100 people successfully prevent pregnancy in a year.

Typical use effectiveness rate.

DurationSingle use (effective for 1 hour; duration varies by formulation, check product label)
Cost$1–$3
/per unit
ReversibilityReversible
STI ProtectionNo
How you get itOver-the-Counter · No prescription
Available Products

1 product in this category

Specific branded items that use this method. Compare manufacturer details, active ingredients, and regulatory status.

OTC
VC
Vaginal Film

VCF Contraceptive Film

An over-the-counter vaginal film containing nonoxynol-9 for pregnancy prevention.

Spermicide
The details

What the evidence says

How well it works, what to watch for, who should avoid it, and the studies behind it.

How well it works

79%(perfect use: 84%)

Least effective: under 90 out of 100 people successfully prevent pregnancy per year.

How was this measured?▾

First-year failure rates are 21% with typical use and 16% with perfect use, so spermicide alone is 79% and 84% effective.

Research sourceGuttmacher Institute Contraceptive Effectiveness / Contraceptive Technology 21st ed.

Cost & insurance

$1–$3/per unit

Sold as gels, foams, films, suppositories, and tablets. These are rough per-act cost estimates; check current prices.

Insurance CoverageVaries

Duration & reversibility

Lasts forSingle use (effective for 1 hour; duration varies by formulation, check product label)
Reversibility
Reversible
STI ProtectionNo

The science

How it works in the body

A chemical (usually nonoxynol-9) immobilizes or kills sperm on contact. Inserted into the vagina before sex.

Regulatory status & access

StatusOver-the-Counter
Used forBirth control
How you get itOver-the-Counter · No prescription
PrescriptionOTC

Side effects

  • Vaginal or penile irritation
  • Increased risk of UTI
  • Allergic reaction (rare)

Who shouldn't use this

  • •Sensitivity to nonoxynol-9(Irritation or allergy to spermicide chemicals such as nonoxynol-9)
  • •Active vaginal irritation or infection(Ongoing pelvic or vaginal infections)
  • •High risk of HIV exposure (frequent use may increase transmission risk)(Frequent spermicide use may irritate mucosa and increase HIV transmission risk)

Clinical guidelines

CDC

U.S. MEC Category 1 for most users; Category 4 for persons at high risk of HIV infection; Category 3 for persons with HIV infection

View Guideline
The full picture

What to know about Spermicide

What it is

Spermicide is a chemical that immobilizes or kills sperm on contact. It comes as gels, foams, films, suppositories, and tablets that you insert into the vagina before sex. A common active ingredient is nonoxynol-9.

How well it works

Spermicide alone is less effective than many other contraceptive methods. With typical use, about 21% of users get pregnant in the first year, so it works better with a barrier method like a diaphragm, cervical cap, or condom. Insert it no more than one hour before sex and reapply for each act. You can buy it over the counter at pharmacies or online.

Side effects and cautions

Frequent use of nonoxynol-9 can irritate vaginal tissue, which may increase the risk of HIV transmission if you are exposed. For this reason, spermicide is not recommended for people at high risk of HIV.

Where to get it

You can buy spermicide over the counter at pharmacies, grocery stores, and online without a prescription. Check our provider directory for clinics near you.