Spermicide is a chemical that kills or immobilizes sperm. It comes as gels, foams, films, suppositories, and tablets. You insert it into the vagina before sex.

How effective is spermicide alone?

Spermicide alone is about 79% effective with typical use and 84% with perfect use, lower than many other methods. It works better when combined with a condom or another barrier method.

Is spermicide safe to use every day?

Using it many times a day can irritate the vagina and raise the risk of HIV and other STIs. Using condoms with spermicide helps protect against STIs.

Do I need a prescription for spermicide?

No. Spermicides are available over the counter.

Non-Hormonal Spermicides - NonHormonal.com

How it works in the body

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

Side effects

Vaginal or penile irritation
Increased risk of UTI
Allergic reaction

Who shouldn't use this

Talk to a clinician first if any of these apply

Sensitivity to nonoxynol-9Irritation or allergy to spermicide chemicals such as nonoxynol-9
High risk of HIV exposure, or HIV in you or a partner (frequent use may increase transmission risk)Repeated, high-dose use of the spermicide nonoxynol-9 is linked to genital lesions, which might increase the risk of HIV infection

Clinical guidelines

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

Cost and insurance

Cash price about $16 for a box of 10 prefilled gel applicators and about $18 for 9 vaginal films as of October 2026 (Drugs.com). Each applicator or film is one dose.

Insurance coverageVaries

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. Timing depends on the product: some spermicides must go in at least 10 to 15 minutes before sex, and many work for only 1 hour after you put them in. Use a new dose 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. Some family planning clinics and Planned Parenthood health centers also have it.

1 product in this category

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

OTC

Vaginal Film · Spermicide

VCF Contraceptive Film

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

Frequently asked questions

Sources (11)

Research source: Guttmacher Institute Contraceptive Effectiveness / Contraceptive Technology 21st ed.
Clinical guideline: CDC U.S. MEC barrier methods
Research source: CDC — Contraception, birth control methods (spermicides)
Research source: DailyMed — nonoxynol-9 4% vaginal contraceptive gel, prefilled applicators (OTC drug facts label)
Research source: DailyMed — nonoxynol-9 vaginal contraceptive film (OTC drug facts label)
Research source: Drugs.com price guide — nonoxynol-9 vaginal contraceptive film and gel
Research source: Planned Parenthood — Spermicide
Research source: Planned Parenthood — How effective is spermicide?
Research source: Planned Parenthood — How do I use spermicide?
Research source: Planned Parenthood — How do I get spermicide?
Research source: Planned Parenthood — What are the disadvantages of using spermicide?

How we verify

Spermicide