Over-the-Counter
Aerosol Vaginal Foam

VCF Vaginal Contraceptive Foam

An aerosol foam with the highest nonoxynol-9 concentration among OTC spermicides. Made by the same company as VCF Film.

Last updated:

Method
Spermicide
Delivery ChannelOver-the-Counter
DailyMed label
VV
Efficacy Profile
79%(Perf: 84%)

Around 79 out of 100 people successfully prevent pregnancy per year.

Spermicide class efficacy applies: 79% typical use, 84% perfect use. VCF Foam has the highest nonoxynol-9 concentration (12.5%) among OTC spermicides. A Cochrane review found that gel with the lowest N-9 dose was less effective than higher doses.

Clinical EvidenceSpermicide class efficacy (Guttmacher Institute / Contraceptive Technology 21st ed.)
Cost & Insurance
$10.29–$19.93/one-time

Sold in 0.6 oz or 1.4 oz cans. Price varies by size and retailer.

Insurance CoverageVaries
Duration & Reversibility
Typical LifespanSingle use (effective up to 1 hour)
Reversibility
Reversible
STI ProtectionNo
How It Works
Active CompoundNonoxynol-9 (12.5%)
Biological Mechanism

An aerosol foam containing nonoxynol-9 (12.5%) that immobilizes and kills sperm on contact. Inserted into the vagina before sex with the included applicator.

Regulatory Details
FDA Regulatory StatusOver-the-Counter
ManufacturerApothecus Pharmaceutical Corp
Supporting Your Body & What to Expect
  • Vaginal or penile irritation
  • Burning or itching
  • Increased risk of UTI
  • Higher concentration may increase epithelial disruption risk
Safety & Suitability
  • •Known sensitivity or allergy to nonoxynol-9
  • •Active vaginal irritation or infection
  • •High risk of HIV exposure (frequent use may increase transmission risk per FDA warning 21 CFR 201.325)
Editorial Curation

Clinical Commentary & Context

What it is

VCF Vaginal Contraceptive Foam is an aerosol spermicide containing nonoxynol-9 at 12.5%, the highest concentration among over-the-counter spermicides. Apothecus Pharmaceutical, the same company that makes VCF Contraceptive Film, manufactures it. You shake the can, fill the applicator with foam, and insert it deep into the vagina no more than one hour before sex. It has been marketed under the OTC monograph since 1997.

How well it works

VCF Foam uses the same class-level efficacy as other spermicides: 79% effective with typical use and 84% with perfect use in the first year (Guttmacher Institute). The higher nonoxynol-9 concentration may provide more spermicidal action per dose. A Cochrane review found that spermicidal gel with the lowest N-9 dose (52.5mg) was less effective than higher doses. Spermicide alone is one of the least effective contraceptive methods, so pair it with a barrier method like a condom or diaphragm.

Side effects and cautions

The FDA requires all nonoxynol-9 spermicides to carry a warning that they do not protect against HIV or other STIs, and that frequent use (more than once per day) can irritate vaginal tissue and may increase the risk of HIV transmission if exposed (21 CFR 201.325). The higher 12.5% concentration in VCF Foam may increase the risk of vaginal irritation and epithelial disruption compared to lower-concentration products. Common side effects include vaginal or penile irritation, burning, and itching. Do not use VCF Foam if you have a known sensitivity to nonoxynol-9.

Where to get it

You can buy VCF Foam over the counter at pharmacies and online without a prescription. It comes in 0.6 oz or 1.4 oz cans with an applicator. The foam format spreads through the vagina more than film or gel, which some users prefer.