Over-the-Counter
Prefilled Vaginal Gel Applicator

Conceptrol Options Vaginal Gel

A prefilled nonoxynol-9 spermicidal gel applicator used before sex. Available over the counter without a prescription.

Last updated:

Method
Spermicide
Delivery ChannelOver-the-Counter
DailyMed label
CO
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. The manufacturer claims 94% effective when used correctly and consistently. A randomized trial of spermicidal film and tablets found 6-month typical-use pregnancy probabilities of 24.9% (film) and 28.0% (tablets) (PMID 10362151).

Clinical EvidenceSpermicide class efficacy (Guttmacher Institute / Contraceptive Technology 21st ed.)
Cost & Insurance
$1.05–$1.3/per-act

Sold in 10-count boxes at $10.48 to $12.99. Per-applicator cost varies by retailer.

Insurance CoverageVaries
Duration & Reversibility
Typical LifespanSingle use (effective up to 1 hour)
Reversibility
Reversible
STI ProtectionNo
How It Works
Active CompoundNonoxynol-9 (4%, 2.55g per applicator)
Biological Mechanism

A prefilled vaginal gel applicator containing nonoxynol-9 (4%), a surfactant that immobilizes and kills sperm on contact.

Regulatory Details
FDA Regulatory StatusOver-the-Counter
ManufacturerCaldwell Consumer Health LLC
Supporting Your Body & What to Expect
  • Vaginal or penile irritation
  • Burning or itching
  • Increased risk of UTI
  • Disruption of vaginal epithelium with frequent daily use
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

Conceptrol Options is a nonoxynol-9 spermicidal gel sold in prefilled vaginal applicators. Each applicator contains 2.55g of gel with 4% nonoxynol-9. You insert one applicator deep into the vagina no more than one hour before sex. The surfactant immobilizes and kills sperm on contact. Caldwell Consumer Health (formerly part of Johnson & Johnson) manufactures it, and it has been marketed under the OTC monograph since 2011.

How well it works

Conceptrol uses the same active ingredient and class-level efficacy as other spermicides: 79% effective with typical use and 84% with perfect use in the first year (Guttmacher Institute). The manufacturer claims 94% effectiveness when used correctly and consistently, but real-world typical-use rates are lower. Spermicide alone is one of the least effective contraceptive methods, so pair it with a barrier method like a condom or diaphragm for better protection.

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). Common side effects include vaginal or penile irritation, burning, and itching. Do not use Conceptrol if you have a known sensitivity to nonoxynol-9.

Where to get it

You can buy Conceptrol over the counter at pharmacies and online without a prescription. It comes in boxes of 10 prefilled applicators. The gel format is an alternative to spermicidal film (VCF) or foam for people who prefer a ready-to-use applicator.