Proper use of a condom can greatly reduce the risks posed by sexual contact.
Condoms let sexual partners have an enjoyable experience while still remaining safe and healthy. However, condoms, like all contraceptives, can fail due to improper use or defects. Spermicidal condoms, which are condoms coated in spermicidal lubricant, are meant to combat that risk by providing an additional layer of protection against condom failure.
Purpose
The purpose of the condom is to help prevent an unwanted pregnancy, as well as to help prevent the spread of a sexually transmitted disease (STD) or sexually transmitted infection (STI). Both male and female condoms present a physical barrier, typically made of latex, that prevents sperm, or other bodily fluids, from reaching and fertilizing an egg. A spermicidal condom is coated in a lubricant made from a spermicidal chemical such as nonoxynol-9, or N-9, which traps and kills any sperm that comes into contact with it. This additional layer of protection is designed to work as a backup in case sperm somehow bypass the barrier presented by the condom, such as through a tear or spill.
Effectiveness
When used on its own to prevent unwanted pregnancy, a condom's effectiveness is around 99 percent, according to the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point. In addition, it is estimated by the World Health Organization to be 80 percent effective in preventing STDs and STIs. A condom's effectiveness is highly dependent on correct usage, however; when human error is taken into account, the effectiveness against pregnancy drops to approximately 70 percent. The use of a spermicidal condom doesn't appear to add any additional protection against pregnancy. The University of Wisconsin-Steven Point points out that the amount of spermicide used on spermicidal condoms is minimal and concludes that it is not enough to be effective if the condom fails through a tear or spill.
Increasing Effectiveness
Rather than relying on spermicidal condoms, combining proper condom use with a separate contraceptive will increase protection against unwanted pregnancy. This can be done with a secondary method of pregnancy prevention such as a separately applied spermicide or a birth control pill. While no single method of contraceptive is 100 effective, even when combined together, using two or more methods can work as a reliable backup in case one should fail.
Warnings
Using a spermicidal condom hasn't been proven to protect against condom failure. To avoid failure, never use two condoms of any type at the same time. Even using one male and one female condom at the same time will cause friction between the two and greatly increase the risk of tearing. In addition, never use a condom stored improperly or past its expiration date. Certain substances can weaken a condom, such as oil-based lubricants, thereby increasing the risk of tearing. Read the warnings on all products for any potential complications and always follow the instructions to reduce the risk of an unwanted pregnancy or exposure to an STD or STI.
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