Patient Counselling:
Intended Benefit/Use: Spermicidal agents (films and foams) can be used alone or in combination with condoms and other barrier methods for contraceptive use. They do not offer any STI protection.
Product Use: Vaginal Contraceptive Film (VCF) (28% nonoxynol-9)
Insert 1 film 15-60 minutes before intercourse.
To insert the film, remove VCF from package, folded in half, placed on the tip of the second or third finger and inserted into vagina and placed against cervix.
The gel will dissolve once it is against the cervix.
A new film should be applied for every intercourse session.
Women should not douche after intercourse, the gel disappears on its own.
VCF can be combined with the use of a condom to decrease failure rate to about 2%.
Spermicidal Foam (12.5% nonoxynol-9)
Shake the container before each use.
Remove the cap after the container has been shaken.
Place the container upright on a level surface.
Place the applicator on top of the container and press applicator down gently to fill.
Fill to the top of the clear barrel.
Remove the applicator from the container to stop flow of foam.
The position for inserting the applicator into the vagina is on your back with your knees bent.
Insert the applicator gently as far as it will go. Withdraw the applicator about ½ inch. Press plunger to release foam. After foam is released, withdraw the applicator with the plunger depressed.
One applicatorful lasts 1 hour. Reapply if intercourse exceeds one hour.
The foam can also be used with a condom.
It would be wise to use a pad after intercourse in case there is leakage of the product from the vagina.
Side effects: There is a very low chance of vaginal or genital irritation. A small increase in risk of contracting an STI is possible because of irritation to the genital epithelium3.
Contraindications: Do not use if you have an increased risk of STI’s or HIV transmission (multiple sexual partners daily or partner with a STI). Also, do not use if you have a known hypersensitivity to nonoxynol-9.
Cautions: Avoid douching for 6 hours after use.
References
1. Patient Self Care 1st Edition. 2002. Canadian Pharmacists Association. Contraception: Chapter 49; pp 650-670.
2. Black A, Francoeur D, Rowe T et al. SOGC clinical practice guidelines: Canadian contraception consensus. J Obstet Gynaecol Can. 2004 Mar;26(3):219-96.
3. Micromedex 2. Thomson Reuters. Updated October 25, 2011. Accessed on July 9, 2012. http://www.thomsonhc.com.proxy.lib.uwaterloo.ca/micromedex2
Intended Benefit/Use: Spermicidal agents (films and foams) can be used alone or in combination with condoms and other barrier methods for contraceptive use. They do not offer any STI protection.
Product Use: Vaginal Contraceptive Film (VCF) (28% nonoxynol-9)
Insert 1 film 15-60 minutes before intercourse.
To insert the film, remove VCF from package, folded in half, placed on the tip of the second or third finger and inserted into vagina and placed against cervix.
The gel will dissolve once it is against the cervix.
A new film should be applied for every intercourse session.
Women should not douche after intercourse, the gel disappears on its own.
VCF can be combined with the use of a condom to decrease failure rate to about 2%.
Spermicidal Foam (12.5% nonoxynol-9)
Shake the container before each use.
Remove the cap after the container has been shaken.
Place the container upright on a level surface.
Place the applicator on top of the container and press applicator down gently to fill.
Fill to the top of the clear barrel.
Remove the applicator from the container to stop flow of foam.
The position for inserting the applicator into the vagina is on your back with your knees bent.
Insert the applicator gently as far as it will go. Withdraw the applicator about ½ inch. Press plunger to release foam. After foam is released, withdraw the applicator with the plunger depressed.
One applicatorful lasts 1 hour. Reapply if intercourse exceeds one hour.
The foam can also be used with a condom.
It would be wise to use a pad after intercourse in case there is leakage of the product from the vagina.
Side effects: There is a very low chance of vaginal or genital irritation. A small increase in risk of contracting an STI is possible because of irritation to the genital epithelium3.
Contraindications: Do not use if you have an increased risk of STI’s or HIV transmission (multiple sexual partners daily or partner with a STI). Also, do not use if you have a known hypersensitivity to nonoxynol-9.
Cautions: Avoid douching for 6 hours after use.
References
1. Patient Self Care 1st Edition. 2002. Canadian Pharmacists Association. Contraception: Chapter 49; pp 650-670.
2. Black A, Francoeur D, Rowe T et al. SOGC clinical practice guidelines: Canadian contraception consensus. J Obstet Gynaecol Can. 2004 Mar;26(3):219-96.
3. Micromedex 2. Thomson Reuters. Updated October 25, 2011. Accessed on July 9, 2012. http://www.thomsonhc.com.proxy.lib.uwaterloo.ca/micromedex2