Vaginal methods are contraceptives that a woman places
in her vagina shortly before sex. There are several vaginal methods:
Spermicides, including foaming tablets or suppositories, melting
suppositories, foam, melting film, jelly and cream.
Diaphragm, a soft
rubber cup that covers the cervix. It should be used with spermicidal
jelly or cream. Diaphragms block the sperm from entering the uterus and
tubes, when sperm could meet an egg.
Cervical cap is like the
diaphragm but is smaller. It is not widely
available outside North America, Europe, Australia and New Zealand.
Advantages of Vaginal methods :
1. Safe, woman controlled methods that almost every woman can use.
2. Help prevent some
STDs and conditions caused by STDs--- pelvic
inflammatory disease (PID), infertility,
ectopic pregnancy and possibly
cervical cancer. May offer some protection against
HIV/AIDS, but this has
not been demonstrated yet.
3. It offers contraception when needed. No daily action needed.
4. No side effects from hormones.
5. No effect on breast milk.
Disadvantages of Vaginal methods :
1. Side effects:
--- Spermicide may cause irritation to woman or her partner, especially if
used several times a day.
--- Spermicide may cause local allergic reaction (rarely) in the woman or
her partner.
--- Can make urinary tract infections more common. (A woman can avoid this
by always after sex).
2. Effectiveness requires having method at hand and taking correct action
before each act of sexual intercourse.
A woman can begin using a vaginal method any time during her monthly cycle
and soon after childbirth, abortion or
miscarriage.
The diaphragm and cervical cap generally should not be fitted, however, in
the first 6 to 12 weeks after full-term delivery or second-trimester
spontaneous or induced abortion, depending on when the uterus and cervix
return to their normal sizes. If needed a woman can use the spermicidal
alone or with condoms until then.
Cautions & Things to Consider
Vaginal Contraceptive Film (VCF) Doesn’t Protect Against STIs
Vaginal Contraceptive Film (VCF) won’t protect you or your partner from
STIs including HIV/AIDS or Hepatitis B. Using VCF and condoms at the same
time can reduce your chances of getting an STI, including HIV/AIDS.
Using VCF Properly
This method requires a bit of practice, and you need to feel comfortable
with your body to insert it properly.
Timing
Since sperm is present in the pre-ejaculate (pre-cum), your partner’s
penis should not come in contact with your vagina before you insert a
piece of Vaginal Contraceptive Film (VCF).
Timing is very important: to be effective, VCF must be inserted between 15
minutes and 1 hour before having intercourse.
Involving Your Partner
Your partner can insert a piece of VCF into your vagina. Do not, however,
place the film on the tip of the penis to insert. This doesn’t give the
film enough time to dissolve and the film might not reach your cervix.
Side Effects
Rare side effects may include:
* itching
* burning when you urinate
* a slight inflammation of the vagina
* pain
* increased white discharge
Stop using VCF if you feel any pain or discomfort. Contact your doctor if
any pain or irritation continues.
