Contraceptive Vaginal Gel: What to Know

## Contraceptive Vaginal Gel: What to Know

Contraceptive vaginal gel is a type of birth control that you insert into your vagina before sex. It contains a spermicide, which is a chemical that kills sperm. Contraceptive vaginal gel is effective at preventing pregnancy, but it is not as effective as other methods of birth control, such as the pill or an intrauterine device (IUD).

How to Use Contraceptive Vaginal Gel

To use contraceptive vaginal gel, follow these steps:

1. Wash your hands and the applicator.

2. Remove the cap from the applicator.

3. Insert the applicator into your vagina and push the plunger to release the gel.

4. Remove the applicator and throw it away.

5. Wait at least 15 minutes before having sex.

How Effective is Contraceptive Vaginal Gel?

Contraceptive vaginal gel is about 78% effective at preventing pregnancy. This means that if 100 women use contraceptive vaginal gel, 22 of them will get pregnant in one year.

Side Effects of Contraceptive Vaginal Gel

Some women experience side effects from contraceptive vaginal gel, such as:

* Burning or irritation in the vagina

* Itching

* Rash

* Headache

* Nausea

* Vomiting

* Diarrhea

These side effects usually go away within a few days. If you experience any severe side effects, stop using contraceptive vaginal gel and talk to your doctor.

Who Should Not Use Contraceptive Vaginal Gel

Contraceptive vaginal gel is not for everyone. You should not use contraceptive vaginal gel if you:

* Are allergic to any of the ingredients in the gel

* Have a history of vaginal infections

* Are pregnant or think you may be pregnant

Talk to Your Doctor

If you are considering using contraceptive vaginal gel, talk to your doctor. They can help you decide if it is the right method of birth control for you.