How to Use Contraceptive Gels

For women who don't like or can't use hormonal birth control methods such as the pill, vaginal ring or patch, contraceptive gels are an alternative. Available over-the-counter without a prescription, contraceptive gels contain a chemical that kills sperm on contact, thus preventing pregnancy. Contraceptive gels are simple to use and are up to 95 percent effective at preventing unplanned pregnancy if used perfectly, but the failure rate increases with "typical" usage, according to Brooksidepress.org. With typical use of contraceptive gels the effectiveness drops to 80 to 85 with 15 to 20 women out of 100 will become pregnant within one year despite the use of contraceptive gel when used as a sole form of contraception.

Things You'll Need

• Soap and running water
• Towel
• Vaginal contraceptive gel with applicator

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Instructions

• 1

  Wash hands thoroughly with soap and warm water and dry them completely. Be sure your hands are totally dry, as wet hands can result in slippage of the gel applicator.

• 2

  Open the contraceptive gel box and inspect the contents to make sure that nothing is damaged or open. Open one of the individually wrapped pre-filled contraceptive gel applicators.

• 3

  Remove the protective seal from the top of the applicator. Lie on your back, squat and spread your legs slightly, or put one foot up on a chair or toilet while standing. Carefully spread the lips of your vagina apart and gently insert an applicator into the vaginal canal as far as it will go.

• 4

  Push the applicator's plunger in towards your body slowly with your index finger while you stabilize the top barrel of the applicator with the rest of your hand. The action is very similar to inserting a tampon. This will release the contraceptive gel into your vagina.

• 5

  Slowly withdraw the applicator from your body and discard it into the garbage. Wash your hands after insertion. The gel remains active for up to three hours. There is no need to wash the inside of your vagina out after sex; simply wipe away what drips out.