What is vaginal contraceptive foam?
Foam is placed into the woman's vagina using an applicator (similar to tampon insertion). It has two effects - (1) It kills or destroys sperm which is why it is called "spermicidal," and (2) It blocks the man's fluids from entering the cervical canal, thus stopping sperm from reaching the egg. Among typical couples who use vaginal spermicides, about 25 percent will experience an accidental pregnancy in the first year. If vaginal spermicides are used consistently and correctly, about 6 percent of users will become pregnant. Complete information about this contraceptive is available from your clinician or the package insert accompanying the foam you choose.

What are the advantages?

• Foam gives the women control over contraception.

• It is available over the counter without a visit to a clinician.

• It can be put into the vagina 20 minutes before sexual intimacy, but it is also effective immediately if you want to have sex right after putting foam into the vagina.

• Foam is safe. No hormones are involved, and it is immediately reversible.

• The man's penis can remain inside the vagina after ejaculation.

• Foam adds lubrication and moisture.

• Foam provides some protection against gonorrhea and chlamydia infections.

• Lubrication, in the case of foam, may heighten satisfaction in both partners.

• Foam can be used during breastfeeding.

• It can serve as an immediate back-up if a condom should slip or break.

What are the disadvantages?

• Foam can be irritating to the vagina, and some people feel that it is messy.

• It is not protective against HIV.

• Practice putting foam into your vagina in advance. This will make it easier at the time of intercourse.

• Some women do not like placing an applicator into the vagina.

• Sometimes you can't be sure if there is enough foam in the can to provide protection for the next act of intercourse. Keep an extra can handy.

• The taste of foam is unpleasant.

• The container carrying the foam is large and may be embarrassing to carry around.

Where can I purchase vaginal contraceptive foam?
Foam may be purchased at drug stores and some supermarkets.

What if I have sex and don't use birth control?
Did you know that for 72 hours after sex, you can take emergency contraceptive pills to avoid becoming pregnant? Did you know that for five to seven days after sex, you can have an IUD inserted so you won't become pregnant? Not all clinicians know about these options.

If you want more information or would like the phone numbers of clinicians near you who prescribe emergency birth control, call the toll-free number 888.NOT2.LATE or 800.584.9911. Some of these sources of help are free.

The North Dakota Department of Health, Division of Family Health, does not assume responsibility for the content obtained from external hyperlinks accessed from this website. Any links to external sources are outside of our domain. Information on external websites does not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of the North Dakota Department of Health or the Division of Family Health.