I was curious, obviously spermicidal lubricants provide some protection against pregnancy, much more when used in unison with a condom. But my question is, does your average KY Lubricant provide any? Not that I would ever depend on it to, I was just wondering. And yes, I know that KY makes a spermicidal lube.
Tue, 04/24/2007 - 22:37
#1
Do lubes provide any protection?
The lubricant has to contain and be marked as a spermicidal product. Yes, KY does make one but the remainder of their line (plain KY) does not. But your average lubes do not provide any protection from pregnancy or STD's. Look for products marked specifically as "spermicide"
Those products sold as personal lubricants have no contraceptive properties - they simply lubricate you. The two best known water based brands are K-Y and Surgilube. These are hypoallergenic and will not affect latex condoms. These are the lubricants in your doctor's exam room and operating suites. Used alone, they may even increase the chance of pregnancy by diluting the vaginal juices and neutraling the pH of the vagina.
Once the spermicide is added, they are usually referred to as vaginal jellies and do have a contraceptive value. The best know brands are Gynol II, K-Y+, and Koromex. These are also safe with condoms but some few people do have a reaction to them - the spermicide is a detergent.
The first purchase should include the applicator and sometimes those without the applicator are called "refills."
Thank you very much :)