Info on Spermicide Choices

[Wade_Wilson]

well my gf is allergic to spermicide

[Brandye]

You are very welcome. Then do not use it.

Actually, there are four commonly used chemicals: Nonoxynol-9, Octoxynol-9, menfegol and benzalkonium chloride. Not all of these are available everywhere in the world. Some systems such as the sponge uses a combination.

The most common, by far, is Nonoxynol-9. It is also the one that is implicated in most allergies. It is a detergent (as is Octoxynol) and women with an allergy to detergents should not use these. You can search the various spermicidal potions on the net - jelly, foam, film, suppository, tablet. You can also stand in the aisle at the apothecary and read labels. Find one with a different chemical than the spermicide she reacted to and try it out.

Many people do not consider condoms to be adequate protection alone. Spermicide plus a condom greatly reduces the risk.