Attention, chocolate lovers: You may not be able to help yourselves. Swiss and British scientists have linked the widespread love of chocolate to a chemical "signature" that may be programmed into our metabolic systems.
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Spermicides
Spermicides
Spermicides are chemicals placed in the vagina to kill sperm. They are used as a form of birth control.
Information
Spermicides help prevent pregnancy. They damage and kill sperm that are placed in the woman's vagina during intercourse. They also block sperm from going into the cervical canal, or opening to the uterus. They start working when they are put in the vagina. Spermicides keep working for 6 to 8 hours after they are inserted.
Spermicides in the United States may contain nonoxynol-9 or octoxynol-9. When are used alone for birth control, they have a 21% failure rate. They are more effective with a diaphragm or condom. Spermicides come in many forms, including foams, jellies, tablets, and suppositories. There are many other forms of birth control that are more effective than using spermicides alone. These include:
Spermicides are less effective if they are used improperly. Here are some important considerations.
Research in laboratories has shown that nonoxynol-9 kills or stops the growth of some of the organisms that cause STDs. However, there are not yet any studies that prove spermicides prevent STDs in humans. Some experts do believe that using spermicides on a condom or inserting them into the vagina can kill organisms before they can cause an STD in the woman. The organisms that were affected in the lab studies include those that cause the following STDs:
It is still best to use condoms if you are at risk for STDs.
Sometimes women and men develop allergic reactions to the spermicide. These symptoms include irritation and burning with use. It may be helpful to use another spermicide that has a lower percentage of the medicine in it. Any new or worsening symptoms should be reported to the healthcare provider.