Contraceptive Foam Effectiveness

Overview

Unintended pregnancy can be prevented by using a number of different contraceptive methods. Although no method (aside from abstinence) is 100 percent effective, there are a wide array of products that provide a certain level of protection. One commonly used form is contraceptive foam.

Identification

Contraceptive foam is a type of foam that is inserted into the vagina. It works to prevent pregnancy through two different mechanisms. The first is that contraceptive foam is a chemical spermicide, and so it kills sperm cells. It also works as a barrier, making it harder for sperm cells to get to an egg.

Effectiveness

Contraceptive foam is effective 80 percent of the time. This means that it can prevent pregnancy in 80 out of one hundred women who would otherwise become pregnant. The effectiveness is increased to 95 percent if contraceptive foam is used with condoms.

STDs

Because contraceptive foam does not prevent the exchange of bodily fluids, it does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases or HIV infection. Using a condom, along with contraceptive foam, does protect against HIV (assuming that the condom remains intact) although it does not protect against all sexually transmitted diseases, such as crabs or genital herpes.

Proper Usage

Contraceptive foam is only effective when properly applied. The foam needs to be applied using the applicator, which will come with the contraceptive foam starter kit, and should be applied no more than 30 minutes before intercourse. If intercourse occurs after 30 minutes of applying the foam, more foam should be used. It is important not to douche for up to eight hours after intercourse.

Disadvantages

Although contraceptive foam is an effective method of birth control, it must be used regularly to be effective. This can be difficult because of the necessity of applying it shortly before intercourse. In addition, the foam can be irritating to the vagina or the penis.