How Effective is Vaginal Contraceptive Foam?

Women seeking to prevent pregnancy have many contraceptive choices, including vaginal foam. Vaginal foam is an easily available and cheap form of contraception, with few of the long-term side effects of other choices, such as hormonal birth control or intrauterine devices. However, on its own vaginal foam isn't as effective as such devices. Using vaginal foam correctly and with other contraceptives is the best way to prevent pregnancy.

How Vaginal Foam Works

Vaginal foam prevents conception in two ways. It contains a spermicide, which is a substance that destroys sperm. It also blocks the cervix, which is also called the neck of the uterus. Any sperm that isn't destroyed by the spermicide is physically unable to get from the vagina into the uterus. To use vaginal foam, a woman sprays foam onto an applicator and places the applicator inside her vagina. She pushes a plunger and the foam is deposited inside her vagina. Vaginal foam is available without a prescription. Some women may experience a low-grade allergic reaction to vaginal foam.

Vaginal Foam Effectiveness

As a spermicide, vaginal foam is not especially effective when used by itself. According to a 2009 publication by the Mayo Clinic, 21% of women who use spermicide alone as contraception will become pregnant. It may also be difficult to use vaginal foam properly. For maximum efficiency, vaginal foam has to be applied right before sex. It should be applied no more than an hour before sex. In addition, vaginal foam has to be reapplied before each act of intercourse.

Additional Methods

Using another contraceptive method, such as a condom or diaphragm, can help make vaginal foam more effective at preventing pregnancy. Pulling out before ejaculation can also be an effective way to increase the contraceptive power of vaginal foam. If you'd like to use vaginal foam by itself, simply having more than one container available can help you apply and reapply when necessary. Remember that vaginal foam does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases.