Contraceptive gels offer a convenient method of pregnancy prevention without a prescription. The active ingredient in most contraceptive gels is nonoxynol-9. Some brands may contain benzalkonium chloride or octoxynol-9, per Drugs.com. Spermicidal products are inserted into the vagina before any sexual contact begins and work by damaging or killing the sperm before they can travel from the vagina to the uterus and fallopian tubes, per Drugs.com. As with any drug ingredients contraceptive gels have the risk of side effects.
Low Efficacy
One risk associated with the use of contraceptive gels is the likelihood of getting pregnant. The rate of failure in preventing pregnancy of spermicides, per Drugs.com, is 21 in 100 women. This refers to women who use only contraceptive gels as a means of preventing pregnancy.
Serious Side Effects
Although rare, the appearance of these side effects in men or women is considered serious and requires immediate medical attention, per Drugs.com: skin rash, redness, prolonged irritation or itching. Other side effects for women that are also serious include: cloudy or bloody urine; increased urge to urinate; pain in the bladder; pain in the lower abdomen; pain during urination; thick, white, or curd-like vaginal discharge (when used with cervical caps or diaphragms); vaginal irritation, redness, rash, dryness or whitish discharge, per Drugs.com.
Mild Side Effects
Some temporary vaginal discharge, dryness or odor may occur after the use of contraceptive gels. These do not require medical attention and should subside after the gel has left the vagina.
Risk of HIV or STDs
Contraceptive gels containing nonoxynol-9 were said to prevent sexually-transmitted diseases (STDs) until December 2007 when the U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued a warning stating that these products do not protect against HIV/AIDS infection. Other serious side effects, according to the FDA, include damage to the cell lining of the vagina, cervix and rectum, which can increase the risk of HIV and STD transmission.
