Family Planning

Providing SpermicidesWhen to Startó Any time the client wants.Explaining How to Use SpermicidesGive spermicideExplain howto insertspermicide intothe vaginaExplain whento insertspermicide intothe vaginaExplain aboutmultiple actsof sexDo not washthe vagina (douche)after sexó1.2.3.4.óóóóóGive as much spermicide as possible—even asmuch as a year’s supply, if available.Check the expiration date and avoid usingspermicides past their expiration date.Wash hands with mild soap and clean water,if possible.Foam or cream: Shake cans of foam hard.Squeeze spermicide from the can or tubeinto a plastic applicator. Insert the applicatordeep into the vagina, near the cervix, andpush the plunger.Tablets, suppositories, jellies: Insert thespermicide deep into the vagina, near thecervix, with an applicator or with fingers.Film: Fold film in half and insert with fingersthat are dry (or else the film will stick to thefingers and not the cervix).Foam or cream: Any time less than one hourbefore sex.Tablets, suppositories, jellies, film: Between 10minutes and one hour before sex, dependingon type.Insert additional spermicide before each act ofvaginal sex.Douching is not recommended because it willwash away the spermicide and also increase therisk of sexually transmitted infections.If you must douche, wait for at least 6 hoursafter sex before doing so.224 Family Planning: A Global Handbook for Providers