VCF can be up to 94% effective as a primary birth control method with correct and consistent use; it can be up to 99% effective when used as a back up to another birth control method.
Why choose VCF vaginal contraceptive gel applicators?
With VCF Vaginal Contraceptive Gel applicators, you are in control of your body and protecting yourself against unwanted pregnancy. Enjoy intimacy more with the knowledge that you have protected yourself from getting pregnant. HOW DO VCF Vaginal Contraceptive pre-filled applicators work?
Is VCF 100% effective?
No birth control method is 100% effective. But if used correctly and consistently, VCF can be up to 94 percent effective, according to the company that makes it.
How does VCF work to prevent pregnancy?
Vaginal contraceptive film, once inserted, absorbs vaginal secretions and melts into a thick gel that serves as a barrier to immobilize sperm. VCF has been around for over 20 years and vigorously tested. In commenting on spermicides in general, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) considers them safe and effective in preventing pregnancy.
What are the side effects of VCF?
Side Effects. There are almost no side effects when using VCF. It is an effective and safe contraceptive when used consistently and according to the instructions provided. According to the manufacturer of vaginal contraceptive film, few VCF users have reported minor irritation or burning of the vagina or penis.
Is VCF gel effective immediately?
Insert one applicatorful into the vagina prior to intercourse (see complete, illustrated directions on package insert). Each applicatorful is effective immediately and up to one hour after application. An additional applicatorful is required prior to each act of intercourse, regardless of time since last application.
How long is VCF gel effective?
VCF is 94% effective when used properly. Be sure to read the enclosed directions carefully. It will be effective for up to 1 hour, or for each act of intercourse. Use a new applicator for each act of intercourse.
Does spermicide gel work?
But using spermicide perfectly is hard, so in reality about 28 out of 100 people who use spermicide become pregnant every year — that means spermicide is 72% effective at preventing pregnancy. Using spermicide alone isn't the most effective way to prevent pregnancy, but it's better than using no birth control at all.
Is VCF gel good?
Although VCF is not one of the most effective methods of birth control, it is far more effective than not using anything at all. It is easy to buy online or in a drugstore, and it is safe when used according to the instructions provided.
What are the side effects of VCF gel?
Vcf Vaginal Contraceptive Side EffectsMuscle pain.Trouble or pain on urinating.Lightheadedness, dizziness, or fainting.Sunburn-like rash on face or body.Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or stomach pain.Fever or chills.Vaginal burning, itching, rash, or discharge.
What is the most effective spermicide?
Healthline's picks for the best spermicide productsTrojan Ultra Thin Spermicidal Lubricant Condoms. ... Trojan ENZ Armor Spermicidal Lubricant Condoms. ... Trojan Ultra Ribbed Spermicidal Lubricant Condoms. ... VCF Vaginal Contraceptive Film. ... ForPlay PrePair Spermicidal Water-Based Personal Lubricant. ... VCF Vaginal Contraceptive Gel.More items...•
How effective is spermicide if you pull out?
The pull-out method can be used for birth control, but it's def not the best way to prevent pregnancy. It has a roughly 22 percent failure rate and doesn't protect you from STIs.
How do we know that sperm has entered or not?
Can you feel when sperm enters? Yes, if your partner has a strong and intense ejaculation during unprotected sex, you can feel when sperm enters as the ejaculation shoots inside you. If your partner doesn't ejaculate much, you cannot feel it. Also, you cannot feel when the sperm fertilises the egg.
What are the disadvantages of spermicide?
What are the disadvantages of spermicides? Vaginal spermicides can irritate you or your partner's genitals (e.g., itchiness, redness, or pain). This irritation increases your chance of getting STIs and HIV. Don't use vaginal spermicides more than twice a day because it will increase your risk of genital irritation.
Can VCF cause discharge?
The vaginal contraceptive film seldom causes vaginal or penile irritation. Rare side effects may include itching, burning on urination, slight inflammation of the vagina, pain, and increased white discharge. Stop using VCF if any of these happen and check with your doctor if the problems continue.
Can you feel spermicide?
If you notice that your vagina feels sore or irritated after you use spermicide, you may be sensitive to it. You can try a different brand of spermicide and see if that makes a difference. If the irritation feels really bad or if switching brands doesn't help, ask your nurse or doctor for help.
Can spermicide cause infertility?
The study found that while the overall rate of tubal infertility among sexually active women is about 3 percent, women who use barrier contraceptives with spermicides lower their rate to about 1.5 percent, Dr.
How effective is VCF and pulling out?
But if used correctly and consistently, VCF can be up to 94 percent effective, according to the company that makes it. And if you use it alongside another birth control method, that's said to rise to up to 99 percent.
Can I use VCF on my period?
Cervical caps and diaphragms are not recommended for use during your menstrual period because of an increased chance of developing toxic shock syndrome. Your doctor may advise you to use condoms with a spermicide instead during your menstrual periods when protection is needed.
Is VCF gel messy?
It's not messy, easy to use, and apply extra lubrication. So I would definitely recommend this to anyone that's looking for another method of birth control. Yes, I recommend this product.
Can you use lubricant with VCF?
If you need an extra lubricant, make sure it is a water-based product safe for use with cervical caps, condoms, or diaphragms .
How to soften VCF?
If the film feels a little hard once out of its pouch, you can soften it by holding it between the palms of your hands for a few seconds .
What is a VCF?
VCF is a square-shaped piece of film that contains a nonhormonal spermicide called nonoxynol-9.
What is VCF birth control?
VCF is a form of nonhormonal birth control to explore. Although it uses the tried and tested ingredient of spermicide, it’s designed to be easier to use than other spermicide methods.
What happens when sperm reaches the gel?
It dissolves into a gel, with the spermicide acting as a barrier at the opening of the cervix. When sperm reaches the gel, it’s killed or blocked.
How effective are spermicides?
However, research has found that spermicides are only 72 percent effective at protecting against pregnancy.
How effective is birth control?
No birth control method is 100% effective. But if used correctly and consistently, VCF can be up to 94 percent effective, according to the company that makes it.
Is VCF easy to remove?
Just as it’s designed to be easy to insert, VCF is also fairly easy to remove.
How to use VCF?
How to Use It. VCF must be manually inserted into the vagina. It dissolves almost immediately after insertion. There is nothing to remove. You or your partner can insert the VCF film, but it is important to place it far enough inside the vagina so that it is in contact with the cervix.
What is a VCF?
Vaginal contraceptive film, once inserted, absorbs vaginal secretions and melts into a thick gel that serves as a barrier to immobilize sperm. VCF has been around for over 20 years and vigorously tested.
How long does it take for a VCF to dissolve?
You should be sure you or your partner can locate your cervix with a finger so it gets placed correctly. VCF must be inserted at least 15 minutes before intercourse for it to completely dissolve and work effectively. A new film must be used each time you have intercourse.
Can you buy VCF without a prescription?
How to Use It. Vaginal contraceptive film (VCF) is a super-thin, hormone-free film that is inserted into the vagina where it dissolves and delivers nonoxynol-9, a chemical that kills sperm ( spermicide ). You can buy VCF films without a prescription. They are intended to be used every time you have intercourse.
Can VCF films prevent pregnancy?
VCF films are just one of the many options for preventing pregnancy. Finding one that is right for you may involve both you and your partner assessing your wants and needs and your doctor weighing in on any potential safety concerns.
Is VCF good for pregnancy?
VCF is most effective for pregnancy prevention when used with another back-up form of birth control, such as male and female condoms .
Does nonoxynol-9 protect against HIV?
Does not protect against HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) Frequent use of VCFs or other products containing nonoxynol-9 may increase vaginal irritation, which may increase STD risk. Spermicidal methods (when used alone) have a higher failure rate than many other birth control methods.
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How effective is VCF film?
Vcf film is considered 82% effective in the first year of use which means that you must have plan B for birth control other than vcf film.
How many women get pregnant with VCF?
Stats shows that every 22 women out of 100 will get pregnant during the first year of using vcf film. So it is better to use another birth control method along with vcf film to ensure protection against pregnancy.
Where to insert VCF film?
You have to manually insert vcf film in your vaginal area where it will get dissolved by itself. Your partner can also help you in placing vcf but you have to insert it carefully.
Is VCF a contraceptive?
Vcf gel is also used as a contraceptive method in which you apply the gel inside your vaginal area with an applicator. When it comes to vcf film vs gel, vcf film has clearly the advantage of being a more user-friendly and hassle-free method.
Is nonoxynol safe for VCF?
The active ingredient nonoxynol which is also used in jellies, foams, suppositories, creams, and tablets is used in less amount on vcf film than other products which makes it safer than other products of the same category .
Does VCF film dissolve?
once inserted in the vaginal area, the vcf film dissolves almost immediately and gives you protection against pregnancy.
Do VCF films work with condoms?
Vcf films work great when used with condoms. When used together, both can give 99% protection against pregnancy.
Effectiveness
Side Effects
- According to the manufacturer of vaginal contraceptive film, a small number of users have reported minor irritation or burning of the vagina or penis.3VCF contains less nonoxynol-9 than other products containing this spermicide. This means VCF is less likely to cause irritation.
How to Use It
- Vaginal contraceptive film, once inserted, absorbs vaginal secretions and melts into a thick gel that kills sperm. VCF has been around for over 20 years and has been rigorously tested for safety You insert the film by hand. You or your partner can insert the VCF film, but it is important to place it far enough inside the vagina so that it is in contact with the cervix. You should be sure you or y…
Summary
- VCF is an over-the-counter form of birth control. It comes in small sheets of a thin film. You insert it into your vagina, where it dissolves and releases the spermicide nonoxynol-9. Although VCF is not one of the most effective methods of birth control, it is far more effective than not using anything at all. It is easy to buy online or in a drugstore, and it is safe when used according to th…
A Word from Verywell
- VCF film is just one of the many options for preventing pregnancy. Your healthcare provider as well as your partner can help you figure out which is the best one for you based on your wants and needs. Whatever type of birth control you choose, be sure you know how to use it properly for maximum effectiveness.