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| Method |
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A woman inserts a spermicide--available in foams, films, creams, jellies or suppositories--deep into the vagina before sex to kill sperm before they can reach an egg. |
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| Success Rate |
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With typical use, 26 women in 100 become pregnant in one year. With perfect use six women in 100 will become pregnant in one year. |
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| Benefits |
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You can buy it at any drugstore without a prescription; it can provide lubrication for intercourse. |
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| Drawbacks |
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Some spermicides such as nonoxynol-9 have been found to irritate the vaginal walls making someone more susceptible to STD and HIV infection. Follow the directions carefully: this may mean waiting after inserting it before you have sex, allowing it to dissolve and spread. You must insert more spermicide each time you have intercourse. |
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| How To Get It |
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At drugstores and supermarkets. The cost is $9 to $12 for the spermicide and applicator; refills cost $4 to $8. |
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| Photo: Scott Houston, Corbis Sygma |
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