Contraceptive Method
We’re all familiar with the contraceptive method that changed the world: the pill. Beautiful as this invention was, couples are seeking newer and better methods of contraception—and many of those methods are nonhormonal. Most common: barrier methods like condoms or cervical caps, spermicides, IUDs, and sterilization. Most of them: focused on women. Few are the contraceptive methods that are focused on men or have any effect on their lives overall—use of condoms, or vasectomy.
Phexxi
In May 2020, the Food and Drug Administration gave us a new hope for nonhormonal contraceptive methods. A vaginal gel called Phexxi was approved. It is a birth control gel available by prescription and it is placed in the vagina before penis-in-vagina intercourse occurs to prevent pregnancy. Essentially, it makes the vagina inhospitable to sperm by maintaining its pH to an acidic level. Usually, vaginal pH is around 4, and rises to about 7 when semen enters the vagina to create a more protective environment for sperm. Phexxi keeps the vagina in the more acidic levels, almost paralyzing the sperm and preventing pregnancy.
- Ingredients: Phexxi consists of 3 active ingredients that are all naturally found—lactic acid which is produced by the vagina and can be found in dairy products, citric acid which can be found in citrus fruits, and potassium bitartrate which many of us know as cream of tartar (also a byproduct of winemaking)
Who uses it?
People who can become pregnant, but wish to avoid it without the use of hormones, can use this contraceptive product. There are also numerous other benefits such as ease to start and stop using, it doesn’t have to be used every day, it won’t affect your long term fertility, it can be used discreetly and multiple times a day, can be used in the moment and at any time during your menstrual cycle, and can also be used in combination with some other contraceptive methods (but not all).
Downsides?
According to Planned Parenthood, some ingredients in spermicide contraceptive may irritate sensitive genital tissues, giving infections a way into your body. Consequently, this increases the chances of HIV and other STDs being contracted. Along with this danger it should be noted that Phexxi does not actually protect you against STDs, and for that reason it should be used in combination with condoms.
If you or your partner are sensitive or allergic to the gel’s active ingredients, you should definitely avoid using it. Similarly, if you have a history of UTIs or other urinary problems, you should explore other options first. Though you can use condoms or other barrier methods with the gel, if you are using a vaginal ring you should not use Phexxi.