Vaginal contraceptive film is a thin film containing spermicide used as a form of birth control. Its effectiveness is poor compared to other methods, and it should be used in conjunction with other forms of contraception. Proper use involves clean hands and insertion as far into the vagina as possible. It does not protect against STDs and can increase the risk of contracting HIV.
A vaginal contraceptive film is a thin, water-soluble film that contains a spermicide and is used as a form of birth control. Spermicide is a substance that kills sperm, but its effectiveness is generally not good enough to use on its own. When combined with a film rather than a lubricant or condom, it is placed on the cervix of the woman’s vagina by using a finger to push it back. A partner can help position a vaginal contraceptive film correctly, but it should not be pushed back with a penis or touched with wet hands. The effectiveness of vaginal contraceptive film is very poor compared to other contraceptive methods, even when used perfectly.
The steps to properly using vaginal contraceptive film as a birth control method are often viewed as important by distributors and family planning advocates. One step is for the person applying the wrap to clean and dry their hands thoroughly, as the wrap is designed to dissolve on contact with moisture and can adhere to moisture on the hands as well. The second step is to fold the wrap into a rectangle so that it can fit around a finger, but still be easily removable when inserted into the vagina. Finally, and sometimes considered the most important by some, is to insert it as far into the vagina as possible, with the aim of placing it at the entrance to the cervix. If the film is inserted superficially into the vagina, it may offer little contraceptive benefit, if any, because the spermicide may not come into contact with the sperm it is dispensed to destroy.
When the instructions are followed perfectly, these films have an 18% failure rate, but typical use has a 29% failure rate. For this reason, most health professionals advise against using film as your primary method of birth control; instead, they often suggest using movies as a backup method in conjunction with a male or female condom, birth control pill, or contraceptive sponge. In the early 1990s, when vaginal contraceptive film was gaining popularity, some suppliers of the film recommended using two films to protect against sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). This doesn’t actually work and condoms should be used to protect against STDs. Indeed, a vaginal contraceptive film can increase the risk of contracting the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) from an infected partner by irritating the vagina.
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