Chlamydia and Spermicidal gel/jelly

Sources

Spermicidal Gel/Jelly Overview

• Best suited for couples involved in a long term, monogamous relationship who are both negative for STD’s and use only condoms as their method of birth control. (McKinley Health Center)

• http://www.plannedparenthood.org/health-topics/birth-control/spermicide-4225.htm
• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spermicide#Types_and_effectiveness
• http://www.mckinley.illinois.edu/handouts/condom_spermicidal_jelly/condom_spermicidal_jelly.html
• http://contraception.about.com/od/overthecounterchoices/tp/SpermicideTypes.htm
• https://www.optionsforsexualhealth.org/birth-control-pregnancy/birth-control-options/barrier-methods/spermicides
• http://brown.edu/Student_Services/Health_Services/Health_Education/sexual_health/safer_sex_and_contraceptives/spermicides_&_lubricants.php
• http://www.babycenter.com/0_spermicides_1289802.bc?page=2
• http://www.babycenter.com/0_spermicides_1289802.bc#articlesection2
• http://about.pricegrabber.com/search_getprod.php?masterid=1637084&search=contraceptive+jelly

• Spermicide is a birth control method that contains chemicals that stop sperm from moving. (Planned Parenthood)
• Spermicides are available in different forms, including creams, film, foams, gels, and suppositories. (Planned Parenthood)

What is it?

Efficiency

Reliability

• On their own, spermicides aren't very effective at preventing pregnancy.
• Frequent use of the spermicide N-9 can cause genital irritation and breaks in tissue that might make you more susceptible to HIV (and possibly other STIs). Don't use a spermicide if you're at high risk for HIV. (Baby Center)

How it works

• Spermicides contain the chemicals non-oxynol 9 (N-9) or octoxynol that prevent pregnancy by immobilizing and killing sperm. (Brown University)

• If a couple uses spermicides alone (not using condoms or another method) correctly every time they have intercourse, about 6% of them will become pregnant. However, not all couples who use spermicide use them correctly every time, so the average pregnancy rate is about 21%. (Brown University)

Instructions/Application

• Also known as Contraceptive jelly, is another form of concentrated spermicide (which is a chemical that kills sperm). Jellies come in tubes and are usually used with a diaphragm or cervical cap. (About.com)
• A substance that prevents pregnancy by stopping sperm from moving. (Planned Parenthood)
• Contains the sperm-killing chemical nonoxynol-9 and work by setting up a chemical block at the entrance to the uterus. Here, sperm are trapped by the foam or gel barrier and destroyed by the chemical. The amount of nonoxynol-9 varies depending on the type and brand of spermicide. (Options For Sexual Health)

How to Use Spermicidal Jelly for Vaginal Intercourse

• Insert spermicide before any genital contact and repeat application if more than 15 minutes passes before intercourse. Fill the applicator completely by attaching it to the tube and squeezing.
• Insert the applicator deep into the vagina and push the plunger completely into the applicator. Use an additional application of jelly if intercourse is repeated.
• Do not use spermicidal lubricant if vaginal irritation occurs. Do not use spermicidal lubricant with anal intercourse. (McKinley Health Center)

Cost

• High Quality: Ortho Options Extra Strength Contraceptive Jelly with Applicator ~ $26.08 (Price Grabber)
• Other Brands: Gynol II, Conceptrol, etc. ~ $10-$13 (Target, Walgreens, etc.)

Side-Effects

• Some women and men are sensitive to spermicidal products. Usually the spermicidal chemical itself is the culprit, but it could also be one of the other ingredients. Irritation is more likely with frequent use. (Baby Center)

Who should use it

• People who aren't allergic to n9, or any chemicals within the spermicide.
• People who don't like using condoms (Although its best to pair both methods)

Who Shouldn't use it.

You won't be able to use spermicides if:

• You or your partner is sensitive or allergic to spermicides.
• You have certain genital tract abnormalities, such as a vaginal septum or double cervix, that would make it difficult for you to place the spermicide properly in your vagina.
• You're uncomfortable touching yourself or continue having trouble placing the spermicide correctly.

Finally, people who are at high risk for getting HIV should not use spermicide that contains N-9. When used frequently, it may raise your risk of getting the disease if you're exposed. (Baby Center)

When you should use it

• Generally you apply it immediately before sex and it lasts for about an hour. After an hour, another dosage is usually needed.

Chlamydia and Spermicidal Gel/Jelly

Causes

• According to WebMD, "Chlamydia is caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis. The disease is spread by oral, vaginal, or anal sex, and if you touch your eyes with a contaminated hand, you may also develop conjunctivitis. Chlamydia can also be passed during vaginal birth to the infant."

Sources

Chlamydia: An Overview

Prevention

Symptoms and Effects

• http://www.webmd.com/sexual-conditions/guide/chlamydia
• http://www.cdc.gov/std/chlamydia/stdfact-chlamydia.htm
• http://www.cdc.gov/std/chlamydia/
• http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/chlamydia/DS00173
• http://www.webmd.com/sexual-conditions/understanding-chlamydia-basics
• http://www.cambstakeatest.com/effects.html
• http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/chlamydia/DS00173/DSECTION=prevention
• http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/chlamydia/DS00173/DSECTION=treatments-and-drugs
• http://www.webmd.com/sexual-conditions/antibiotics-for-chlamydia

Chlamydia symptoms in men

• Small amounts of clear or cloudy discharge from the tip of the penis
• Painful urination
• Burning and itching around the opening of the penis
• Pain and swelling around the testicles (WebMD)

Chlamydia symptoms in women

• Abnormal vaginal discharge that may have an odor
• Bleeding between periods
• Painful periods
• Abdominal pain with fever
• Pain when having sex
• Itching or burning in or around the vagina
• Pain when urinating (WebMD)

Effects:

• Men: painful infection in the testicles and or in the urethra. Inflammation of the rectum.
• Women: development of PID (pelvic inflammatory disease (WebMD)

• Chlamydia is one of the most commonly transmitted STD's in the United States. Its so easy to spread because it often causes no symptoms, making it easy to unawaringly pass it on to your sexual partner. (CDC)
• Its caused by a bacterium and can inflict permanent damage to a woman's reproductive organs.
• While it affects men and women of all age groups, its most common in young women. (Mayo Clinic)

According to Mayo Clinic, the best ways to prevent contracting chlamydia are:

• Using condoms
• Limiting the amount of sex partners you have
• Getting regular screenings
• Avoiding douching

Treatment

Cure

Chlamydia is treated with antibiotics.

The treatment is usually faster if you abstain from any sexual activity.

The treatment lasts anywhere from five to fourteen days.

The cure itself is the antibiotics as they can effectively kill the chlamydia bacteria.

A big positive is that there is generally no side-effects to these antibiotics, making treatment simple and relatively safe.