How does vcf

Finding one that is right for you may involve both you and your partner assessing your wants and needs and your healthcare provider weighing in on any potential safety concerns. Whatever you choose, be sure you know how to use it properly for maximum effectiveness. Vaginal contraceptive film VCF is a non-hormonal form of birth control comprised of a translucent strip of material infused with nonoxynol-9 a highly efficient spermicide.

Placed high in the vagina as close as possible to the cervix , the film dissolves quickly into a protective gel. This means that if VCF is used as the only form of birth control, 18 out of every women will become pregnant within one year. According to the manufacturer, vaginal contraceptive film will remain effective for up to three hours.

If three hours have passed since the application of the film, you will need to use another. You will also need to apply a new film after every male ejaculation.

To correctly apply vaginal contraceptive film:. Mild irritation or burning sensations of the vagina or penis have been reported. In fact, the frequent use of nonoxynol-9 can undermine the delicate tissues of the vagina and, by doing so, increase the risk of HIV. While vaginal contraceptive film can help prevent pregnancy, the best way to avoid STDs is to use a condom. Sign up for our Health Tip of the Day newsletter, and receive daily tips that will help you live your healthiest life.

Food and Drug Administration. Birth control. Updated February 11, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Appendix D: contraceptive effectiveness. Recommendations and reports. National Institutes of Health. VCF contraceptive - nonoxynol film, soluble. Updated December Apothecus Pharmaceutical Corp. How to use VCF. Updated Contraceptive methods and risk of HIV acquisition or female-to-male transmission. Your Privacy Rights.

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I Accept Show Purposes. Table of Contents View All. Table of Contents. Thinking about using the birth control ring? Annovera is one of your options — here's how to decide whether it's right for you. You may have noticed both weight loss and gain listed as a side effect of some birth control. But is there a type for loss or maintaining your weight? Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect. Medically reviewed by Carolyn Kay, M.

What is it? How does it work? How effective is it? Who can use it? What are the potential benefits? Are there any side effects to consider? How much does it cost? How long does it last? Read this next. Medically reviewed by Janet Brito, Ph. Take Action vs. Plan B: What Are the Differences? If you have questions about this topic, feel free to contact one of our peer educators.

Worrying about pregnancy is, for many people, a normal part of being sexually active. This article helps you assess what your risks are of getting pregnant, and how to deal with them. How does anxiety affect your thoughts? This series contains things you can do that might help you to cope with and manage anxiety. Quick Hide. Once inside your vagina, VCF turns into a gel. The gel contains a spermicide called nonoxynol Spermicide is a chemical that kills sperm when it comes in contact with it.

How does VCF prevent pregnancy? In order to get pregnant, sperm must enter your vagina, swim up into your uterus and fertilize an egg that has been released from your ovaries during ovulation.

Once it has turned into a gel about 15 minutes , the VCF covers your cervix the entrance to your uterus , preventing sperm from getting inside and reaching an egg. The spermicide in the VCF kills sperm. How effective is VCF?