Having worked with contraceptive gels (ContraGel, Caya Gel, and Gygel) for over 15 years now, I’ve encountered a recurring question about using applicators for these gels:
Do I Need To Buy A Vaginal Applicator For My Spermicide?
To answer this question effectively, it’s crucial to understand the purpose of using spermicide or a contraceptive gel.
When a diaphragm or cervical cap is used as a barrier contraceptive, a contraceptive gel is essential. It enhances the seal between the barrier and the vagina, effectively capturing and immobilizing a significant amount of ejaculate by adhering to it. Additionally, the gel’s pH or active ingredients may also immobilize sperm.
Firstly, Always Read The Instructions!
As per the guidelines for all diaphragms and cervical caps we’re aware of, the recommended procedure is to apply contraceptive gel to the barrier before insertion. Once the barrier is inserted, it’s already covered in gel.
Furthermore, the instructions for all diaphragms and cervical caps on the market state that after intercourse, the barrier should be left in place for six hours before removal, unless you intend to have intercourse again. In such cases, more contraceptive gel needs to be applied.
Let’s look at why that is.
Diaphragms And Caps After Intercourse
After intercourse, sperm are present in the vaginal tract. Leaving the barrier in place for six hours allows the gel to capture and remove these sperm before the barrier is removed. If the barrier were removed while there were still numerous healthy sperm swimming around, the purpose of placing the barrier there would be defeated.
Therefore, after intercourse, when male ejaculation occurs, the initial application of gel becomes mixed with ejaculate, rendering it ineffective for a second round of intercourse. More gel is necessary to achieve the desired contraceptive effect.
At this point, we have bodily fluids and contraceptive gel inside the vaginal tract, which introduces the ‘icky factor’. Using a syringe-like applicator to deliver more gel deep inside is an easy option. It can be done discreetly, cleanly, and almost with your eyes closed. So, should we all be buying vaginal applicators then?
Well, maybe not. After working in this field for many years, we’ve spoken to numerous Gynaecologists about the use of applicators for delivering a second dose of contraceptive gel. Some, who specialize in barrier contraceptives, disagree with their use.
The Case Against Using Applicators
They refer us back to the manufacturer’s instructions included with all diaphragms and cervical caps. These instructions state that if you plan to have intercourse again with the barrier still in place, you should do two things: apply more gel and check that the barrier is still correctly fitted.
Even if you weren’t wildly passionate during intercourse, your diaphragm or cervical cap could still move out of place. It happens. How would you know unless you checked? If it’s not in the correct position, it loses its effectiveness. How do you check? With your finger, pressing your diaphragm or cervical cap into place as normal.
The gurus of barrier contraception tell us that applying more gel to your finger is the best way to accomplish two things at once: applying the gel where it’s needed, directly to the barrier, while also checking that the barrier is in place. Makes sense, right?
However, it goes a bit further than that. From experience coaching barrier users, these experts say that in real-world scenarios, if a user has an applicator for a second application of gel, the ‘icky factor’ can easily trigger, and they skip the control step of checking that the diaphragm is still in place. Since user habits and behaviors can impact the contraceptive efficiency of a barrier contraceptive system, they discourage the recommendation of applicators.
There you have it—a lengthy response to a short question, but we believe that barrier contraceptive users truly need to understand what they’re doing and why.
Feel free to use an applicator, but be mindful not to skip the post-coital check to ensure that your barrier is still correctly fitted.
For two decades David has been the owner and director of several marketing and distribution companies. During this time he has learned the indisputable benefits of looking after customers, colleagues, workers, suppliers and the local community, treating them all as respected stakeholders in a common project. Recently he consolidated his personal beliefs and business ethics by founding and developing several ethical companies.
