Experiences with a tampon-spermicide device
Page, E.W.
Contraception 23(1): 37-44
1981
ISSN/ISBN: 0010-7824 PMID: 7193551 DOI: 10.1016/0010-7824(81)90112-8Document Number: 562586
Paid volunteers recruited from the University of California Medical Center utilized a vaginal tampon-spermicide device at the time of coitus and then completed a 14-item questionnaire which assessed the acceptability and feasibility of this method. The device consisted of the main barrel with a plunger, the nonoxynol-9 spermicide, and a tampon, initially a cellulose sponge and later on a commercial menstrual tampon. When ovulation was determined through postcoital cervical mucus examination, the sponge was then inserted within 1 hour prior to coitus and studies were conducted 4-18 hours postcoitally. Results indicated that: total immobilization of sperm occurred in less than 30 seconds, tampon was easy to insert, only 1 user experienced any discomfort, removal was easy, and 7 male partners were aware of the tampon during intercourse. 1/2 of the volunteers stated that they would use the method providing it were effective and readily available. The results of the postcoital studies suggest a high degree of effectiveness for this method. Advantages of the method are: that it is devoid of any local or systemic side effects; tampon is best stored separate from the spermicide solution to insure physical and chemical stability of each; applicators can be stored indefinitely; spermicide and/or tampon design can be changed or adjusted at any time; no period of delay is necessary prior to coitus; insertion is as easy as menstrual tampon insertion; and cost is not high. The main problem is the difficulty in removal due to shortening of the string and this could be easily modified by design changes.