Operational Obstetrics & Gynecology

Contraceptive Vaginal Gel

Contraceptive vaginal gel is used either alone or in combination with other contraceptive techniques such as condoms.

Each gel applicator is individually wrapped and contains nonoxynol-9, a standard spermicide.

After opening the package, the cap is removed and used as a plunger for the applicator.

The applicator is pushed into the vagina and the plunger depressed to deposit the gel inside the vagina.

After insertion, the gel is effective immediately. Once in place, it is effective for up to one hour after insertion. If additional intercourse is performed, additional gel should be inserted.

The gel forms a spermicidal barrier within the vagina. It does not need to be removed as it will gradually discharge over the next few hours. Douching, if desired, should not occur during the first 6 hours after use, because some of the contraceptive protection may be lost.

Because the active ingredient is nonoxynol-9, some individuals (up to 20% of the population) will be sensitive to it and experience a burning sensation during use. Those individuals should not continue to use this method of contraception and should seek another alternative.

Effectiveness of the vaginal gel is similar to that of the diaphragm. If used carefully and consistently, about 5 women out of 100 will become pregnant each year, despite the use of contraceptive vaginal gel. For the average user, failure rates are likely higher, about 15 or 20% each year.

Contents -  Introduction -  Medical Support of Women in Field Environments -  The Prisoner of War Experience -  Routine Care -  Pap Smears -  Human Papilloma Virus -  Contraception -  Birth Control Pills -  Vulvar Disease -  Vaginal Discharge -  Abnormal Bleeding -  Menstrual Problems -  Abdominal Pain -  Urination Problems -  Menopause -  Breast Problems -  Sexual Assault -  Normal Pregnancy -  Abnormal Pregnancy -  Normal Labor and Delivery -  Problems During Labor and Delivery -  Care of the Newborn

This web version of Operational Obstetrics & Gynecology is provided by The Brookside Associates.  It contains original contents from the official US Navy NAVMEDPUB 6300-2C, but has been reformatted for web access and includes advertising and links that were not present in the original version. This web version has not been approved by the Department of the Navy or the Department of Defense. The presence of any advertising on these pages does not constitute an endorsement of that product or service by either the Department of Defense or the Brookside Associates. The Brookside Associates is a private organization, not affiliated with the United States Department of Defense. All material in this version is unclassified.

This formatting C. 2006 Brookside Associates, LLC.
All rights reserved

Other Brookside Products

Advertise on this site