Operational Obstetrics & Gynecology

Contraceptive Vaginal Suppositories

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

After opening the package, the suppository is pushed deeply into the vagina so that it lies against the cervix.

After insertion, the suppository needs 10 minutes to melt to form an effective spermicidal barrier. Once in place, it is effective for up to one hour after insertion. If additional intercourse is performed, an additional suppository should be inserted.

The suppository forms a spermicidal foam barrier within the vagina. It does not need to be removed as the foam 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 suppository 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 suppository. 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.
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