How Is Phexxi Different From Spermicides
They work similarly both stop the sperm from moving and cover the opening of the womb. However, their ingredients are different.
The main ingredient that prevents pregnancy in spermicide is nonoxynol-9. Nonoxynol-9 is a chemical that makes sperm stop moving, preventing it from joining with an egg.
How Does The Birth Control Sponge Work
The sponge protects against pregnancy in three ways:
- The spermicide kills sperm cells for 24 hours. You can have sex during that time without needing more spermicide.
- Itâs designed to trap and absorb before the sperm have a chance to enter your cervix, which connects the to the uterus.
- It acts as a physical barrier between the sperm and the cervix.
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What Are The Benefits Of Phexxi
Like spermicide, Phexxi is non-hormonal birth control. So if you prefer non-hormonal birth control, or cant use methods with hormones because of medical problems, Phexxi may be a good option for you.
Unlike spermicide, Phexxi doesnt have nonoxynol-9 in it. So Phexxi doesnt increase your risk of STDs like spermicide can.
You only need to use Phexxi when you have sex. So you dont need to worry about using birth control or dealing with side effects when youre not having sex.
How Does Pregnancy Happen

Pregnancy happens when an egg is fertilized by sperm and then successfully implants into the uterus.
Every month during ovulation, an egg is released from your ovaries into your fallopian tubes. The egg remains there until:
- its shed from your uterus during your period, or
- its fertilized by sperm
For fertilization to happen, sperm must swim from the to the fallopian tubes.
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Twirla: A Combination Contraceptive Patch
Transdermal delivery of contraceptive hormones offers users multiple benefits compared with pill administration, including more stable hormone levels, decreased loss of drug bioavailability with avoidance of hepatic first-pass metabolism, and an alternative to daily dosing with the potential to improve compliance. The first contraceptive patch, Ortho Evra® , was approved in the USA in 2001 and contained EE 0.75 mg and norelgestromin 6 mg, releasing a daily dose of EE 35 mcg and NGMN 150 mcg . This patch is no longer available after introduction of the generic version, Xulane® , in 2014.
The EE/NGMN patch carries safety and efficacy concerns. When comparing the pharmacokinetic parameters for the EE/NGMN patch with an oral contraceptive pill containing EE 35 mcg and norgestimate 250 mcg, the area under the curve was approximately 55% higher in patch compared with pill users, leading to concerns over an increased risk of venous thromboembolism with the additional EE exposure . Despite the pharmacokinetic finding, epidemiologic data are conflicting as to whether VTE risk with patch use is increased compared with combined oral pills . With respect to efficacy, one-third of the on-treatment pregnancies occurred in participants who were 90 kg, suggesting a decreased efficacy with increasing body weight .
When Hormones Arent An Option
According to the Nature commentary, about one-third of women globally discontinue hormonal birth control methods within the first year of taking them, often because of side effects.
That was the case for Lenise Sunny Wilson, who attributes severe depression to the birth control pills she had been taking.
It completely changed who I was as a person, said Wilson, 38, of Tucson, Arizona. It messed with my emotions and my mental health so intensely.
Wilson has since stopped taking the pill and, for the most part, she said, has returned to her sunny self.
Some women, including those with certain cancers and heart conditions, cant take hormonal birth control. Erica Twidle, 33, from Gallatin, Tennessee, was diagnosed with a rare heart condition called peripartum cardiomyopathy while pregnant with her daughter, Della. The condition made Twidles heart weak and enlarged, and although she eventually recovered, Twidles doctors told her she shouldnt take hormonal birth control, or get pregnant, ever again. Both would jeopardize her heart.
Twidle, whod had a bad experience with the copper IUD in the past, decided to track her cycle. But nine months after having Della, she was pregnant again. I cried when I found out, she said. I was terrified. I had a child I needed to stay alive for.
Twidle calls herself one of the lucky ones, since her heart stayed strong enough to support pregnancy. But had things taken a turn, Twidle was prepared to get an abortion to stay alive.
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How Well Do They Work
How well a diaphragm prevents pregnancy depends a lot on whether you use it correctly. Six out of 100 women will get pregnant with the diaphragm if they use it perfectly every time. Most people make mistakes sometimes, so the typical rate is more like 12 to 18 out of 100. Thatâs more effective than condoms or other barrier methods, but less effective than sterilization, intrauterine devices , or birth control pills.
There are some risks that come with a diaphragm. The most serious one is toxic shock syndrome, a condition you get from a bacterial infection. You can avoid it by not leaving a diaphragm in for more than 24 hours. The device also can cause irritation or a reaction if youâre allergic to latex. And some women get urinary tract infections more often when they use a diaphragm.
What Are The 3 Ways In Which Hormonal Contraception Works
How do hormonal contraceptives work?
- They can prevent ovulation .
- They make the mucus around the cervix thicker so that sperm cannot enter the uterus .
- They make the lining of the uterus thinner to prevent a fertilized egg from attaching itself.
Which of the following are non hormonal contraception?
Nonhormonal birth control is any pregnancy prevention method that doesnt affect your hormones. Some popular options are: Copper intrauterine device Condoms.
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It Requires Consistent Use
Unlike hormonal birth control methods such as implants and injections, nonhormonal options require some planning since they must be used each time you have sex.
Whenever you skip your chosen method, theres a chance you might get pregnant.
No question is too small to ask your doctor, whos a valuable resource in your decision-making process. Possible queries include:
- Is hormonal birth control safe with my medical history?
- How often will I need to refill my prescription?
- Is there any type of medication that can make birth control less effective?
- How can I manage side effects?
- Can I change from one hormonal option to another?
If you write down your questions as you think of them, its easier to remember them during your appointment.
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Prevent Pregnancy With A Variety Of Non
At Metropolitan Family Planning Clinic, we offer access to a range of different non-hormonal contraceptive options. With safe and effective non-hormonal contraception, there is an increased ability to prevent unwanted pregnancies using birth control methods that form a barrier between the sperm and the egg. Although they provide better protection against pregnancy than methods such as the Rhythm method, barrier birth control options are in general not as effective as long term methods that use hormones. However, when used consistently and in the correct way, their effectiveness can be compared to the pill.
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When Hormones Aren’t An Option
According to the Nature commentary, about one-third of women globally discontinue hormonal birth control methods within the first year of taking them, often because of side effects.
That was the case for Lenise Sunny Wilson, who attributes severe depression to the birth control pills she had been taking.
It completely changed who I was as a person, said Wilson, 38, of Tucson, Arizona. It messed with my emotions and my mental health so intensely.
Wilson has since stopped taking the pill and, for the most part, she said, has returned to her sunny self.
Some women, including those with certain cancers and heart conditions, cant take hormonal birth control. Erica Twidle, 33, from Gallatin, Tennessee, was diagnosed with a rare heart condition called peripartum cardiomyopathy while pregnant with her daughter, Della. The condition made Twidles heart weak and enlarged, and although she eventually recovered, Twidles doctors told her she shouldnt take hormonal birth control, or get pregnant, ever again. Both would jeopardize her heart.
Twidle, whod had a bad experience with the copper IUD in the past, decided to track her cycle. But nine months after having Della, she was pregnant again. I cried when I found out, she said. I was terrified. I had a child I needed to stay alive for.
Twidle calls herself one of the lucky ones, since her heart stayed strong enough to support pregnancy. But had things taken a turn, Twidle was prepared to get an abortion to stay alive.
Questions About Phexxis Dosage

Below are answers to a few questions about Phexxis dosage.
- Will I need to use Phexxi long term? You can use Phexxi long term or short term. If Phexxi works well as a birth control option for you, your doctor may recommend that you use it long term. But if you want to start planning for a pregnancy, you can stop using Phexxi at any time.
- How long does Phexxi take to work? As soon as you use your dose of Phexxi, the medication begins working to prevent pregnancy.
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Why A Natural Non Hormonal Birth Control Method
Presently, there are many issues with the available contraception.
Even the most effective can have troublesome side effects like heavy bleeding, mood disturbances, acne, headache or weight gain and more.
This creates serious lifestyle problems for many women who wish to delay starting a family till they are physically, mentally or emotionally ready.
Other natural birth control methods do exist such as the copper coil, condoms or diaphragm etc.
However whether or not you choose a method depends on how effective and convenient you believe it is.
What Are The Pros And Cons Of Phexxi
Pros of Phexxi:
- Side effects are usually limited to the local/vaginal area.
- May be covered by insurance .
- Phexxi does not contain hormones .
- No need to remember to take pillscan be used as needed before intercourse.
Cons of Phexxi:
- Phexxi is not as effective as other methods of birth control.
- Phexxi does not protect against sexually transmitted infections.
- Some side effects may be bothersome.
- Patients with urinary tract infections or problems may not be able to use Phexxi.
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Phexxi: What To Know About The Non
Lately, a friend of mine has been talking about Phexxia newish non-hormonal birth control gel she was thinking of trying. I don’t love admitting this, but I had somehow missed the news on this product and had no idea what she was referring to.
Given that this non-hormonal birth control gel has been growing in popularity, there’s a pretty good chance you might have heard of it too. To help you out, our team at Byrdie decided it’s time to reach out to some experts in the field of gynecology to learn the ins and outs of this new birth control gel.
Meet the Expert
- Tamika Cross, MD, is a board-certified obstetrician and gynecologist who practices in the Pearland, TX, area.
- Sophia Yen, MD, is board-certified in adolescent medicine and holds an MPH in maternal child health. She is the CEO of Pandia Health.
Here’s what you need to know about Phexxi birth control gel.
How Does Phexxi Compare With Other Forms Of Birth Control
Phexxi is an effective form of birth control, but it’s not as effective as some other types of contraception. “When used properly, it is not as effective as an IUD or implant. However, it can be more effective than condom use alone,” Cross says.
The company says Phexxi is 93% effective when used as directed and 86% effective with typical use . This means that with perfect use, 7% of women using it will get pregnant, and without perfect use, 14% of people using it will get pregnant, Yen says. For this reason, she does not recommend using it alone and instead suggests using it in combination with another form of birth control, such as a condom. As we mentioned earlier, be sure not to use Phexxi in combination with a vaginal ring.
“The greatest disadvantage of any non-hormonal birth control methods is a higher risk of pregnancy,” Yen says. “Why take a 14% risk when the pill, patch, or ring have only a 7% risk of failure?”
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What To Do In Case You Use Too Much Phexxi
If you think youve used too much of this drug, call your doctor. You can also call the American Association of Poison Control Centers at 800-222-1222 or use their online tool. But if your symptoms are severe, call 911 or your local emergency number, or go to the nearest emergency room right away.
When you get Phexxi from the pharmacy, the pharmacist will add an expiration date to the label on the packaging. This date is typically 1 year from the date they dispensed the medication.
The expiration date helps guarantee that the medication is effective during this time. The of the Food and Drug Administration is to avoid using expired medications. If you have unused medication that has gone past the expiration date, talk with your pharmacist about whether you might still be able to use it.
What If I Miss A Dose
Phexxi is meant to be used within 1 hour before vaginal sex. Phexxi isnt effective for preventing pregnancy if the drug is used after sex. If you forget to insert Phexxi before sex and arent using another form of birth control, you may not be protected from pregnancy.
If this happens, you might need to use emergency contraception. An example is the Plan B pill .
If you miss a dose of Phexxi but arent sure whether you should use emergency contraception, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
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Why Choose Nonhormonal Birth Control
Hormonal contraceptives, like the birth control pill and hormonal implants, change a womanâs hormone levels to keep her body from getting pregnant. They can be convenient and reliable. But they might not be ideal choices for some people for reasons like:
- You have to remember to take the pill at the same time every day.
- You need to see a doctor for prescriptions or to insert the device.
-
Latex: The most common. Only water or silicone-based lubricants can be used with latex condoms .
-
Plastic : May be useful for those with allergies and can be used with oil-based lubes .
-
Lambskin: May be useful for those with latex allergies. They do not protect against STIs because of tiny pores that could allow viruses to pass through . You can use any type of lubrication with these condoms .
Evofem Terms Of Service For Phexxicom

The website Phexxi.com is provided by Evofem Biosciences, Inc. to provide information and selected functionality to interested parties and provides important information related to the unmet needs that women face today with the lack of non-hormonal contraceptive options and a product that is in development to meet those needs. Healthcare professionals can provide their contact information to engage in communications with Evofem.
PLEASE READ THESE TERMS OF SERVICE AND OUR PRIVACY POLICY CAREFULLY BECAUSE THIS AGREEMENT CONSTITUTES A LEGALLY BINDING CONTRACT BETWEEN YOU AND EVOFEM. IF YOU DO NOT WISH TO ACCEPT THIS AGREEMENT, PLEASE DO NOT ACCESS OR USE THE SITE. BY ACCESSING, DOWNLOADING, USING, THE SITE, YOU AGREE TO BE BOUND BY THIS AGREEMENT, YOU ARE AT LEAST 18 YEARS OLD, YOU HAVE READ AND UNDERSTAND THIS AGREEMENT AND YOU ACCEPT THIS AGREEMENT.
NOTE: THESE TERMS CONTAIN A DISPUTE RESOLUTION AND ARBITRATION PROVISION, INCLUDING CLASS ACTION WAIVER THAT AFFECTS YOUR RIGHTS UNDER THESE TERMS AND WITH RESPECT TO DISPUTES YOU MAY HAVE WITH THE COMPANY. YOU MAY OPT OUT OF THE BINDING INDIVIDUAL ARBITRATION AND CLASS ACTION WAIVER AS PROVIDED BELOW.
1 MODIFICATION OF THIS AGREEMENT.
2 OWNERSHIP PROPRIETARY RIGHTS.
3 GUIDELINES USAGE RULES PROHIBITED CONDUCT AND USES.
3.1. YOU UNDERSTAND AND HEREBY ACKNOWLEDGE AND AGREE THAT YOU WILL NOT ENGAGE IN THE PROHIBITED CONDUCT AND USES LISTED BELOW . YOU WILL NOT:
3.1.2. use the Site if you are under the age of eighteen years old
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Side Effects In Children
Phexxi is approved to prevent pregnancy in females* of any age who can become pregnant. In general, females are able to become pregnant after theyve had their first period. This typically happens around 12 years of age.
Clinical studies of Phexxi didnt include females younger than 18 years of age. So, it isnt known whether the side effects of Phexxi in adolescents are similar to those for adults.
If you have questions about possible side effects of Phexxi given your age, talk with your doctor.
* Sex and gender exist on spectrums. Use of the term female in this article refers to sex assigned at birth.