Spermicide and gel

You could try switching brands and making sure you’re using your spermicide exactly as the instructions say you should. That said, spermicide is messy. If it bothers you you might want to look into another method.

Condoms, internal condoms, spermicide, and emergency contraception are all available at your nearest pharmacy.

In the U.S. the only forms of birth control available over the counter (OTC) are condoms, internal condoms, spermicide, the sponge, and emergency contraception pills. There’s been some debate about whether birth control pills should be sold OTC too as they are in many other countries, but for now you need a prescription.

If you’re looking for a method that requires a prescription, visit your local health clinic or find the nearest one here.

The irritation might be because of the brand of spermicide you’re using, so you might want to try out another kind.

If spermicide is used alone, it is only somewhat effective—around 82% when used perfectly and 72% with typical use.

In other words:

Of those women who use spermicide exactly as directed, about 18 in 100 will experience an accidental pregnancy during the first year of using this method.

Of those women who do not use spermicide exactly as directed, about 28 in 100 will experience an accidental pregnancy during the first year of using this method.