{"id":19712,"date":"2021-07-12T12:22:54","date_gmt":"2021-07-12T10:22:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.intimina.com\/blog\/?p=19712"},"modified":"2021-07-12T12:22:59","modified_gmt":"2021-07-12T10:22:59","slug":"this-just-in-birth-control-jelly","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.intimina.com\/blog\/this-just-in-birth-control-jelly\/","title":{"rendered":"This Just In: Birth Control Jelly"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Finding the right types of birth control<\/a> can feel like a constant struggle \u2013 and one that usually is the responsibility of the partner with a vulva.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hormonal birth control can come with all sorts of side effects like mental health issues<\/a>, weight gain, acne, low libido<\/a>, and in rare cases \u2013 blood clots, heart attack, and stroke.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Even non-hormonal options like the copper IUD<\/a> can come with downsides. Some people experience heavier periods or intense cramps, and others just don\u2019t like having something inside of them all the time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Natural family planning methods like the fertility awareness methods aren\u2019t perfect either. These methods take a lot of planning and forethought. To be most effective, you have to consistently track your menstrual cycle<\/a> and know when you\u2019re ovulating.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Well, now there\u2019s a new kid in town. Drum roll, please\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Birth control jelly!<\/p>\n\n\n\n


What is Birth Control Jelly?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Phexxi<\/a> was approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration in May 2020. This hormone-free vaginal gel gives you control over you sexual encounters. It is made by Evofem Biosciences, a pharmaceutical company in San Diego, California.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A vagina\u2019s normal pH<\/a> level ranges from 3.5 to 4.5. Your vagina\u2019s pH levels rise when sperm enters it. This allows sperm to be mobile and swim upwards to carry on its merry way up the reproductive tract. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Phexxi keeps the vaginal pH in its normal range, lowering sperm mobility, and decreasing the chance of implantation. It does this with its three main active ingredients lactic acid, citric acid, and potassium bitartrate. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Before you ask, no Phexxi is not a spermicide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How Do You Use Phexxi?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Phexxi comes in a four-inch tampon-like applicator that you use to inject the jelly into your vagina right before, or up to one hour before sexual intercourse. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

After you insert the jelly it\u2019s effective immediately. Easy peasy!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you have been recently given birth, had an abortion, or a miscarriage, it\u2019s perfectly safe to use Phexxi as soon as your provider gives you the OK to resume sexual activity. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

You can use Phexxi at any point during your menstrual cycle. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Phexxi can be used with other contraceptive methods like condoms and diaphragms for greater efficacy and STI protection.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

After you have sex, the birth control jelly will gradually leave your body in a mixture of vaginal fluid and semen.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How Effective is Phexxi?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

When used as directed, Phexxi is ninety-three <\/a>percent effective at preventing pregnancy. For people who may not have followed the instructions correctly, aka \u201ctypical use\u201d, it\u2019s eighty-six percent effective.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When used effectively, condoms are about ninety-eight percent<\/a> effective. Other birth control options are right around there.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This leaves Phexxi quite a bit less effective than other types of birth control, but it comes with other benefits that these methods don\u2019t, like being hormone-free and not having something between you and your partner, like with a condom.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you are going to use Phexxi, be sure to follow the directions step by step to increase its efficacy. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Do You Need a Prescription For It?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Yes, you do need a prescription. If you\u2019re in the U.S., you can discuss with your healthcare provider to see if it\u2019s the right choice for you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are There Any Side Effects?\u00a0<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

About two percent of women that trialed Phexxi stopped using it due to side effects.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What are the most common side effects of Phexxi?<\/p>\n\n\n\n