Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsWhat Is VCF?EffectivenessSide EffectsIs VCF Right for You?How to Use It
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
What Is VCF?
Effectiveness
Side Effects
Is VCF Right for You?
How to Use It
Vaginal contraceptive film (VCF) is a superthin film that is inserted into the vagina. It then dissolves and releases nonoxynol-9, a chemical that kills sperm (spermicide). You can buy VCF film without a prescription. The film must be used every time you have intercourse in order to prevent pregnancy.
This article will explain how to use vaginal contraceptive film. It will also explain howeffectiveit is compared to other forms of birth control, which may help you decide if it’s right for you.
Dawn Stacey
What Is Vaginal Contraceptive Film?
Vaginal contraceptive film (VCF) is a nonhormonal form ofbirth control. It consists of a thin, clear strip of material that you insert into your vagina. It then dissolves and releasesnonoxynol-9(a highly efficient spermicide). Placed high in the vagina, as close as possible to the cervix, the film dissolves quickly into a protective gel.
Nonoxynol-9, the spermicide in VCF, is also available in jellies, creams, vaginal suppositories, and foams. Some condoms are even coated with nonoxynol-9. VCF has a shelf life of five years.
VCF has been around for over 20 years and has been rigorously tested for safety. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) considers VCF safe and effective for preventing pregnancy.However, it is not as reliable as other birth control methods, such asthe pillor an intrauterine device (IUD).
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), if you use a birth control method with nonoxynol-9 according to the instructions every time you have intercourse, it is 82% effective when used alone. This means 18 out of 100 women will get pregnant in the first year of use.
If you forget to use it sometimes or don’t follow the instructions correctly, VCF is only 72% effective. In this case, 28 out of every 100 women will become pregnant using this method alone during a year.
VCF is most effective for preventing pregnancy when used with another backup form of birth control, such asexternal or internal condoms. The only form of birth control effective for preventingsexually transmitted infections (STIs)is a condom.
According to the manufacturer of vaginal contraceptive film, a small number of users have reported minor irritation or burning of the vagina or penis.VCF contains less nonoxynol-9 than other products containing this spermicide. This means VCF is less likely to cause irritation.
When deciding which contraception method is right for you, consider how effective you want the contraceptive to be, how it must be used, and the timing of use. If you are allergic to spermicide, do not use vaginal contraceptive film.
VCF has some pros and cons that you should be aware of.
Hormone-free (good for those sensitive tobirth control options containing estrogen and progestin)
Starts working quickly and lasts for three hours once it’s inserted
Can be used with a condom to increase the effectiveness
Easy to use—not messy and doesn’t stain
Small (2-inch square) and sold in individually sealed pouches
Widely available over the counter at drugstores and online
ConsDoes not protect against human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and otherSTIsFrequent use of VCFs or other products containing nonoxynol-9 may increase vaginal irritation; this can increase the risk of STIsWhen used alone, has a higher failure rate than many other birth control methods
Does not protect against human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and otherSTIs
Frequent use of VCFs or other products containing nonoxynol-9 may increase vaginal irritation; this can increase the risk of STIs
When used alone, has a higher failure rate than many other birth control methods
To correctly apply vaginal contraceptive film:
Vaginal contraceptive film, once inserted, absorbs vaginal secretions and melts into a thick gel that kills sperm.
The VCF dissolves almost immediately after insertion. There is nothing to remove.
VCF must be inserted at least 15 minutes before intercourse for it to completely dissolve and work effectively.
A new film must be used each time you have intercourse. Once inserted, it will provide protection from pregnancy for up to three hours. A new film must also be used after each ejaculation, even if it has been less than three hours since it was placed.
If you are considering using vaginal contraceptive film, speak to a healthcare professional. They can help advise on how to use VCF optimally for your situation, discuss how to protect against sexually transmitted infection, and ensure you have all the information you need to make the right choice for your situation.
Where to Get VCF
Vaginal contraceptive film can be purchased without a prescription at drugstores. Other retailers that sell over-the-counter contraceptive products, like some grocery stores or big-box stores, also carry vaginal contraceptive gel. You can also buy VCF from many online retailers.
Summary
VCF is an over-the-counter form of birth control. It comes in small sheets of a thin film. You insert it into your vagina, where it dissolves and releases the spermicide nonoxynol-9.
Although VCF is not one of the most effective methods of birth control, it is far more effective than not using anything at all. It is easy to buy online or in a drugstore, and it is safe when used according to the instructions provided.
4 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.National Institutes of Health. DailyMed.VCF contraceptive - nonoxynol film, soluble.U.S. Food and Drug Administration.Birth control.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Appendix D: contraceptive effectiveness. Recommendations and reports.Morbid Mortality Weekly Rep MMWR.2014 Apr 25;63(RR04);47.National Institutes of Health. National Library of Medicine.VCF® Vaginal Contraceptive Film®.
4 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.National Institutes of Health. DailyMed.VCF contraceptive - nonoxynol film, soluble.U.S. Food and Drug Administration.Birth control.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Appendix D: contraceptive effectiveness. Recommendations and reports.Morbid Mortality Weekly Rep MMWR.2014 Apr 25;63(RR04);47.National Institutes of Health. National Library of Medicine.VCF® Vaginal Contraceptive Film®.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
National Institutes of Health. DailyMed.VCF contraceptive - nonoxynol film, soluble.U.S. Food and Drug Administration.Birth control.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Appendix D: contraceptive effectiveness. Recommendations and reports.Morbid Mortality Weekly Rep MMWR.2014 Apr 25;63(RR04);47.National Institutes of Health. National Library of Medicine.VCF® Vaginal Contraceptive Film®.
National Institutes of Health. DailyMed.VCF contraceptive - nonoxynol film, soluble.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration.Birth control.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Appendix D: contraceptive effectiveness. Recommendations and reports.Morbid Mortality Weekly Rep MMWR.2014 Apr 25;63(RR04);47.
National Institutes of Health. National Library of Medicine.VCF® Vaginal Contraceptive Film®.
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