So, I’m teaching last night at Self Serve Toys, talking about how non-oxynol 9 is a big no no, and touting the evils of spermicide (all those words that end in cide, they’re almost always about killing things). I was reminded about N-9 when I answered a question regarding spermicide for Playgirl’s Virtual Encyclopedia of Sex blog. I remember, while doing research for Getting Off (the book I wrote in 2007) I was appalled to find some horrific statement that said N-9 was brought to the United States as a disinfectant for hospitals. That confirmed what my mother had been asking about years back - DAD, if you are reading this blog, and I know you do sometimes, stop here and wait for another post, okay? - about the white stains on my bedroom carpet.
When I started having sex, with my boyfriend of 1.5 years, at the age of 16, I was sooooo fearful of pregnancy that we were always doubly protected. Condoms were worn in conjunction with these white capsule like spermicidal blobs that were called Encare. I’d insert one Monistat-like tablet inside of me and then it would dissolve, leaving a foamy, mess in between my legs, all over my boyfriend and all over the carpet. On occasion, when not wiped up immediately, bad things would happen. Like the spermicide would actually bleach the carpet. BLEACH THE CARPET! This is what I was putting inside of me? OMG. And I still did it. Until I went on the pill I popped Encare. I look back at this now and shudder. I can still remember the smell, the scent of melting chemically compounds mixed with sweaty sex. It wasn’t natural. And now, my bleach-stained carpet reminds me of this every time I return to my parent’s house. No way, come hell or high water, will I ever touch anything that says spermicide, ever again.
But I know some women still like their diaphragms and cervical caps. And the only way to use one of those seemingly antiquated contraptions effectively is with spermicide. So last night, the fine, friendly and f*cking knowledgeable folks at Self Serve Toys told me about Femprotect. And now I feel like there is hope for spermicide and so I share this with you:
Femprotect Lactic Acid Contraceptive Gel is a reliable natural spermicidal gel. This natural spermicide is designed for use with other barriers, is all-natural, and is midwife- approved! Because of its natural composition Femprotect doesn’t damage latex diaphragms, caps or condoms. Additionally, Femprotect is a good water based lubricant for use during any sexual activity.
Like I said, I haven’t used this, but who knew it was out there? I didn’t, but now I know about Lactic Acid Contraceptive Gel (sounds yummy, no?) and that’s all that matters. If this matters to you, learn more. Fer sure.
Posted by jamye
