The desire to prevent unwanted pregnancies forces women to resort to the most diverse means. One of them - contraceptive candles.
What are contraceptive suppositories?
Contraceptive suppositories (suppositories) are among the spermicides, that is, are intended to destroy male germ cells. In addition to its main purpose, the prevention of pregnancy, these drugs can play the role of prophylactic agents that protect against infectious diseases.
But you can not use them as a complete protection against infection from accidental sexual contact - contraceptive candles do not guarantee protection against all possible sexually transmitted diseases.
The types of contraceptive suppository are extremely similar and often differ only in the name of the brand.
The composition of these products is based on the use of nonoxynolone and nonalconium chloride (or similar chemical compounds).
Nonalconium chloride has a destructive effect on the protective membrane of spermatozoa, depriving them of the ability to move. Since the life cycle of a sperm cell is very brief, the minimum speed of movement will not be enough for it to reach the egg cell.
Nonoxynolone already affects the work of the female reproductive system, which makes impossible the process of cell division during conception due to inhibition of the activator of division. This is due to the fact that an active secretion of mucus begins, which, with its viscous mass, temporarily blocks the entry of any biomaterial through the cervix.
Recommendations for choosing high-quality and safe candles
You can choose a specific type of contraceptive at your own discretion, having familiarized yourself with all the available options, on the recommendation of a pharmacist or by appointment of your gynecologist.
The worst option would be to rely on the experience of "girlfriends" (each organism has its own characteristics, and what suits your friends may well not suit you personally) and on advertising slogans.
The gynecologist to help determine the choice of contraceptive suppositories, collects anamnestic data, examines the patient, produces all the necessary types of studies that provide the necessary guidelines. As a result, a specialist can offer a whole list of suitable products of various prices and with different methods of use.
If you do it yourself, you will need to learn more about each of the components contained in the candlelight, to find out what effect they can have on the body. After the purchase, be sure to spend an allergy test, carefully fixing your feelings after using the drug.
What are contraceptive candles better?
The basic principle of classification of various types of suppositories is associated with the active active ingredient (spermicide) contained in it. Usually drugs similar in this respect have a common part in the names. Which contraceptive candles is better to choose?
Among the most famous brands of contraceptive candles include:
- Suppositories from Nizhpharm Benatex
They require much less (compared to the standard version) time for the dissolution of the candle, this allows not to waste time on preliminary waiting.
Provide a pleasant lubricating effect during intercourse.
- "Erotex"
The main bonus effect, in addition to preventing the fertilization of the egg, is antiseptic and antibacterial action, allowing virtually no fear of infection.
- "Pharmatex"
The tool is among the not very popular drugs, because at the time of the dissolution of the glycerin base begins to stand out quite a specific aroma, which considerably darkens the intimate atmosphere.
In addition, the tool is poorly retained in the vagina during intercourse and becomes a frequent cause of an allergic reaction. It takes about two hours.
- "Patenteks"
From the point of view of most gynecologists - the most harmless drug. Even with regular and prolonged use, it does not have a depressant effect on the vaginal microflora.
Patenteks dissolves in just a few seconds, and can also be used for preventive purposes, since it helps prevent endometriosis, cancer, and inflammatory processes.
- "Nonoxynol"
Means of moderate degree of efficiency, but with a low price. Not suitable for women with colpitis, vaginitis and cervical erosion. May cause allergic reactions.
Rules and features of the application
First of all, it is necessary to monitor the shelf life and storage rules of the drug. Next, you need to clarify all the rules for the use of contraceptive candles in accordance with the attached instructions. Moreover, in the case of replacing the drug used with another, you should again read the instructions.
If we talk about efficacy, then the likelihood of pregnancy, when using candles as a means of contraception, becomes much lower, but no vaginal preparation of this kind provides a guarantee for 100%. There is always a chance that the egg will be fertilized, and it is about 15-20%.
Given the lack of an absolute guarantee, most women use contraceptive candles, which, due to contraindications, cannot use hormonal drugs or cannot maintain their regular use.
Especially often suppositories are used by mothers during lactation, since the use of hormonal drugs is also impossible during the feeding period.
Caution should be exercised in the use of suppositories for cervical erosion, since there may be a strong aggravation of the process, damage to the mucous membrane and other unpleasant consequences.
You can not use suppositories immediately after the hygienic procedures, since the effect of the drug is completely neutralized.
The required effect of suppositories have only when using before sexual intercourse.
It takes about 10 minutes for the candle glycerin base to "melt" and the agent begins to act.
The use of this drug after the fact gives almost zero chance of protection from pregnancy.
Therefore, it cannot be used as an emergency contraceptive. The maximum that candles can protect from after being in the vicinity is from certain infections and foreign bacteria.
If the candle was introduced before sexual intercourse, then the active substance is not removed until it ends.
Advantages, disadvantages and contraindications of contraceptive candles
Contraceptive candles are very suitable for families or just regular couples with regular sex life. They have a fairly low cost and have a local effect, without affecting the body as a whole, are painless method of application.
In addition, with a low level of secretion in the mucous membrane of the genital organs, this drug may contribute to a more comfortable sexual intercourse.
Unfortunately, the same components that contribute to the destruction of pathogenic microflora, similarly affect what can be called useful microflora.
As a result, dysbiosis occurs - an imbalance in the qualitative and quantitative composition of bacteria. If you abuse the use of contraceptive candles, then you can trigger the active growth of fungal flora.
In addition to the main active substances in the composition of the candles there are additional components that can provoke the occurrence of allergies and a variety of irritations, which definitely does not give pleasure. It should also be understood that the negative reaction of the body can occur not only among the women themselves, but also among their sexual partners.
Because of these unpleasant effects, you can come across negative reviews about the consequences of the use of such candles. However, often the case is simply individual immunity, which ceases to be a hindrance if you consult a gynecologist.
What are the best contraceptive candles: reviews
Olga Dmitrievna: After not very pleasant experience with "Farmax" had to look for other options for contraceptives. As a result, she took advantage of Erotex candles, which for some people used for quite a long time.
They turned out to be much softer in action, costing almost 2 times less, there are options for packing 5 and 10 suppositories each. Particularly pleased with the variations of the three smells (much more pleasant than the monotonous chemical, which Farmatex gave): lavender, rose, lemon. Neither the bedclothes nor the clothes do not stain the candles; I checked them very carefully. In general, quite a decent means of contraception.
Generally about contraception - additional information in the next video.
