By Girls, For Girls - A Project by and for Teen Girls

Foam

Description: Foam is a vaginal spermicide, which can kill sperm and also inhibits sperm from reaching the egg via the cervical canal.

Advantages:: Foam gives the woman control over contraception.; It is available over the counter without a visit to a clinician.; Foam can be put into the vagina up to 20 minutes before
sexual intercourse and is effective immediately.; Foam is safe. There are no hormones involved. It is
immediately reversible.; The man's penis can remain inside the vagina after
ejaculation.; Foam adds lubrication and moisture.
Disadvantages:: Contraceptive foam can be irritating to the vagina and
some people feel that it is messy.;   It may not be protective against HIV (the virus that
      causes AIDS). If protection against infection is important,
      use condoms. Practice putting foam into your vagina
      in advance.
      This will make it easier at the time of intercourse.; Some women do not like putting an applicator into the
vagina.;   Sometimes you can't be sure if there is enough foam left in
      the container to provide protection during the next act of
      sex. Keep an extra container of foam handy.; The taste of foam is unpleasant.; The container carrying the foam is large and may be
embarrassing to carry.
Effectiveness:: 25% of women have accidental pregnancy.; 6% of women have accidental pregnancy when
used perfectly.
Time Constraints:: Must be applied before each time one has vaginal sexual
intercourse.
Location:: At any local supermarket.; Drug Store
Cost:: About $8-$15.