Question

What is the least effective form of birth control?
Group of answer choices

condom

pill

spermicidal jelly


and what is spermicidal jelly? thanks

Answer 1

thank you

Answer 2

Spermicidal jelly (used alone) is the least effective of the three.

Quick comparison (typical-use failure rates, approximate):
- Spermicidal jelly alone: ~18–28% per year (commonly quoted ~21%).
- Male condom: ~13% per year.
- Combined oral contraceptive pill: ~7% per year.

What is spermicidal jelly?
- It’s a vaginal product (gel/jelly, foam, cream, film or suppository) that contains a chemical spermicide (most commonly nonoxynol‑9).
- How it works: the spermicide destroys or immobilizes sperm so they can’t reach an egg. It must be inserted into the vagina shortly before intercourse and often needs to be reapplied for repeated intercourse.
- Pros: available over the counter, no hormones.
- Cons: much less effective than hormonal methods or IUDs; must be used every time correctly; can cause vaginal irritation. Frequent use of nonoxynol‑9 may increase risk of HIV transmission because it can irritate the vaginal lining.
- Important: spermicides do not protect against sexually transmitted infections (only condoms reduce STI risk).

If you want a highly effective option, talk with a health care provider about long‑acting reversible methods (IUD, implant) or hormonal methods; if STI protection is also a concern, use condoms.