ContraGel - The Natural Alternative To Spermicide

Why We Love ContraGel

For one, it's totally hormone-free and an instantly reversible form of contraception. It's also completely free of nonoxynol-9, the chemical found in most spermicides that easily irritates skin. ContraGel is available over the counter, saving you the hassle of going to the doctor's to get a prescription and it's been in production for over 35 years.

100% Natural Ingredients

Ethical Family Planning loves ContraGel because of it's all natural ingredients. How great is it to actually be able to recognize each and every one of your spermicide's components?

Water

Lactic Acid

Sodium Lactate

Methyl Cellulose

Sorbic Acid

Get the Facts

ContraGel has recently been launched by us here in the UK to help solve a wide range of issues associated with the usual spermicides prescribed by the NHS. By only using natural ingredients, ContraGel Green reduces the risk and occurance of many nasty adverse reactions which can be synonymous with chemically packed spermicides, especially those containing Nonoxynol-9 such as Gygel and Gynol II. N-9 is an abrasive agent, most commonly found in detergents and has been identified by the WHO (World Health Organisation) as actually increasing the risk of HIV/AIDS in certain situations. For this reason it's also become increasingly hard to buy spermicide in countries like the USA, Australia, New Zealand as their health services and agencies turn their back on it. Stopping prescription of a dangerous chemical based product or treatment is good, but what should the patient then resort to? Hormonal contraception? We are sure that's what the NHS and the pharmacutical companies would like to hear!

A Short Video Clip in Which the FDA Highlight the Dangers of N-9

Being water soluble means it’s safe to use with natural latex, rubber or polyurethane condoms as well as latex or silicon rubber diaphragms and cervical caps.

When used with a cervical cap such as FemCap, ContraGel Green forms a physical barrier with a low pH value just infront of the cervix, inhibiting and immobilizing the sperm. The woman is protected twice, first by the cap and then by the gel.

ContraGel is a very safe spermicide for those who are investigating their natural birth control methods. As a Lactic Acid-based spermicide, Contragel is similar to Femprotect, which is based upon the formula used for DiaphragmaGel Lacto. There have been no clinical studies to proof the spermicidal function of Femprotect and there have been no clinical studies to prove the innocuousness of Femprotect so users must use it at their own risk, On the other hand, ContraGel has been approved for use by the European Union with their issuance of the CE 0124 mark.

ContraGel as an Alternative to Nonoxynol-9

N-9's ability to kill microbes in vitro was initially taken as evidence that it might be effective at preventing STD transmission. However, more recent findings indicate that it may actually increase a person's risk of contracting STDs, especially if used frequently. This is because the chemical causes tiny abrasions inside the sensitive vaginal and anal walls.

From 1996 to 2000, a UN-sponsored study carried out in several locations in Africa followed nearly 1000 sex workers who used nonoxynol-9 gels or a placebo. The HIV infection rate among those using nonoxynol-9 was about 50% higher than those who used the placebo; those using nonoxynol-9 also had a higher incidence of vaginal lesions, which may have contributed to this increased risk. Whereas these results may not be directly applicable to lower-frequency use, these findings combined with lack of any demonstrated HIV-prevention benefit from nonoxynol-9 use have led most major health agencies to recommend that it no longer be used by women at high risk of HIV infection. The WHO further states that "Nonoxynol-9 offers no protection against sexually transmitted infections such as gonorrhoea, chlamydia."

Regular use of Nonoxynol-9 also appears also to increase the risk of infection with sexually transmitted human papillomaviruses (HPVs) that can cause cervical cancer.

ContraGel and Barrier Contraceptives

Since it is waterbased there is no problem in using ContraGel with latex based or silicone based barrier contraceptives. Diaphragms and cervical caps such as FemCap MUST be used with a spermicide or a natural alternative.

It's worth remembering that intercourse only has the risk of pregnancy for about 6 days per cycle during your Fertility Window. A healthy egg is only fertilisable for 18-24 hours and sperm can't survive for more than 5 days inside of you so that span of 6 day (5 days before ovulation and the day of ovulation) are really the only time when barrier contraception needs to be used for pregnancy protection. Click here to learn more about identifying your Fertility Window for contraception.

ContraGel and Lubricants

After a recent evaluation, the Yes Yes Company, which sells organic lubricants, has verified that ContraGel Green is compatible with their range of organic water-based lubricants. These lubricants will not damage latex diaphragms, condoms or cervical caps and like ContraGel, can be used as frequently as desired. What's an added bonus of combining ContraGel with Yes water based lubricants is that the acidic nature of Yes water-based lubricants actually inhibits sperm motility. Sperm lose their ability to swim below around pH6 and these water lubricants match the typical vaginal pH4. So while Yes water-based lubricant is not a spermicide, it does stop them from getting anywhere. Go all natural in your contraceptive methods and take advantage of using two amazing natural products together!

David Mayer from Mayer Laboratories in Oakland, California Confiming the Dangers of Nonoxynol-9 and Saying That By Selling N-9 Based Products, Manufacturers Are "Preying Upon Uninformed Consumners".