What should you know about spermicide and the pill?

Spermicide is placed in the vagina before sex and works locally to reduce sperm movement. The combined pill is taken on a schedule and uses hormones such as ethinylestradiol with a progestogen to prevent ovulation and change cervical mucus. Using spermicide with the pill may provide an additional barrier, but it does not correct missed pills or medication interactions.

Spermicide does not protect against sexually transmitted infections. Frequent use may irritate vaginal or genital tissue, especially if a product causes burning or soreness. Read the product instructions because timing and repeat use can vary.

Take each pill according to the pack instructions and check what to do after a missed or late dose. If vomiting, diarrhoea, or another medicine may affect pill absorption or hormone action, ask a pharmacist or clinician about backup contraception. Use spermicide exactly as labelled and consider condoms when infection protection is needed.

Discuss the pill if you have migraine with aura, smoke, high blood pressure, a history of clots, or another condition that may change its suitability. Irregular or painful periods may have causes such as endometriosis, ovarian cysts, or polycystic ovary syndrome and deserve separate assessment.

Seek urgent help for sudden chest pain, trouble breathing, coughing blood, one-sided leg swelling, a severe unusual headache, or new weakness while using a combined pill. Contact a clinician for persistent genital irritation, unexpected bleeding, or concern about pregnancy or sexually transmitted infection.

Is the combined pill suitable with my medical history and medicines? What should I do after a missed pill or stomach illness? Would another contraceptive, condoms, or spermicide fit my needs?