Thunder Bay District Health Unit : Vaginal Contraceptive Film

· VCF is a very thin square of material that contains spermicide. It is inserted in the vagina next to the cervix and dissolves quickly

· The spermicide in the VCF kills sperm

· Limited effectiveness when used alone

· Best used with another birth control method

Procedure

Make sure fingers are completely dry before inserting
Remove one film from the envelope. Fold in half
Fold again and place over middle or second finger. You may need a little practice to insert VCF properly, so try 2 to 3 times without having sex
Use the same position as you do for inserting a tampon-that is to say crouching or standing with one leg raised with your foot on a stool or chair. Another way is lying down
Place film with one fast movement deep into the vagina against the cervix
If the film sticks to your finger, take a new film. Fold in half and then fold again, making film smaller, then insert
Insert VCF not less than 15 minutes and not more than 1 hour before sex
If more than 1 hour has passed since putting in the VCF, insert another VCF film
Use 1 VCF for each act of sex
Several VCF's can be used in a day

· $10 for a box of 6

· Unknown

· Does not require a prescription

· Can be bought at drugstores

· Convenient and comfortable to use

· Requires planning at least 15 minutes before sex

· Can cause irritation

· Can be messy

· Needs to be re applied each time sex occurs

· Does not protect against STI'S