{"id":16567,"date":"2020-10-30T15:02:32","date_gmt":"2020-10-30T19:02:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=16567"},"modified":"2024-05-20T15:02:28","modified_gmt":"2024-05-20T19:02:28","slug":"birth-control-gel-phexxi","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/birth-control-gel-phexxi\/","title":{"rendered":"What you should know about Phexxi, the birth control gel"},"content":{"rendered":"

More than 65% of women of childbearing age use some form of birth control, according to the <\/span>CDC<\/span><\/a>. If you belong to this age group, you may know about various birth control methods, such as male or female condoms,<\/span> birth control pills<\/span><\/a>,<\/span> IUDs<\/span><\/a>,<\/span> patches<\/span><\/a>,<\/span> shots<\/span><\/a>,<\/span> implants<\/span><\/a>, and<\/span> vaginal rings<\/span><\/a>. But you may not know about a new option: a birth control gel, called Phexxi.<\/span><\/p>\n

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RELATED:<\/b> The future of male birth control<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n

What is Phexxi?\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n

Phexxi<\/span><\/a> is a birth control gel approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (<\/span>FDA<\/span><\/a>) in May 2020. A prescription medication, Phexxi contains the active ingredients lactic acid, citric acid, and potassium bitartrate. Unlike traditional birth control, Phexxi does not contain hormones. (Birth control pills and many other forms of birth control are hormonal contraceptives.)<\/span><\/p>\n

How does Phexxi work?<\/span><\/h2>\n

Phexxi works by<\/span> lowering the vagina\u2019s pH<\/span><\/a>, making it difficult for sperm to survive and reach the egg. The normal range of the vagina\u2019s pH level is 3.5 to 4.5. Usually, when sperm enters the vagina, it raises the vagina\u2019s pH, and the sperm is able to travel to the egg. But Phexxi keeps the vaginal pH between 3.5 to 4.5, which lowers the chance of the sperm reaching the egg by decreasing sperm motility.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Evofem Biosciences manufactures Phexxi, and there is currently no generic available.<\/span><\/p>\n

What are the benefits of hormone-free birth control?<\/span><\/h2>\n

Birth control containing the hormone estrogen can <\/span>increase your risk of blood clots, stroke, and high blood pressure<\/span><\/a>, and has been linked to increased risk of <\/span>breast cancer<\/span><\/a> and<\/span> ovarian<\/span><\/a> cancer. With hormone-free birth control, such as Phexxi, you won\u2019t experience any of the <\/span>side effects<\/span><\/a> common with such contraceptives (nausea, headache, breast tenderness, weight gain, irregular bleeding, acne, mood changes, and decreased libido).\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Non-hormonal birth control such as <\/span>condoms<\/span><\/a> offer protection from sexually transmitted infections like gonorrhea and chlamydia that hormonal options don\u2019t protect from. Though they don\u2019t protect you from STDs, <\/span>non-hormonal IUDs<\/span><\/a> can be used long-term\u2014for 3-12 years<\/span>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

How do I use Phexxi?<\/span><\/h2>\n

Phexxi was designed to be placed inside the vagina right before sex (or up to one hour before) and lasts up to an hour. Each prefilled applicator contains one, <\/span>5-gram dose<\/span><\/a>. If you use it as prescribed\u2014inserting a second dose only if an hour has passed with no vaginal sex\u2014there is no risk of overdose.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

To use Phexxi, insert the included plunger rod into the prefilled applicator, removing the cap. Next, place the applicator\u2014as far as you comfortably can\u2014into your vagina, using the plunger to release its contents. Finally, you\u2019ll remove the applicator\u2014it\u2019s okay if there\u2019s a small amount of the vaginal gel remaining inside of the device.<\/span><\/p>\n

If you are considering Phexxi for the prevention of pregnancy, ask your healthcare provider for more information.<\/span><\/p>\n

When should I use the birth control gel?\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n

Phexxi only works when used before sexual intercourse\u2014it will not prevent pregnancy if you use it after engaging in vaginal sex. If you have sex more than once within one hour, you must use an additional dose of Phexxi. And if vaginal intercourse does not occur within one hour, apply an additional dose.<\/span><\/p>\n

Phexxi can be used with other contraception forms, including birth control pills, condoms, and diaphragms, but it cannot be used with vaginal rings, such as NuvaRing. You can use Phexxi during any part of the menstrual cycle.<\/span><\/p>\n

How effective is Phexxi?\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n

In clinical trials<\/span><\/a>, Phexxi was tested for seven menstrual cycles and was about 86% effective at preventing pregnancy. Almost 14% of women got pregnant during that time. Following the instructions precisely will decrease your chances of getting pregnant.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

You may be wondering if Phexxi is more effective than condoms. The answer is, it depends. With ideal use, condoms are <\/span>98% effective<\/span><\/a>, but not everyone uses condoms perfectly every time. In real life, they are <\/span>85% effective<\/span><\/a> at preventing pregnancy, slightly less so than Phexxi.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Is Phexxi safe?<\/span><\/h2>\n

In rare cases, Phexxi may cause <\/span>bladder or kidney infections<\/span><\/a>; in clinical trials, these conditions were reported at a rate of 0.36%. <\/span>People with<\/span><\/a> a history of urinary tract problems should not use Phexxi. It\u2019s also important to note that this contraceptive does not protect against STDs, and should be avoided if you or your partner is allergic to citric acid, lactic acid, or potassium bitartrate. If you develop any serious side effects or an allergic reaction, stop use of the product and get emergency medical carer.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Phexxi side effects<\/span><\/h2>\n

The most common side effects of Phexxi are local side effects\u2014burning and itching around the vulva and vagina.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Other possible side effects include:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n