What chemicals do spermicides typically contain?

Spermicides are primarily designed to prevent pregnancy by immobilizing or killing sperm before they can reach an egg. The most common active ingredients found in spermicides include Nonoxynol-9 or octoxynol. These chemicals act as surfactants, disrupting the sperm cell membrane and thus preventing fertilization. Nonoxynol-9 is widely used due to its efficacy and is often available in various forms, such as gels, foams, and films.

Estrogens and progesterones are hormones involved in reproductive health but do not serve the purpose of sperm immobilization or destruction, and therefore are not components of spermicidal agents. Parabens, though used as preservatives in many cosmetic and pharmaceutical products, are not active ingredients in spermicides designed for contraception. Understanding the specific chemicals used in spermicides aids in recognizing how they function and their role in contraceptive methods.