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Could spermicides be the cause of lost erections? #1113/9

Would you like to... Print this page Email this page Post a comment Subscribe me Add to favorites Remove Highlighting Edit this Question I am in a monogamous (though new) relationship. We are having some issues I think may be related to the spermicide. Condoms are very iffy. Sometimes it works okay. Other times, it causes a lost erection. We tried the sponge instead but he completely lost sensation and his erection. I have come across folk who are sensitve (i.e. allergic to) either the latex or the spermicide, but this is a new one. I have noticed that if I were to get spermicide on my lips, such as a transfer from my fingers to my face, they will go slightly numb. I have to wonder if there's a connection. Has anyone else heard of or experienced something similar? Spermicides DO cause just a bit of numbness of the lips and presumably of sensitive vaginal and penile tissue.  This effect is not usually enough to stop couples from successful vaginal intercourse.  But sometimes enough to make oral sex less desirable or less pleasurable.   Condoms definitely can also cause loss of an erection.  Try putting it on for him.  That may be exciting enough to mean he does not lose the erection.  Make it part of making love.  Condoms are very effective if used every single time and if used correctly!   Sponges and vaginal spermicides are the LEAST effective contraceptives.  I would suggest not using them for a while until the sexual issues are solved.     Are you planning to use one of these barrier methods as your long-term method of birth control?   What have you decided to use as your contraceptive? You had several sexual issues. How is sex going now?  What contraceptive are you using now (2-19-2010)?    Key Words:  monogamous relationship, spermicides, condoms, erection, sponges, latex, allergic, numbness, vaginal tissue, penile, intercourse, sex, long-term contraceptive   Posted 11-14-2009, Updated 12-7-2009, Updated 2-22-2010

Robert A. Hatcher MD, MPH Professor of Gynecology and Obstetrics Emory University School of Medicine Atlanta, GA ---2010-02-22

Managing Contraception for Your Pocket 2010-2012 #9005   Managing Contraception for Your Pocket 2010-2012 #9005

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