Vaginal Contraceptive Film (VCF)

How to Use VCF

You can buy VCF at a drug store without a prescription.

Be sure to follow the instructions on the package insert.

Insert VCF between 15 minutes and 1 hour before having intercourse. If you don’t have sex within one hour of inserting VCF, insert another film.

Use one VCF for each act of intercourse.

	What to Do
Step 1	Make sure your fingers are thoroughly dry.
Step 2	Remove one film from the package.
Step 3	Fold the film in half and place it you’re your fingertip.
Step 4	Slide your finger - covered with the VCF film -into your vagina as far as it can go. The film should rest on or near your cervix (at the top end of your vagina).

VCF doesn’t require an applicator and will wash away with your natural vaginal fluids.

Effectiveness

Used alone, VCF is approximately 71% effective in preventing pregnancy. This means that 29 out of 100 women using it for one year will get pregnant.*

Using VCF with another contraceptive method such as condoms will give you better protection against pregnancy. Out of 100 women who use spermicide and condoms together, 98 will not get pregnant.*

Condoms also help in preventing sexually transmitted infections.

* source: The Mayo Clinic

Advantages & Disadvantages

Advantages	Disadvantages
It starts working immediately after you put it in. It doesn't cause any changes to your body. It's discreet. You don't need to see a doctor to get it. You use it only when you need to. It rarely causes vaginal or penile irritation. It's not as messy as spermicide foams or jellies.	Doesn't protect against sexually transmitted infections including HIV/AIDS. It might irritate your vagina. You have to put it in every time you have sex. You need to feel comfortable putting it in your vagina. You can't use it if you or your partner is allergic to spermicide.

Cautions & Things to Consider

VCF Doesn’t Protect Against STIs

VCF won’t protect you or your partner from STIs including HIV/AIDS or Hepatitis B.  Using VCF and condoms at the same time can reduce your chances of getting an STI, including HIV/AIDS.

Using VCF Properly

This method requires a bit of practice, and you need to feel comfortable with your body to insert it properly.

Timing

Since sperm is present in the pre-ejaculate (pre-cum), your partner’s penis should not come in contact with your vagina before you insert a piece of VCF.

Timing is very important: to be effective, VCF must be inserted between 15 minutes and 1 hour before having intercourse.

Involving Your Partner

Your partner can insert a piece of VCF into your vagina. Do not, however, place the film on the tip of the penis to insert. This doesn’t give the film enough time to dissolve and the film might not reach your cervix.

Side Effects

Rare side effects may include:

• itching
• burning when you urinate
• a slight inflammation of the vagina
• pain
• increased white discharge

Stop using VCF if you feel any pain or discomfort. Contact your doctor if any pain or irritation continues.