Phexxi is a vaginal gel that doctors can prescribe as an on-demand contraceptive method. It is a brand-name drug that contains the active ingredients citric acid, lactic acid, and potassium bitartrate.
Unlike the birth control pill, Phexxi does not contain hormones, and you do not have to take it daily. This medication acts as a lubricant that can help prevent infections and effectively reduce the risk of pregnancy.
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Phexxi is not a spermicide gel, but it can be used similarly. You need to put a dose of Phexxi in your vagina using an applicator before you have sexual intercourse. This medication prevents pregnancy by lowering the pH of the vagina while the sperm is in there. This makes it difficult for the sperm to move inside of the vagina and reach the egg.
Similar to condoms and spermicide gels, you do not need to use Phexxi daily, but it is sufficient to use it before you start having vaginal sex.
Is Phexxi effective?
Phexxi is typically effective in preventing pregnancy. However, as it is not a spermicide, it is still possible to become pregnant on Phexxi. This is because it does not stop ovulation — it simply makes it harder for sperm to reach the egg.
Planned Parenthood mentions that Phexxi is effective 86% of the time. It has a lower prevention rate than oral contraceptives, which have a 93% average effectiveness, and progestin implants or intrauterine devices (IUDs), which have an effectiveness greater than 99%.
A 2020 trial on 1,384 people between 18 and 35 years of age found that 13.7% of them became pregnant within 6 months of Phexxi use.
What factors make Phexxi less effective?
Not using Phexxi correctly can decrease its effectiveness. If you are planning to use Phexxi as a contraceptive, you should use it right before having vaginal sex. You can apply the medication up to 1 hour before sexual intercourse.
Using Phexxi more than 1 hour before vaginal sex can reduce the effectiveness of the medication, increasing your risk of unwanted pregnancy.
If you forget to apply Phexxi before having vaginal sex, it cannot be used after, as it will not be effective in protecting you from pregnancy. If Phexxi is the only contraceptive you use when having sex and you forget to use it, you may become pregnant.
In this case, you may consider using emergency contraception, such as the Plan B pill, also known as the morning-after pill. If you have concerns about whether it is safe for you to use emergency contraception, consider speaking with a doctor.
Side effects of Phexxi
Although using Phexxi is typically safe, some people may develop side effects when they come in contact with the gel. Phexxi’s most common side effects include:
If you have had recurrent UTIs, it may be beneficial to consider avoiding Phexxi. However, a doctor can advise you on whether this medication is safe for you to use. Sometimes, Phexxi may also cause penis irritation and soreness. This can occur during or after sexual intercourse has finished.
In some cases, Phexxi may cause allergic reactions. If you or your partner develop any symptoms of a severe allergic reaction, also known as anaphylaxis, you should seek medical support immediately.
The symptoms of a severe allergic reaction may include:
wheezing
difficulties breathing or shortness of breath
swelling in the limbs, eyes, or lips
throat or tongue swelling
itchy skin or skin rash
lightheadedness and faint
loss of consciousness
low blood pressure
rapid heart rate
abdominal pain
Can you use other birth control options in combination with Phexxi?
However, Phexxi is generally safe to use with any other birth control options, such as diaphragm, condoms, internal condoms, or hormonal contraceptives, such as the birth control pill or patch. Withdrawal, also referred to as pulling out, can also further reduce the risk of pregnancy when you use Phexxi.
You can consider using Phexxi along with condoms to ensure protection from sexually transmitted infections (STIs) while further decreasing the risk of pregnancy. Phexxi cannot protect you against STIs because it does not create a physical barrier between partners’ genitals, allowing viruses and bacteria to spread.
If you have concerns about using Phexxi along with other birth control methods, consider speaking with a doctor about your options.
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Phexxi is a vaginal gel that is used as an on-demand contraceptive method before having vaginal sex. It is only available via prescription.
Phexxi is effective 86% of the time and has a 7% lower prevention rate than oral contraceptives. Phexxi alone does not protect from STIs, but can be used with condoms to protect from STIs and further decrease the risk of pregnancy.
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