It's just a spermicide- they come in many different forms, and are best when used WITH a condom or diaphragm or something, they're not incredibly effective on their own.

Yes, I have heard of and used VCF.

As Georgia said, it's just like any other spermicide. That means it is not very effective on its own, so it should be used as a backup method rather than as your sole method of birth control.

Also, as with other spermicides, VCF may cause irritation and burning (it caused some in my case) and may increase your chances of getting an infection (also happened in my case). So I only used it about seven times or so, then stopped.

I wouldn't bother to buy it online, you can buy spermicide anywhere they sell condoms usually.

how do you know it's not that effective on its own. where are you getting this information from. are you a doctor, nurse or incredibly informed consumer. VCf is a great alternative if you want something nonhormonal. have you used vcf before or just guessing what it is like. ie burning.

ACTUALLY JANE, I in fact am.

I work in an abortion clinic, and work in womens health.

I deal with birth control issues, and issues relating to unwanted preganncies.

Nonoxynol 9 does cause burning in a lot of women, it also increases the risk of HIV contraction due to it's 'harsh' nature. IF you are monogamous, spermicides are a good option.

Spermicides ALONE are not recommended for birth control, unless you are not very concerned about a pregnancy. When used with barrier methods they are more effective.

I know women that use spermicides alone, but they also would have an abortion if it failed.

I recommend spermicide and a diaphragm, which is pretty effective.

Hormones are not dangerous for most women, and many women happily use them for 20-30 years.

I myself do not use hormones, but I can have an abortion if my BC method fails.

AS a healthcare professional, I recommend barrier usage with spermicides.

As I already said in my other post, yes, I have used it before. If you have not used it before, perhaps you should learn more about it before talking about how great it is.

If you simply google "spermicides" or VCF, you can find that they are not very effective on their own. That's pretty common knowledge.

"When used alone, spermicides provide some contraceptive protection, but are best when used with a barrier method to prevent pregnancy."
http://www.rho.org/html/cont-spermicides.h tml

"Spermicides are not as effective as many other forms of birth control when used alone. They are often used with barrier methods of birth control and are much more effective when used in this context."
http://www.emedicinehealth.com/birth_contr ol_spermicides/article_em.htm

"Over the course of 1 year, about 29 out of 100 typical couples who rely on spermicide alone to prevent pregnancy will have an accidental pregnancy...Spermicides are most effective when used in combination with another form of birth control."
http://kidshealth.org/teen/sexual_health/c ontraception/contraception_spermicide.html

i actually like vcf..so far..i recently bought it and i'ved used it like..twice I think, I'm on birth control too but it just makes me feel that much better to have that there too...i worry too much...though..today i forgot to put it in..only thing about it is it ruins the spontanaity unless you anticipate the action hahaha

I use it, and I really like it. It's not messy at all, and I have not had any burning or irritation or anything like that with it. I don't even know it's there (except that I remember putting it in, haha).

I definitely would not use it alone, however. I don't think it's that effective on its own...it's really better used as a secondary method. I use it as a backup to my pill.

I used VCF and have had alot of problems with it. Pain, irritation whether i urinate or not and infection.

I know that its from the VCF because I am in a monogamous relationship and did not have these problems before i started using it.