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HEALTH
Getting sexy with Phexxi Heather Shannon, MS, CNM, WHNP, MPH
M
any of us struggle with finding the right birth control. Many cannot or will not take hormonal options like the pill, patch or ring due to its estrogen (and progesterone) component. Some are not interested in a procedure to have an intrauterine device or a contraceptive implant placed as their birth control. Diaphragms, cervical caps and sponges have low interest or are hard to find. Others cannot find a birth control that is convenient or works well for them. So besides condoms, what other non hormonal contraceptives are available to women? Well, hold on to your hat. Meet Phexxi. This is the first Food and Drug Administration approved non hormonal, on demand contraceptive that is a vaginal pH modulator (VPM).
What is that?
A vaginal pH modulator (VPM) gel is inserted into the vagina to keep the pH level acidic. The ingredients are lactic acid, citric acid and potassium bitartrate. Studies have shown that sperm is not able to survive in a high acid environment. Phexxi is not a spermicide or a hormone. With proper use, Phexxi is up to 93 percent effective in preventing pregnancy. You get it by prescription only. When you pick it up at the pharmacy, you receive 12 prefilled applicators. The convenience of this birth control is on demand use. When you have sex, you insert one applicator within one hour of the act. Each applicator is one dose. If you decide to have sex again, you will insert a new applicator. Think of it as one applicator is needed with every act of sex.
How does it work?
When you insert Phexxi, the gel will adhere to the vaginal walls allowing the pH of the vagina maintain a high acidity, which is toxic to sperm. You will need to have sex within one hour of inserting the gel. If it is longer than one hour before you have sex, you will need to insert another applicator. If you decide to have sex again later, you will need to insert another applicator then and have sex within that hour as noted above. Your body will absorb the medication and it does not need to “washed” out.
Who should not use it?
Women who have problems with urinary tract infections (UTI) and are recurrent should avoid Phexxi. Those who use Nuvaring for birth control cannot use Phexxi as it can affect the Nuvaring material. You should also avoid Phexxi If you or your partner have an allergy to any components of its ingredients. There are minor side effects like vaginal itching and burning in up to 18 percent of users. Yeast infection, vulvar discomfort, bacterial vaginosis infection, discharge and discomfort when urinating are some of the other potential side effects. Most common reasons for stopping Phexxi are bladder infection, kidney infection (pyelonephritis) and other urinary tract problems. Another reason for stopping is partner symptoms and discomfort. Phexxi’s effects are temporary and easily reversible, and therefore, are not a concern for future childbearing. Phexxi is ok to use with other forms of birth control, except for the Nuvaring. Remember that Phexxi is a form of birth control and does not protect from sexually transmitted infections including HIV. It is recommended to use condoms with any new partners. To learn more about Phexxi, contact your health care provider. Isn’t it nice to know there are more hormone free birth control options for those who need alternatives? SWM Heather Shannon is a certified nurse midwife and women’s health nurse practitioner at Oswego County Opportunities. She has a master of science and a master of public health degree.
NOVEM BER 2021
PH I L ANTH ROPY EDITION
