C31G, a spermicide, has shown to be effective at pregnancy prevention

As an added form of birth control, spermicidal lubricants have been used in various condom brands. A new spermicidal mixture, C31G, has been shown to be at least as effective at pregnancy prevention when compared to the more common nonoxynol-9.

This study was conducted at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine.

For this study, more than 1,500 women, all sexually active, were assigned a spermicidal compound. While women did not know which gel they were given, half of them were given C31G and the other half were given nonoxynol-9. The study lasted at least six months. For the study, women agreed to have sex at least four times each month, while using the specific gel they were given.

After six months, 12 percent of women in both groups became pregnant.

When accounting for proper use of the products, the pregnancy rate dropped to 5 percent.

Women using C31G became pregnant as often as those using nonoxynol-9, but experienced less side effects like urinary tract infections, or vaginal irritation.

Researchers explain this study effective at being a step in the right direction for additional birth control methods. Researchers did add that spermicides, at this point, are not as effective as condoms or birth control pills.