I feel dry after sex. Can my contraceptive gel be the cause?

Question

Hi doctor,

I am 29 and recently started using a contraceptive gel, as I wanted a non-hormonal birth control option. My cycles are regular, and I have never used hormonal pills. Since using the gel, I have noticed occasional itching and a bit of dryness after intercourse. My recent vaginal pH test showed 5.2.

I have a few concerns:

Could this gel be causing an imbalance or irritation? How effective is this method compared to others like the pill or IUD?
Should I consider any tests for long-term vaginal health?
Are there safer or better non-hormonal alternatives you would recommend?

Please advise.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com

Using a contraceptive gel as a non-hormonal birth control option can be convenient, but it is not without possible side effects. The occasional itching and dryness you are experiencing after intercourse is indeed linked to the gel, as some of these products can alter the vaginal environment or irritate the delicate tissues, especially if used frequently.

A vaginal pH of 5.2 is slightly elevated from the normal range of about 3.8 to 4.5, which indicates mild disruption of your natural flora, potentially making you more prone to irritation or infections like bacterial vaginosis.

In terms of effectiveness, contraceptive gels are generally less reliable than hormonal methods like the pill or long-acting options such as an intrauterine device (IUD). Spermicidal or pH-modulating gels typically have a failure rate of around 12 to 21 percent with typical use, compared to under one percent for IUDs and about seven percent for pills. If you plan to continue using the gel, then monitor symptoms and consider periodic vaginal health checks, especially if symptoms persist or worsen.

As alternatives, barrier methods like condoms or a copper IUD offer non-hormonal protection with greater reliability. If you prefer to avoid both hormones and daily use products, the copper IUD is the best long-term option for you.

I hope this helps answer your query. Always feel free to reach out anytime.

Thank you.