What Is Vaginal Contraceptive Film – VCF ? Effectiveness & Reviews
Vaginal contraceptive film or vcf is a form of contraception and a well-known method for birth control. It is a thin film that has spermicide in it and dissolves immediately in the vagina.
You just have to place it near your cervix and the film will dissolve in seconds giving you protection from getting pregnant. The film remains effective for 2-3 hours after placement. Every time you have sex, you have to use a new film.
VCF Film Instructions
Although it may be uncomfortable for some women but if you are pro in using tampons or periods cups in your vagina than definitely, vcf film is no big deal for you.
You have to manually insert vcf film in your vaginal area where it will get dissolved by itself. Your partner can also help you in placing vcf but you have to insert it carefully.
The film must be inserted enough deep to become effective. Vcf film should be placed in the vagina, near your cervix where it is in contact with your cervix and will dissolve immediately. You don’t need to remove anything after.
Insert vcf film 15-20 minutes before intercourse for effective use.
VCF Film Effectiveness
VCF is effective when used exactly as directed for preventing pregnancy and protecting against sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
once inserted in the vaginal area, the vcf film dissolves almost immediately and gives you protection against pregnancy.
When vcf melts in your vagina, the thick gel act as a barrier to stop sperm from going further inside you. It basically “immobilize” sperm.
Vcf film is FDA passed product and is considered safe to use. It has no adverse impact on health overall.
Other than being safe to use health-wise, how effective it is to stop pregnancy? is a different question. Vcf film is considered 82% effective in the first year of use which means that you must have plan B for birth control other than vcf film.
Stats shows that every 22 women out of 100 will get pregnant during the first year of using vcf film. So it is better to use another birth control method along with vcf film to ensure protection against pregnancy. Overall effectiveness varies between 74%-94%. With other birth control methods like condoms, the vcf film can be effective up to 97%. VCF is a safe and effective method of birth control that protects against pregnancy, HIV and other STIs, but it doesn’t protect against every STI out there.
How To Use VCF Film?
Vcf film is manually inserted in the vagina. To use vcf film
Relax your body first. It will make penetration easier.
Take vcf film out of a packet and hold it in a folding position between your fingers.
Insert your fingers in your vagina. The film must touch the cervix for effective use.
Wait for 15 minutes before intercourse.
Who can use it?
VCF can be used with other types of birth control, such as a condom or diaphragm. Not every woman should use VCF, though. If you have any of the medical conditions listed below, speak to your doctor before using VCF:
- Allergies to nonoxynol-9 or other ingredients in VCF
- Irritation from vaginal products
- Recent or current STD (sexually transmitted disease)
- Pelvic inflammatory disease
- Unexplained vaginal bleeding
- History of breast cancer or other hormone-sensitive conditions
Talking to your doctor before using VCF if you are pregnant, trying to become pregnant, or breastfeeding is also important. Additionally, VCF may not be effective if you are taking certain medications, such as antibiotics or birth control pills. Your doctor can help you determine the best method of contraception for your individual needs.
VCF should always be used as directed by your doctor. Stay within recommended amounts and only use it once in 24 hours. Store VCF at room temperature and keep it out of direct sunlight. Ensure the cap is on tightly to prevent the spermicide from leaking. It’s best to use a new applicator for each use and dispose of used applicators in a proper waste container.
VCF Film Side Effects
Vcf film has apparently no proven serious side effects. It is a safe and effective method for birth control if used regularly and properly according to given instructions.
Although few women claim that they feel irritation or both partners have felt inflammation in genitals but vcf has comparatively less active ingredient as compared to foams, jellies or creams that are used for the same purpose.
The active ingredient nonoxynol which is also used in jellies, foams, suppositories, creams, and tablets is used in less amount on vcf film than other products which makes it safer than other products of the same category.There are even some condoms that are coated with spermicide so overall using vcf is safe and totally depends on your choice of birth control method.
Advantages Of Using VCF Film
Vcf is widely used for birth control method and has various advantages also.
Vaginal Contraceptive Film (VCF) is a popular and effective form of contraception for women. It is easy to use, safe and convenient. VCF does not require a prescription or doctor’s visit and can be used as an over-the-counter method of birth control. Below are some of the main advantages of using VCF for contraception.
Easy to use: VCF is a thin, soluble film that can be inserted into the vagina before intercourse. Inserting and removing the film is easy and can be done quickly without assistance from a partner or doctor. It is a hormone-free birth control method, and women who use hormonal birth control methods like IUDs know how health-wise and physically tough such methods are.
Convenient: Vcf film can make your time count with your partner. It provides you spontaneity as you need to insert it 15 minutes before intercourse, and the effects can last for three to four hours. Vcf film dissolves in your vagina, and you or your partner don’t feel its presence. Because VCF can be used as an over-the-counter method of contraception, it requires no doctor’s visits or prescriptions. Women can purchase VCF in most drug stores and online pharmacies and use it whenever necessary.
Protection: VCF is a highly effective form of birth control when used correctly. When vcf film is used with other birth control methods like condoms, it provides added effectiveness. It provides protection against both pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections and diseases.
Reusable: Unlike other forms of contraception, VCF can be reused multiple times before needing replacement. This allows for increased convenience and costs savings over time.
Discreet: Because it is small and simple, VCF can be used discretely without anyone knowing. This makes it a great option for women who want to keep their contraception use privately.
Overall, VCF is an excellent form of contraception that provides numerous advantages over other forms of birth control. It is easy to use, convenient, protective and discreet—making it a great choice for many women looking for effective contraceptive methods.
By using VCF, women have the power to take control of their reproductive health and make informed decisions about their bodies. It is an effective and convenient way to ensure that women are protected against unwanted pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections.
Disadvantages Of Using VCF Film
Other than advantages there are also some limitations to use vcf films. These are
Vaginal contraceptive film (VCF) is an over-the-counter form of birth control that women can use to prevent pregnancy. However, there are some disadvantages associated with using this method of contraception.
One major disadvantage of VCF is its relatively low efficacy rate compared to other forms of contraception, such as oral contraceptives or intrauterine devices. Studies have shown that VCF is only 70-80% effective in preventing pregnancy, depending on how often it is used and how well it is used. This means there is still a risk of unintended pregnancy when using this method alone.
Frequently using Vcf film can cause inflammation in genitals and increase the risk of STDs.
Another disadvantage of VCF is that its effectiveness can be affected by certain factors, such as vaginal pH and other substances that interfere with its work. This means that if your vagina is not in optimal condition, VCF may not be as effective in preventing pregnancy.
Finally, because VCF is an over-the-counter form of contraception, women who use it may not have as much access to medical advice and support from a healthcare provider. This can make it more difficult for women to accurately use VCF and also makes it harder for them to get tested for sexually transmitted infections, which can increase their risk of unintended pregnancy.
Overall, while VCF can be an effective form of contraception in certain situations, it is important to weigh the risks and benefits before deciding which type of contraception to use. Consulting your healthcare provider for advice can help ensure that you use the best contraception for your individual needs.
What If VCF Film didn’t dissolve?
When using Vcf film, you need to insert it properly. Relax your body first and insert it at a place where it touches your cervix.
If your partner is helping you then don’t insert it with the tip of the penis or it might not give vcf film enough time to dissolve. Always wait fiften minutes after inserting VCF Film before intercourse.
What’s the VCF removal process like?
The convenient design of VCF allows for effortless insertion while removing it is just as easy. Thanks to its special gel component, you don’t need extra steps – the product gently washes away with your body fluids!
Does VCF Has Taste?
Vcf film has medicinal taste but it doesn’t refrain you from having oral sex. You can still have your fun time with your partner.
Film Burning
Some people claim that using vcf film creates a burning sensation in the vagina or on the penis.
It is a very common yet rare side effect of using vcf films. Vcf film has spermicide added. This may cause burning feeling but the amount of active ingredient is comparatively less than other products of the same category.
It may cause burning sensation, irritation or itching feeling. In rare cases, it can cause irritation in rectum also. Before using vcf film as your contraceptive method, consult your doctor. If the condition gets worst or persists, get medical help and avoid using vcf. Continuous irritation or itching can be a sign of UTI.
VCF VS Other Contraceptive Options
VCF VS Gel
Vcf film turns into gel when inserted in the vagina. It contains a spermicide called nonoxynol-9 which kills sperms when comes in contact with them.
Vcf gel is also used as a contraceptive method in which you apply the gel inside your vaginal area with an applicator. When it comes to vcf film vs gel, vcf film has clearly the advantage of being a more user-friendly and hassle-free method.
You have to apply the gel after sex but you can use vcf film prior to intercourse and it actually gives you ease and comfort of “being protected” while doing intercourse. You don’t feel that pressure of being conscious that you have to insert gel right after having sex.
Although there are gels that provide 24 hours protection with one shot but vcf film is comparatively easy to use and handle.
VCF VS Foam
Vcf foam comes with the same consistency as hair styling mousse. To apply vcf foam, you need to shake can for half a minute and then fill applicator by pressing the tip of applicator. This applicator is inserted in the vagina for few inches and then you push the plunger to let the foam come out.
Although some women prefer vcf foam but vcf film has comparatively easy to use method without having pressure on your head that you have to use it right after sex.
You have to use foam twice to ensure protection but vcf film is effective from first use. It also saves you the hassle of keeping your applicator clean every time before and after having sex. You can just peel the packet and have fun.
VCF VS Condom
Vcf films work great when used with condoms. When used together, both can give 99% protection against pregnancy.
Bottom Line
In short, vcf films are a safe and better option than many other contraceptive methods. They are easy to use and provides you protection against pregnancy.
Vaginal contraceptive film effectiveness is high, with typical use failure rates of around 9%. Clinical studies have found that VCF is a highly effective method of contraception. In a study by Trussell et al., the Pearl Index for VCF was 2.0, indicating that only two women out of 1,000 would experience an unintended pregnancy in a year of typical use. The study also found that VCF was as effective as the pill in preventing pregnancy.
VCF is also a convenient method of contraception. It is easy to use and does not require any planning ahead. Additionally, it can be used while breastfeeding. VCF may not be appropriate for everyone, however. Those with a history of the pelvic inflammatory disease should avoid using VCF. Additionally, those sensitive to the ingredients in VCF may experience irritation or burning.
VCF is a safe and effective method of contraception. If you are interested in using this method, talk to your healthcare provider to see if it is right for you.
VCF Film Review
According to Amazon verified Purchase Customer Reviews
Customer reviews
40 customer ratings
| 5 star | | 45% |
| 4 star | | 10% |
| 3 star | | 8% |
| 2 star | | 11% |
| 1 star | | 26% |
Top Positive Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars Favorite new birth control!
Reviewed in the United States
Verified Purchase
I was skeptical about this, but put my faith in the reviews. I’ve used about 3 of these and, thankfully, no pregnancy – so it does the job 🙂 The tricky part is getting them in, because they do start dissolving as soon as they hit moisture. So that it doesn’t come out, I will go up towards my cervix and push a bit of pressure on the wall of it on the way out – so whatever is on my finger stays up there. The directions say to fold them, but mine were already folded. I thought the first one was a fluke, but they have all been like that. The are individually wrapped, which is SUPER convenient – I keep a couple in my purse and a couple in my room. The packaging is also discreet. Oh, the one weird thing was that my partner said it caused some tingling in his mouth when he “went down south”. Maybe if it was in a bit longer, that would dissipate, but I think it’s something he can handle so I can keep using them 🙂
5.0 out of 5 stars These are FANTASTIC!!
Reviewed in the United States
Verified Purchase
I can’t take BC pills or hormone BC, but even after 3 kids am not ready for hubby to have the snip. These are FANTASTIC!!!! No mess, easy to use when the time comes (even if spontaneous) and effective! Love it. Best find ever.
5.0 out of 5 stars Thank God This Product Exists!
Reviewed in the United States on May 22, 2019
Verified Purchase
If you and your partner are “clean” this is a great alternative to condoms.
Almost just as effective in preventing pregnancy and much more discrete, with the added bonus of being a more natural sexual experience, if you catch my drift.
5.0 out of 5 stars Sure beats a trip to unplanned parenthood…
Reviewed in the United States on February 10, 2019
I hated being on birth control all the time and have used these tiny little films for the last 6yrs with absolutely no issues or surprise zygotes. Huge fan. Thanks!
5.0 out of 5 stars 4.5 years and still works
Reviewed in the United States on January 3, 2018
Verified Purchase
Since I had my daughter, I’ve had difficulty tolerating any BC (the pill to IUD) and have had aggressive complications surrounding the BC’s. Found these and have been using them for the past 4.5 years and still no worries! Use as directed and let them melt and you’re golden!
5.0 out of 5 stars Comfortable and convenient
Reviewed in the United States on January 10, 2019
Verified Purchase
We’ve tried condoms and various sponges and contraceptive creams, and this is the most comfortable and convenient, imho. There is no applicator, so you have to be okay with inserting it manually. It’s served us well for about 15 years now.
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