There is a fairly wide range of contraceptives and contraceptives: suppositories, gels, lubricants, tablets, spirals, condoms that help prevent conception.
This article will focus on Benatex . Contraceptives must perform a number of mandatory tasks:
- Be reliable and protect against unwanted pregnancy;
- Do not cause allergic reactions;
- Stimulate partners;
- Be easy to use;
- Prevent the occurrence of diseases of the genital organs;
- Have a reasonable price.
Benatex candles - what are they?
Benatex suppositories are one of the methods of contraception, they prevent fungal diseases and are not addictive. When placed in the vagina, Benatex suppositories dissolve evenly on its walls, which allows them to kill sperm entering the vagina.
The main advantage of the drug is that it can be used by women after childbirth , nursing mothers and women who are currently experiencing menopause .
Description of Benatex and principles of its action:
Modern contraceptives must now meet many requirements: high reliability, ease of use, harmlessness to the body. The pharmaceutical market does not yet have an ideal contraceptive, but science and production do not stand still. Today, the drug Benatex is considered to be a fairly optimal means of contraception. It has properties only for contraception itself, and is also capable of providing antifungal and antiseptic effects.
The contraceptive property of Benatex is due to the ability of the active substance to thicken the mucus of the cervix, destroying sperm or their parts (i.e. making them immobile). The antifungal and antiseptic effect is due to the ability of the drug to form a barrier through which the pathogens of gonorrhea, chlamydia, herpes, candidiasis, and staphylococcus are unable to penetrate. Shows antiprotozoal, antifungal, antiseptic properties; neutralizes the herpes virus; is active against Escherichia coli, streptococci, gonococci, and staphylococci. May affect bacteria that are resistant to antibiotics. Benatex does not affect the monthly hormonal cycle or the vaginal flora.
In the form of suppositories, Benatex is used for lack of intimate lubrication, incl. and as a lubricant, and tablets - in case of excess. The drug is positive in that it is recommended for use by women during the postpartum period, during breastfeeding, and also during menopause. The effectiveness of Benatex, like other spermicidal contraceptives, is second only to the effectiveness of hormonal oral contraceptives, but is quite high. According to reviews from women who have tried this drug, it is a comfortable and reliable method of contraception, however, like any medicine, it should be used only after consultation with a gynecologist.
How to use Benatex suppositories?
Women who have already used tampons will be able to insert the Benatex suppository into the vagina without any problems.
Application is simple - you need to remove the suppository from the shell, insert it with your finger into the vagina and wait 5-10 minutes until it is completely dissolved. A comfortable position for entering is lying on your back .
One candle is designed for only one sexual intercourse, therefore, if you have repeated sexual intercourse, it is advisable to use a new candle.
The suppository contains the spermicide benzalkonium chloride , therefore, when taking water procedures, the effect and effectiveness of contraceptive suppositories is minimized. Spermicides tend to kill (relatively instantly) sperm immediately after ejaculation, since sperm can penetrate the cervix within a very short time.
This composition of suppositories helps sexually transmitted infections The composition minimizes fungal diseases in partners, but the candles do not provide a full guarantee, it is important to remember this.
The positive thing is that suppositories can be used as additional lubricant to stimulate both partners.
It is worth remembering that repeated use of Benatex suppositories may cause unpleasant pain, such as burning .
Composition and mechanism of action of vaginal contraceptives
Non-hormonal vaginal contraceptive suppositories are a group of local, chemical contraceptives that have a spermicidal effect. Today there are 2 types of drugs on the market, created on the basis of nonoxynol or benzalkonium chloride:
- When it is based on an active substance with nonoxynol, for example, as in the preparations Nonoxynol, Patentex-Oval, it will destroy the sperm membrane in 40 seconds, reducing its activity. Additionally, this group of contraceptive vaginal suppositories acts as a local antiviral drug, protecting a woman from vaginal chlamydia, the bacteria that causes syphilis. In addition, the drug reduces the sensitivity of the penis, which helps prolong sexual intercourse.
- A drug based on benzalkonium chloride, for example Pharmatex, Erotex, destroys sperm in 10-15 seconds. At the same time, it has an inhibitory effect on some of the simplest forms of bacteria and fungi that cause STDs.
Vaginal contraceptives may melt and foam. The former seem to envelop the vaginal mucosa, but cover it unevenly, the latter are distributed better, but their disadvantage is too much foam.
How to use contraceptives containing spermicides
- The long-term effect of action is determined by inserting the contraceptive into the vagina several hours before making love. That is, the drug can be administered some time before the start of sexual intercourse, and the positive properties will not be lost, since the duration of action of Benatex vaginal suppositories is up to 3-4 hours .
- After sex, it is advisable to take water procedures in warm water without a soap base.
- Benatex is a complete contraceptive that does not need to be combined with other drugs.
- Such drugs are reliable protection against sexually transmitted infections.
- Benatex suppositories do not leak or foam like other similar contraceptives. However, burning and unpleasant pain do occur in some women.
Nonoxynol: a group of birth control suppositories
Let's look at the substance nonoxynol in more detail and understand the advantages and disadvantages of its derivatives.
So, nonoxynol is a drug with a spermicidal effect, based on the fragmentation and reduction of sperm motility. In addition, it has antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral effects on a number of pathogens.
Nonoxynol is active against chlamydia and trichomonas. The antifungal effect inhibits candida, which causes thrush. The substance is believed to be active against HIV infection, but there is no clinical evidence that the use of the drug helps reduce the risk of sexual transmission of the virus. But there is an opinion that the substance increases the risk of contracting HIV and papillomavirus through sexual intercourse, which can indirectly cause the development of cervical cancer. That is why it is recommended to use candles only with a trusted partner.
Nonoxynol should not be used not only in case of individual intolerance, but also in the presence of cervical erosion, salpingo-oophoritis, vaginitis, colpitis.
Customer Reviews
Attitudes towards the use of contraceptive suppositories among different couples vary from positive to negative reviews.
It is worth noting the positive reviews about the drug Benatex:
- The drug Benatex is not capable of causing hormonal imbalance in your body, unlike the use of spirals, oral, hormonal contraceptives, and patches.
- Benatex contraceptive suppositories are available in pharmacies and are easy to use.
- The cost is significantly lower than for birth control pills.
- Compared to a condom, Benatex vaginal suppositories do not reduce tactile sensations during lovemaking, but, on the contrary, replace additional lubrication.
- When distributing the drug inside the vagina, no cases of unpleasant odor were observed.
- The contraceptive does not affect the normal flora of the vagina.
- Suitable for women who have irregular sex life.
- Valid for 4 hours after administration.
- Recommended for women of the reproductive period.
Negative reviews about Benatex contraceptive suppositories:
- Goodbye spontaneous sex, you need to insert the candle and wait 5 minutes.
- Contraception is significantly lower than that of hormonal drugs (75% versus 90%).
- The spermicide in the suppositories causes a strange side effect in some people - an allergic reaction in the form of a burning sensation, while in others this is expressed in redness and peeling of the skin in the intimate area.
- Significant hydration of the vagina after using suppositories. For some couples this is a plus. They characterize hydration with additional lubrication; for other couples, this is an obstacle to sex.
- Spermicide is not soluble in the vagina; on the contrary, it resembles liquid and flows out of the vagina, which subsequently prevents the woman from concentrating and forces her to take a shower, which is not recommended. Candles are difficult to wash off.
- May cause itching, peeling of the mucous membrane, reminiscent of thrush symptoms.
- In the “woman on top” position, for some, the liquid from the melted candle begins to pour out and after that it is difficult to wash the sheet, since the liquid is greasy.
- High price, comparable to high-quality condoms that provide 99% protection. Suppositories guarantee protection against unwanted pregnancy by only 75%.
How to fix the situation?
The first thing you need to do is analyze your condition:
- Amount, color and consistency of discharge;
- The presence of accompanying symptoms – pain, itching, burning, swelling.
With this information, you need to contact your doctor, who will draw up an action plan.
Diagnostics
Often, gynecologists prescribe complex drugs in the form of suppositories without tests, which leads to ineffective treatment. To avoid such mistakes, you will need to undergo a number of examinations:
- Vaginal smear.
- Bacterial culture to identify the causative agent of infection.
- Ultrasound to check for ectopic pregnancy, polyps, endometriosis, tumors, polycystic ovaries.
- Consultation with an endocrinologist in the case of hormonal medications.
- PCR analysis to detect mycoplasma, ureaplasma and chlamydia.
Treatment of discharge
If ineffective, the drug is replaced with another. It is good if its effectiveness is confirmed by bacterial culture results.
When serious pathologies are discovered, the treatment tactics will be based on them. Surgery will be required for polyps or ectopic pregnancy, and hormonal treatment for endocrine disorders.
If you are allergic to a drug, select a product with an active ingredient from another group, after first conducting a special test for the body’s reaction.
Attention! Acting on your own in such a situation is like walking through a minefield. The result is unpredictable.
Treating hands with antiseptic
Even the most effective remedy may not help if these simple rules are not followed.
- Alcohol-based antiseptics are not as effective if there is visible contamination on the hands or if the hands are significantly contaminated with protein substances. This is unlikely to happen to a pharmaceutical worker in the workplace, but life is not limited to this, so it is important to understand that contact with food and biologically active fluids, such as blood, requires prior hand washing. If protein contamination is insignificant, then skin antiseptics can be used.
- In general, antiseptic wipes do a worse job than hand sanitizing solutions and gels: the wipes contain a limited amount of solution and can dry out if not stored correctly. Gels have the advantage that the alcohol evaporates from them more slowly, so the exposure will be longer.
- To effectively clean your hands with alcohol sanitizers you need:
- apply a sufficient amount of product to your palms (3-5 ml, the dirtier your hands, the more sanitizer you will need if you cannot wash your hands with soap), one or two sprays from the dispenser,
- rub with light movements over the entire surface of the hands: palmar and back surfaces, fingers, interdigital spaces, thumb, wrists
- wait for it to dry completely; in general, the process should take about 20 seconds. Do not wash your hands after using antiseptic
- Cuts and other skin injuries should be covered with a waterproof plaster before using an antiseptic.
Hand antiseptics are currently in great short supply; the WHO recipe can be found here. Perhaps the situation will soon change, as many enterprises are switching to the production of antiseptics.
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Analogues substitutes
If the drug is not available in pharmacies, it can be replaced with similar drugs:
- Gynekotex;
- Contratex;
- Contraceptin T;
- Patentex Oval N;
- Pharmaginex;
- Nonoxynol;
- Steriline;
- NuvaRing;
- Erotex;
- Benzalkonium chloride.
Photo gallery of analogues:
Gynekotex
Contratex Contraceptin T Patentex Oval N
Nonoxynol Pharmaginex
Erotex
NuvaRing
Indications for use
Types of contraceptives
Benatex suppositories are suitable for those women of childbearing age who, for certain reasons, cannot use oral and intrauterine contraceptives.
In addition, the drug is intended for use during:
- After childbirth;
- Lactation;
- After termination of pregnancy;
- Premenopausal.
Suppositories are an ideal option for occasional protection or when you miss taking an oral contraceptive.
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