.svg)
Jump to a section:
Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
Jump to a section:
Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
Sexual Comfort
A number of problems can affect the ability to have or enjoy sex. In fact, about 4 in 10 women have problems with sex at some point during their lives. While sexual discomfort can require a consultation with your gynecologist or other healthcare provider, there are some OTC solutions to consider.
Personal Lubricants
Usually, sexual excitement leads to natural vaginal lubrication. But dryness and irritation may become a problem due to hormonal changes during menstruation and menopause, aging, or taking certain medications. A personal lubricant may help prevent itching, burning, chaffing, and other discomfort. You can buy lubricants online or at your local drugstore.
Common OTC personal lubricant brands:
- GoodSense®
- K-Y® Jelly
If you are considering having a baby, you have likely wondered how long it will take to get pregnant, when to have sex, and how often. For most couples, the odds that a woman will become pregnant are 15-25% in any given month. However, factors like age, irregular menstrual cycles, and medical conditions can affect a woman’s chances of becoming pregnant. There are several OTC products available to help plan and detect a pregnancy.
At-Home Ovulation Tests
At-home ovulation tests help to determine the time in a woman’s menstrual cycle when becoming pregnant is most likely. They work by detecting a rise in luteinizing hormone (LH) through a urine sample, as a rise in this hormone signals a woman’s ovary to release the egg. This is when pregnancy is most likely to occur.
Common at-home ovulation test brands:
- Clearblue®
- e.p.t.®
At-Home Pregnancy Tests
Perhaps your period is late, or maybe you are experiencing early pregnancy symptoms such as tender breasts. One way to find out if you are pregnant is by taking an at-home pregnancy test. These tests work by measuring your body’s level of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), a hormone that is only produced during pregnancy, through a urine sample. If the results are positive, you should make an appointment with your doctor to have the pregnancy confirmed. If the results are negative, wait another week and if you still haven’t started your period you should complete the test again.
Common at-home pregnancy test brands:
- Clearblue®
- e.p.t.®
- First Response™
Pregnancy Prevention
From contraception and reproductive health to feminine hygiene and menstruation, all women should be aware of the options available to them, what’s healthy, and what’s a matter of concern. Luckily, there are many over-the-counter (OTC) products available to help along the way.
The World Health Organization (WHO) defines reproductive health as “a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being” in all matters related to the reproductive system. This includes having a satisfying and safe sex life, with the freedom to decide if, and when, you want to have children (or get pregnant). There are OTC products available to aid your reproductive health.
Several contraception, or birth control, options are available to women who want to prevent pregnancy until they are ready. From male and female condoms to spermicides and emergency contraception, many of these options are available over-the-counter in stores and online.
Male Condom
The male condom is a barrier form of birth control, generally made from latex, lambskin, or polyurethane. It is placed on an erect penis to prevent sperm from entering the vagina during intercourse and reaching an unfertilized egg. When used correctly, most male condoms can also help to prevent sexually transmitted infections (STIs); however, lambskin or other natural condoms do not provide STI protection. The use of male condoms does not completely eliminate the risks of pregnancy or STIs. The typical use of male condoms, which is the average way most people use them, has a failure rate of 14-15%. That means that 14-15 people out of every 100 will become pregnant during the first year of use.
Common male condom brands:
- Durex
- Sustain Natural®
- Trojan™
Female Condom
The female condom is a barrier form of birth control, made up of a thin, soft, loose-fitting pouch with a flexible, soft ring on each end that is worn by the woman to prevent sperm from reaching an unfertilized egg. When used correctly, female condoms can also help to prevent STIs, although more research is needed as they are not considered to be as effective as male condoms in protecting against STIs. The typical use of female condoms, which is the average way most people use them, has a failure rate of 21%. This means that 21 people out of every 100 will become pregnant during the first year of use.
Common female condom brands:
- FC2®
- Spermicides
Spermicides are a barrier form of birth control that is put deeply inside the vagina and assists in preventing pregnancy by stopping and killing sperm before they can reach an unfertilized egg. The only chemical available in spermicides in the United States is nonoxynol-9, which can be delivered in various ways, including sponges, foams, gels, and films that dissolve when exposed to moisture. Instructions and effectiveness rates differ for each type of spermicide, so make sure to read and follow the label carefully before use. Spermicides do not protect against STIs – always use a condom to reduce the risk.
Common spermicides
- Nonoxynol 9
- Today Sponge®, Vaginal Contraceptive Film®
Emergency Contraception
If you did not use birth control or your regular birth control fails, OTC emergency contraception can be taken to help prevent pregnancy before it starts. Also known as the “morning-after pill” or “Plan B” emergency contraception should be taken as soon as possible within 72 hours (3 days) after unprotected sex or birth control failure. It works by stopping the release of an egg from the ovary. About 87 out of 100 women who would have become pregnant will not become pregnant after using emergency contraception containing levonorgestrel. Emergency contraception shouldn’t be used as regular birth control, because it is not as effective, and will not work if you are already pregnant. It is available right off the shelf at major retailers with no age restriction or prescription needed.
Common emergency contraception brands:
- Levonorgestrel
- Plan B One-Step®, Take Action™, Aftera™, Preventeza™
Safe Use Tips:
Always read the Drug Facts label carefully. The label tells you everything you need to know about the product, including the ingredients, what you are supposed to use it for, how much you should use, and when you should not use the product.
Do not use a condom past its expiration date. Never reuse a condom. This increases the risk of pregnancy and passing on STIs. Never use a male condom with a female condom, as this can cause tearing. Spermicide products are for vaginal use only and are not for rectal (anal) use. Do not use a spermicide product past its expiration date.
Emergency contraception products will not protect against STIs. Do not use emergency contraception if you have ever had an allergic reaction to levonorgestrel. Ask a doctor or pharmacist before use if you are taking efavirenz (HIV medication), or rifampin (tuberculosis treatment), or medication for seizures (epilepsy). These medications may reduce the effectiveness of levonorgestrel. If irritation or discomfort occurs when using a lubricant, discontinue use and consult a doctor or other healthcare provider.
If you have any questions on how to use reproductive health products, please consult a doctor or other healthcare provider. Keep all medicines out of the sight and reach of children.
