Looking For Non-Hormonal Birth Control? We Have The 411 On Phexxi

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When I was 16, I got the Depo Provera shot. It made the most sense – it lasted three months, I didn’t have to think about it twice a day, and I wouldn’t get my period (my period is horrible).

I was so excited about it…until the hormones flowed through my body. In the end, I couldn’t get out of bed most days. I was crying 24/7, barely functioning enough to go to school or extracurriculars. It was one of the hardest times emotionally for me.

I decided to forego hormones entirely after this terrible experience. My next birth control choice: the Paragard IUD. Instead of using hormones to avoid fertilization, the IUD is wrapped in copper. This causes an inflammatory reaction which is toxic to eggs and sperm, therefore stopping pregnancy in its tracks. I was especially happy to know that it lasted for 10-15 years, because oh man, that insertion pain was less than ideal. Unfortunately, I had debilitating cramps, leading to an early removal. A total bummer, because I’d never felt safer!

After all of this trial and error, I currently have the Mirena IUD. It’s been absolutely amazing thanks to its localized hormones, but I am terrified of replacing it because of the pain, and it no longer works. At the same time, I don’t want to take hormones after the horrific experience with the shot. So, when I heard about Phexxi, I was thrilled! Here’s why I’m planning on trying it.

What Is Phexxi?

Phexxi is the newest non-hormonal birth control, thanks to Evofem Biosciences. On the market since September of 2020, this FDA-approved contraceptive gel is changing the game. Basically, your vagina normally has a pH of 3.5 to 4.5, making it somewhat acidic. When semen enters the vagina, the pH rises, so it’s easier for semen to travel to the reproductive canal. Phexxi’s active ingredients – lactic acid, citric acid, and potassium bitartrate – work to keep the vagina’s acidity within its normal pH range, therefore lowering the possibility of fertilization.

The vaginal gel is used right (or up to an hour, if you time it right) before a romp session. Simply take a four-inch applicator, fill it with Phexxi’s gel, and insert it as you would a tampon. Keep in mind: if you have sex twice, you have to apply it right before each time – it doesn’t last for multiple sessions. Phexxi’s slogan is easy to remember: “one dose, one hour, one act.”

Phexxi does not work in the same way as spermicide. Spermicide kills and paralyzes sperm, stopping it from travelling up the canal to fertilize. Spermicide can come as a gel, but it does not change your vaginal pH like Phexxi does.

How Effective Is It?

Phexxi is 93% effective when used properly, and 86% effective with typical use (for example, if you apply it a few hours before rather than one hour prior). In comparison to hormonal birth control: pills, the patch, and the ring are 91% effective; the shot is 94% effective; and IUDs and implants are 99% effective.  

When it comes to non-hormonal birth control, Phexxi almost always beats out its competition. Male condoms are typically 85% effective, while spermicides and gels can be 72% to 86% effective. Other non-hormonal birth control ranges from 71% to 88% effective; the non-hormonal method that is the most effective is sterilization, with an efficacy of 99%.

Who Should and Shouldn’t Use Phexxi?

Those who are looking for a short-term, easy, and, of course, non-hormonal form of birth control are perfect candidates for Phexxi. It’s completely reversible – a great form if you’re considering having a baby in the future.  

When it comes to side effects, in their conducted studies, Phexxi reports that less than two percent of women had adverse side effects. In general, the most common were vaginal burning and itching, yeast infections, UTIs, bacterial vaginosis, and a change in discharge. Men may be affected by it too, resulting in burning, itching, and overall pain during intercourse.

If you have chronic UTIs or urinary tract problems in general, it’s recommended to avoid Phexxi should there be side effects. Same goes for those who are using a vaginal ring. And, obviously, if you’re allergic to or have a slight reaction to any of its ingredients, stay away.

Overall, Phexxi is a great choice for those looking for a simple and effective form of non-hormonal birth control, and I’m super excited to try it. Have you used Phexxi? Would you? Let us know in the comments!

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