5 Questions with Sherri from Vaginal Contraceptive Film

By Teen Health Source

Vaginal Contraceptive Films (VCF) is one of many great non-hormonal birth control options. We have a great info page on VCF (link), but the quick version on it is that it’s a small square of clear film that is placed in your vagina*. Once inside your vagina, VCF turns into a gel. The gel contains a spermicide called nonoxynol-9. Spermicide is a chemical that kills sperm when it comes in contact with it. Simple, right?

Last month we got in touch with Sherri (Vice President, Director of Family Planning) from Apothecus Pharmaceutical Corp and they were kind enough to answer some of our questions about VCF! Apothecus Pharmaceutical Corp. is the company that makes Vaginal Contraceptive Film. Read on!

When was VCF invented?

VCF received its first patent in Poland in 1972.

Are there any common misconceptions or myths about VCF?

The most common misconception is that VCF has a low rate of efficacy. We have done numerous clinical studies to prove that not only is VCF effective for up to 3 hours, it has an efficacy rate of 94-96%, used correctly. However, unfortunately VCF is sometimes grouped with other spermicides that have a lower rate, despite us having proved otherwise.

Why do you think VCF is so rarely shown in media?

It is extremely difficult to get any [over-the-counter vaginal] contraceptive approved for advertising on the major networks. Only [The Birth Control Pill is] approved. We have run advertising on cable networks, which has worked quite well in the past, but can be extremely costly. We have found that sampling the thousands of doctors and health clinics who recommend VCF has been very effective, as well as just word of mouth.

Are there any major changes coming to VCF, like how it’s used or how it’s marketed?

There will be no changes anytime soon to VCF. It can only be used one way, and manufactured one way.

What do you think the future of contraceptives is in general (given that there are talks of a birth control pill for people with penises*)?

This is difficult to answer at this point – I would think a year or two from now would provide more of a chance for projection. Simply not enough consumer feedback yet on these types of products.

And for more info and answers to any questions you have about VCF, you can always also visit the manufacturers website: www.vcfcontraceptive.com.

If you have questions about this topic, feel free to contact one of our peer educators. [Link]

Last Updated: August 2021

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*We know that these aren’t the words everyone uses for their bodies (eg. trans folks), and support you using the language that feels best for you.