Do spermicides provide any protection against STIs?

Spermicides are substances designed to kill sperm or immobilize them, thereby preventing pregnancy. However, their efficacy is primarily in contraceptive use, and they do not offer significant protection against sexually transmitted infections (STIs). The primary mechanism of spermicides is local to the vaginal environment, and they do not affect the viral or bacterial pathogens that cause STIs.

This is why the assertion that spermicides provide no protection against STIs is accurate. The use of barrier methods, such as condoms, is recommended alongside spermicides for better protection against both unintended pregnancies and STIs. Other options may suggest limited protection or imply that certain types of spermicides could offer some defense, but evidence and guidelines consistently indicate that spermicides alone should not be relied upon for STI prevention.