Customer Reviews

Ortho Options Gynol II Vaginal Contraceptive Jelly 3.8 oz

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I use this product with my diaphragm regularly. It is a great alternative to getting an IUD inserted. You must make sure your diaphragm fits appropriately and reapply jelly with each encounter and leave diaphragm in place 6hours after intercourse, It is the best decision I have made with regard to birth control- no hormones, no long term effects, and lubricant, which we use anyway.

I really have been using this product (or the GYNOL 11 extra) for almost 5 years. I use it with a diaphragm. We have not been pregnant yet, which is my goal, so I am very pleased and highly recommend the product. It has no hormones and no odor.

I have used this product for 35 years and hope it stays on the market until I don't need it any more. Any other similar products don't compare in my opinion.

I am rather impressed with Ortho Options. I have to have this type of Jelly because it is diaphram "friendly." Since I cannot find it in any local retail stores near to me, I discovered I was able to find it on Amazon for an affordable price with quick shipping. (It took less than a week to get here.)

As far as the product itself goes, it does the job (or, so far it's doing the job!) And, the smell is neutral, and pretty non-messy for a jelly. It also helps as a lubricant--so that makes the diaphram easier to insert. They even send you an applicator to help out the process if needed.

Overall, I'm satisfied with this product. My boyfriend and I were looking for a spermicide to use on top of contraceptive pills as an extra precaution, and it was a frustrating search. The first product we tried (VCF) was expensive and had a very high percentage of Noxinol-9--it caused itching and burning for both me and my boyfriend. Gynol II Jelly has been much less irritating. It still seems to cause itching and burning if it gets in the urethra, so it is important to apply it as far back in the vagina as possible and wipe it off carefully if it leaks out. With careful use it has been comfortable and easy to use. One tube has lasted us quite a while--I would guess at least 20-30 applications.

Diaphragms - the birth control of the 70s.

Despite what you may be hoping, this is the very bottom of pleasant or enjoyable ways to prevent unwanted pregnancies. Diaphragms, even when fitted correctly, are not comfortable. I'd say they're about like hard contact lenses--you always know it's there, irritating and slightly uncomfortable--and something you have to take out after a certain time, somewhere that is clean, where you can wash your hands, etc.

So. No camping. No fun on the beach. No visiting other people and then awkwardly having to get up and deal with this in the night. And nothing else you can think of that doesn't have a nice clean well-equipped bathroom.

Also, not good for new relationships, because you have to wait 6 hours after sex to take it out, but cannot leave it in for more than 24 hours (believe me, it is very uncomfortable after that long). So if you are enjoying each other, then napping, then enjoying each other, etc, you can see what a drag that will very quickly lead to. Soon enough the lousy thing is out and you are playing some form of baby roulette.
Sadly, diaphragms are for long-settled relationships, when you are just not having sex as often. (Marriage)

That doesn't mean there isn't a place for them in the world, though.
Diaphragms are hormone/drug free.
And, if you are one of those unlucky people who have absolutely no other choice because of estrogen/progesterone/androgen allergies, ovarian cyst reactions to Depo, too thin for Norplant, and too small for an IUD... well, here you are... trying to find somewhere that still sells spermicide.

Which brings us to this product.
This product is a spermicide, it does work, it is packable and travels, etc.
Problem: Is has an unpleasant odor upon removal. Nasty odor, actually.

It will not hurt you.
If you have no other choice, just do it.
Hands are easier to wash than diapers.
Etc.

But the best solution, really, is to just buy the box of 10 pre-filled "Options Conceptrol" spermicide applicators at Walmart (the only place on earth that still sells spermicide - bless them). Yes, expensiveish. Yes, destroying the environment with waste. But no gross smells. Just a clear, clean non-sticky jelly.

Don't buy this item from this seller; the shipping's higher than the cost of the item.