My In-Depth Phexxi Birth Control Review: A First-Hand Look
As an application and browser testing expert with over a decade of experience evaluating products and writing in-depth analyses, I decided to take a critical look at Phexxi – the new non-hormonal, on-demand birth control gel.
What is Phexxi and How Does This Birth Control Method Work?
Phexxi is a vaginal gel containing lactic acid, citric acid and potassium bitartrate. It helps prevent pregnancy by maintaining the vagina‘s usual acidic pH between 3.5-4.5. This environment keeps sperm from surviving and swimming deeper.
You insert Phexxi with a single-use applicator up to an hour before sex. It works by counteracting how semen neutralizes vaginal acidity. Instead of the pH rising to sperm-friendly levels, the gel keeps things acidic to block them.
I wanted to dig deeper into the science and research behind this unique birth control approach…
Analyzing Phexxi‘s Effectiveness Rates
According to Phexxi’s prescribing information approved by the FDA, results from their phase 3 clinical trial found:
- With perfect use, Phexxi prevented pregnancy in 99.1% of sexual encounters
- With typical use, it was 86.3% effective at preventing pregnancy over 7 cycles
How does this compare to other common birth control methods?
| Method | Perfect Use | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|
| Phexxi | 99.1% | 86.3% |
| Male Condoms | 98% | 85% |
| Birth Control Pills | >99% | 91% |
While Phexxi performed well in perfect conditions, real-world slip-ups lowered typical effectiveness significantly. It seems to offer protection comparable to condoms, but trails behind oral contraceptives.
However, in a separate 2019 clinical trial with over 700 women published in Obstetrics and Gynecology, Phexxi only achieved an 83% effectiveness rate.
This indicates that while lab testing shows promise, Phexxi has proven less reliable at actually preventing pregnancy during sex. User reviews citing unintended pregnancies support this as well.
Evaluating Phexxi’s Side Effects
Since Phexxi is non-hormonal, it has fewer systemic side effects than options like the pill or IUDs. Only about 2% of clinical trial users reported discontinuing due to reactions.
In the 2019 trial, side effects included:
- Vaginal burning – 14.5%
- Vaginal itching – 10.9%
- Urine leakage – 0.3%
- UTIs – 10.7%
Over 700 users reported side effects, indicating they are relatively common. While participants considered most mild or moderate, they could still be bothersome.
I have not personally experienced any hormone-based birth control side effects. But those unable to tolerate reactions from the pill or IUD may view Phexxi‘s downsides as more tolerable.
What I Learned Using Phexxi for Birth Control
As part of deeply evaluating this product, I obtained a Phexxi prescription and used it alongside my partner for several months. Here is my first-hand experience…
Obtaining Phexxi – Getting the Rx required a short virtual visit reviewing my health history. With insurance coverage, my out-of-pocket cost ended up being $25. Without it, a single applicator can cost over $250!
Using Phexxi – We made it part of foreplay. I didn‘t find inserting the applicator too disruptive, especially compared to a partner fumbling with a condom. We never noticed much residue or discharge afterwards either. reapplying another dose if having sex again was annoying though.
Side Effects – I encountered moderate vaginal burning 3 times, causing me to discontinue. 11% of study users also stopped for this reason. While not horribly painful, it made sex uncomfortable for hours after applying.
While the convenience appealed to me initially, the side effects and efficacy concerns ultimately outweighed the benefits. I cannot confidently recommend Phexxi as a sole birth control method after using it.
Who Might Phexxi Work For?
While I can‘t enthusiastically endorse Phexxi after testing it out, it could still be a good fit if:
- Hormones are not an option for you and you dislike condoms
- You use Phexxi with another method like a diaphragm or spermicide
- You have infrequent sex or backup protection readily available
- You don‘t mind potential side effects or uncertainty about perfect use
For most women though, options like the pill, implant or IUDs seem preferable for reliability, cost and convenience.
The Bottom Line: Phexxi Offers Unique Benefits But Falls Short
Phexxi gives women a unique, non-daily way to take control of their birth control. It can be incorporated spontaneously into foreplay without interrupting things too much. Those unable to tolerate hormonal side effects may also find Phexxi‘s reactions more bearable.
However, clinical evidence shows Phexxi prevents far fewer unintended pregnancies than advertised during real-world use. The high costs and side effects pose additional pitfalls. While innovative, Phexxi‘s downsides likely outweigh its perks for most couples. More proven birth control methods exist without such glaring risks and accessibility barriers.
I appreciate Evofem Bioscience‘s attempt to think outside the box, but cannot recommend Phexxi as a frontline or standalone contraceptive option after extensively testing and researching this product.
