Condoms combined with spermicide are an excellent form of contraception and safer
sex. Unfortunately, as you point out, there is a maddeningly precise timing issue.
With spermicidal suppositories, foam or gel, you have to wait a certain amount of
time after inserting them (usually 15 minutes) and then need to complete
intercourse within about a half hour or insert more. If you enjoy extended
lovemaking or simply don't want to be watching the clock, it can be quite annoying.
Luckily, there are at least two alternatives. One is vaginal contraceptive film
(VCF). Most similar to a suppository, it is a small, thin square of spermicide
that dissolves almost instantly and remains effective for up to an hour. So your
wait time is reduced and your "window of opportunity" is enlarged.
However, if you really want to go to town, try to track down a spermicide known
as Advantage-24. Although not all drugstores carry this product, it is a
spermicide contained in a "bio-adhesive gel." Yes, I know that sounds
scary, but what it means is that the spermicide stays in place and active for 24 hours!
Of course, the contraceptive sponge is available again, and that might be another
form of spermicide you might want to consider combining with condoms. The best
part about the sponge is that it does not require reapplication for multiple
acts of intercourse.
Good luck with whatever method you choose.
