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What Is Phexxi?

Phexxi is a prescription, hormone-free vaginal contraceptive gel containing lactic acid, citric acid, and potassium bitartrate. It is used on demand to help prevent pregnancy in people of reproductive potential. Phexxi comes in single-use prefilled vaginal applicators and must be administered before vaginal intercourse. It does not contain estrogen or progestin and does not require daily dosing. Phexxi is not emergency contraception, does not work when first applied after intercourse, and does not protect against HIV or other sexually transmitted infections.

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What Is Phexxi?

Phexxi is a prescription, hormone-free vaginal contraceptive gel containing lactic acid, citric acid, and potassium bitartrate. It is used on demand to help prevent pregnancy in people of reproductive potential. Phexxi comes in single-use prefilled vaginal applicators and must be administered before vaginal intercourse. It does not contain estrogen or progestin and does not require daily dosing. Phexxi is not emergency contraception, does not work when first applied after intercourse, and does not protect against HIV or other sexually transmitted infections.

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How Does Phexxi Work?

Phexxi helps maintain an acidic environment in the vagina during intercourse. Semen normally increases vaginal pH, which creates conditions that support sperm movement. The lactic acid, citric acid, and potassium bitartrate combination reduces this pH change, making the environment less favorable for sperm motility. This helps reduce the likelihood of sperm reaching and fertilizing an egg. Phexxi does not suppress ovulation or change systemic hormone levels. Its contraceptive effect depends on proper application before each act of vaginal intercourse.

Who Can Use Phexxi for Birth Control?

Phexxi is approved as an on-demand contraceptive for people of reproductive potential who want a nonhormonal method of pregnancy prevention. It can be used during different parts of the menstrual cycle and alongside certain other contraceptive methods, including condoms, diaphragms, and hormonal contraceptives. Phexxi should not be used with vaginal contraceptive rings. People with recurrent urinary tract infections or urinary tract abnormalities should avoid Phexxi because of the risk of serious urinary infections. A healthcare professional can help determine whether this contraceptive method is appropriate.

How Should Phexxi Be Used?

Insert the contents of one prefilled 5-gram Phexxi applicator into the vagina immediately before or up to one hour before each act of vaginal intercourse. If intercourse does not occur within one hour, another dose is needed before intercourse. A new dose is also required for every additional act of intercourse, even when it occurs within the same hour. Phexxi is not effective when first administered after intercourse. Follow the applicator instructions carefully and use a new applicator for each dose. It can be used during menstruation when contraception is needed.

What Are the Side Effects and Warnings of Phexxi?

Common adverse effects include vaginal burning, itching, discomfort, discharge, and pain during urination. Vaginal yeast infections, bacterial vaginosis, and urinary tract infections have also been reported. Serious urinary tract infections, including pyelonephritis, can occur. Phexxi should be avoided by patients with a history of recurrent urinary tract infections or urinary tract abnormalities. Severe or persistent genital irritation requires medical evaluation. Phexxi does not protect against sexually transmitted infections, so appropriate barrier protection should be considered when infection prevention is needed.

Common Questions About Phexxi

Does Phexxi contain hormones?

No. Phexxi contains lactic acid, citric acid, and potassium bitartrate. It works locally in the vagina without estrogen or progestin.

How long before intercourse should Phexxi be applied?

Phexxi should be inserted immediately before or up to one hour before vaginal intercourse. Each additional act of intercourse requires another dose.

Can Phexxi be used after intercourse?

No. Phexxi is not effective when first applied after intercourse and is not an emergency contraceptive.

Can Phexxi cause urinary tract infections?

Yes. Urinary tract infections, including serious kidney infections, have been reported. People with recurrent urinary tract infections or urinary tract abnormalities should avoid using it.

References

A Novel Vaginal pH Regulator: Results From the Phase 3 AMPOWER Contraception Clinical Trial. Contraception: X. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32685920/. Date Accessed October 30, 2026.

DailyMed - PHEXXI (lactic acid, citric acid, and potassium bitartrate) vaginal gel. https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=173ff411-7227-47b0-94dc-844e1ebaf14e. Date Accessed October 30, 2026.

Lactic Acid, Citric Acid, and Potassium Bitartrate (Phexxi) Vaginal Gel for Contraception. American Family Physician. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33982994/. Date Accessed October 30, 2026.

Lactic Acid, Citric Acid, and Potassium Bitartrate Vaginal Contraceptive. MedlinePlus. https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a620047.html. Date Accessed October 30, 2026.

Sexual Satisfaction Results With the Vaginal pH Modulator From the Phase 3 AMPOWER Study. The Journal of Sexual Medicine. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35418329/. Date Accessed October 30, 2026.