“Get Phexxi” Campaign Promotes New Non-Hormonal Birth Control

Evofem Biosciences announced the launch of their new national campaign called, “Get Phexxi,” designed to raise awareness about the company’s non-hormonal birth control method.

In May 2020, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Phexxi, a non-hormonal contraceptive for women. The product prevents pregnancy by altering the pH levels in the vagina and keeping it in the 3.5 to 4.5 range, lowering the mobility of sperm, and thus, reducing the chances of sperm reaching the egg. This method is 93 percent effective in preventing pregnancy.

Phexxi is not a spermicide; it’s comprised of three ingredients: lactic acid, citric acid and potassium bitartrate. It is a vaginal gel that is effective when used immediately or up to an hour before intercourse. This product does not protect its users from any sexually transmitted infections.

“Get Phexxi” is a campaign created by the company to educate women about this innovative birth control. It highlights some of the struggles women encounter when choosing a contraception method that best suits their lifestyles. The campaign focuses on the compromises women make in choosing a method to prevent unwanted pregnancy: relying on partners to use condoms, the daily use of birth control pills and the need to track one’s menstrual cycle. The ad then shows the benefits of using on-demand Phexxi and how it may help eliminate those struggles.

“In our extensive market research, we heard repeatedly from women that they are frustrated with the birth control methods previously available to them, which left them fed up with side effects and lack of control,” said Evofem Biosciences CEO, Saundra Pelletier, in a statement. “With half of all pregnancies in the US unplanned, there is a clear need for additional, innovative birth control methods. This marketing campaign is designed to bring awareness to how Phexxi can fill the unmet needs of millions of women.”

According to a 2018 survey commissioned by Evofem, 55 percent of sexually active American women do not use any birth control method and face an 85 percent risk of getting pregnant within one year. Eight percent of those women prefer non-hormonal birth control, and 67 percent of women do not use condoms as a preventative method of pregnancy or sexually transmitted infections.

Phexxi comes in a box with 12 pre-filled applicators, and each applicator is for one-time use. The product is usable at any time during a person’s menstrual cycle. However, there are some side effects of using the product, as reported by two percent of the clinical trial participants. Some of these side effects include vulvovaginal burning sensation, itching, yeast infection, discomfort, pain, bacterial vaginosis and vaginal discharge, genital discomfort and pain while urinating (dysuria). Evofem Biosciences does not recommend using Phexxi if individuals have a history of recurring UTIs.