FAQ
Why are there two container options?
Contraceptive choice is a highly personal decision, and we respect your needs and preferences.
The jar is a more discreet option since it has no markings once it is removed from the box, and tubes make it easy to measure the correct amount of Smart Women’s Choice.
There used to be 2 formula options, what happened?
Our current formula is what we used to call the hypoallergenic when both formulas were available. Women find the current formula more pleasant to use, so we discontinued the original formula in 2018.
I have a friend who is looking for a safe alternative to traditional birth control and I think they would love your product. What should I do?
Please forward our newsletter to your friend, share our website link, or tag them on our social media page. Thank you for your referral!
Is Smart Women’s Choice the same as Phexxi?
No, but it has some similarities. Phexxi works by making the vagina inhospitable to sperm by helping keep it more acidic, which renders the sperm unable to swim to meet an egg. Smart Women’s Choice immobilizes sperm in the vagina, preventing them from fertilizing an egg. Both are used on demand, or each time you have intercourse. Phexxi must be used within a certain number of minutes before intercourse to be effective. Phexxi is a prescription drug that comes in pre-filled applicators and the out-of-pocket cost will depend on your insurance plan. Each prescription of Phexxi contains 12 of the pre-filled applicators. The cost, both with and without insurance, ranges from $0 -$356.78 for 12 prefilled applicators. In contrast, Smart Women’s Choice is $64.50 for approximately 50 applications.
Is Smart Women’s Choice the same as Contragel?
No, but there are some similarities. Both prevent sperm from reaching an egg via environmental changes. Both must be ordered online. Contragel and Phexxi are similar in their ingredients and effectiveness. Contragel is typically used alongside barrier methods to increase its effectiveness.
Is Smart Women’s Choice the same as spermicide?
No, but it has some similarities with spermicide as well. Even though the term spermicide makes it sound like it kills sperm, neither spermicide nor Smart Women’s Choice actually kills sperm. While they contain different ingredients, they both prevent sperm from leaving the vagina and joining with an egg, and spermicide damages the sperm. Each is used on demand, or each time you have intercourse. Spermicide is often paired with a barrier method of contraception to increase effectiveness. Spermicide comes in several forms from sponges to foam to film, can be purchased online and in pharmacies, often cost approximately $1.00 per application, and is often paired with barrier methods of birth control. Spermicide must be used a certain number of minutes before intercourse.
What is SMART WOMEN’S CHOICE?
Smart Women’s Choice (SWC) is a vaginal cream, the ONLY hormone-free, spermicide-free, patented birth control cream available.
How is SWC different from other contraceptives?
SWC is unique; it works by immobilizing the sperm in the vagina. Immobilized sperm cannot make the journey into the Fallopian tubes, the only place where an egg can get fertilized. Without fertilization, it is impossible to get pregnant. SWC does not impact a woman’s hormonal system. It simply coagulates the sperm and prevents it from meeting the egg. Learn more here.
What are the ingredients in SWC?
SWC is a patented, soap-based cream formulated with natural ingredients. They are: water, glycerin, potassium oleate, potassium palmate, potassium castorate, potassium citrate, monoglycerides, diglycerides.
What are the ingredients you will never find in SWC?
NO Hormones, NO Nonoxynol-9, NO Parabens, NO Phthalates, NO Fragrance, NO Colorants, NO Fillers, NO Gluten, NO Dairy, NO Soy, NO Corn, NO Egg, NO Nuts.
Is SWC Suitable for a Halal lifestyle?
Yes, SWC is suitable for a Halal lifestyle. While Smart Women’s Choice is not a certified Halal product there are no animal-derived products in our formula. Glycerine can be of animal or plant origin, our glycerine is 100% plant-derived.
Is SWC suitable for a Kosher lifestyle?
Yes, SWC is suitable for a Kosher lifestyle. While Smart Women’s Choice is not a certified Kosher product, there are no animal-derived products in our formula. Glycerine can be of animal or plant origin, our glycerine is 100% plant-derived.
What is the glycerine you use made from?
Glycerine can be made from any fat. This includes animal origin, plant origin, and even petroleum. The glycerine we use is ALWAYS processed from plant materials that source is coconut or palm oil. We source palm and coconut oil derived glycerine for Smart Women’s Choice cream.
Does SWC contain any animal ingredients?
No. All SWC ingredients are from plant and mineral origins. SWC is a vegan product.
IS SWC VEGAN?
Yes, Smart Women’s Choice is vegan.
How many applications can I expect to get from one container of SWC?
One container of SWC contains 1 ounce of cream. You can expect this to last for about 50 applications.
What is the shelf life of a container of SWC?
Properly stored in a cool, dark place, the shelf life of unopened Smart Women’s Choice is 18 months. Once opened, we recommend you use your container within 12 months.
How do I store my container of SWC?
For users in most climates, storing your container on a bedside table or in the bathroom away from sunlight and tightly closed is perfect. If you live somewhere extremely warm where the gel would be a runny consistency, then you may want to try storing your container in a cooler place like the fridge so you can dispense it easier. Also, some users find that cool gel is easier to apply.
In terms of cost, how does SWC compare to other forms of birth control?
SWC is an affordable form of birth control! Based on an average of 50 uses per container, Smart Women’s Choice cost is $1.29 per use, or less when you subscribe and never worry about running out!
Is SWC patented?
Yes, our patent number is 10016361B.
Is SWC FDA approved?
SWC is not a drug or medical device but a specially formulated, patented soap with the capabilities of a contraceptive.
How effective is SWC?
Smart Women’s Choice is 99.8% effective. Out of every 1000 containers sold, 2 women report becoming pregnant while using SWC.
How do you determine the effectiveness rate of Smart Women’s Choice?
We determine the effectiveness rate by calculating the number of containers sold and divide them by the number of reported pregnancies. Every month, we update our calculations to reflect the additional sales and reports.
How come I haven’t heard of or been recommended SWC by a health professional?
SWC is the product of a small family business that went public in 2014. We work hard to get the word out about SWC! We are connected with health professionals around the world that do recommend our product to their clients. If your health care provider is interested in learning more, please encourage them to reach out to us.
How long must I use SWC for it to be effective?
Smart Women’s Choice is only used as needed, that’s the beauty of it!
It makes a great long or short-term solution for your birth control needs.
It makes a great long or short-term solution for your birth control needs.
Are there any side effects?
About 2% of all users experience mild discomfort or irritation at first and about 1% of users experience persistent discomfort and must discontinue using Smart Women’s Choice.
Can I expect to get headaches, cramps, nausea, bloating, bleeding, or mood swings?
No, SWC does not impact a woman’s hormonal system.
Can SWC be used with condoms?
Yes, Smart Women’s Choice can be used with condoms. To learn if SWC is compatible with your brand, contact us here.
Can SWC be used with lubricants?
Yes, Smart Women’s Choice can be used with lubricants. Our top recommendations are AloeCadabra or another similar water-based natural lubricant, or coconut oil. Use the lubricant during foreplay, and then SWC cream right before penetration. Do not combine the two together to form a new mixture as this can affect using the correct amount needed to be effective. To learn if SWC is compatible with your brand, contact us here.
Can SWC be used with diaphragms or cervical caps?
Yes, Smart Women’s Choice may be used with a diaphragm or cervical cap in the same way that you would use a spermicide or contragel. To learn if SWC is compatible with your brand, contact us here.
Can SWC be used with family planning apps such as Natural Cycles, Kindara, or Clue?
Yes, women report the freedom that they experience when they pair SWC with family planning apps such as Natural Cycles, Kindara, and Clue. When your body and the algorithm are getting acquainted, you have a lot more red days than when you get an established rhythm. SWC can give you more freedom for intimacy while you are getting that established. In addition, many women report ongoing freedom in pairing the two methods on their monthly fertile days.
Does SWC need other forms of birth control paired with it?
No, SWC works independently to prevent unintended pregnancies but using other forms of contraception, like condoms, will help prevent STIs. SWC does not protect from STIs. You may choose to pair SWC with the barrier method of your choice in the same way that you would use a spermicide gel. Click here to learn more.
Do I need a prescription?
No. Because SWC is not a drug, no prescription is necessary and SWC users have stated they save time and money by not needing costly office visits and copays.
Can I use insurance to pay for SWC?
Some insurance companies will cover SWC. You may need a healthcare provider to write a prescription in order for Smart Women’s Choice to be covered. Consult your healthcare provider and your insurance company.
Can I use HSA/FSA funds to pay for SWC?
You may need a healthcare provider to write a prescription in order for it to be covered. Consult your healthcare provider and your insurance company.
When is the right time to apply SWC?
Apply SWC after foreplay is finished, immediately before penetration.
Do I need to reapply SWC each time I have intercourse?
Yes, you must apply SWC every time you have intercourse. The correct amount of SWC immobilizes the ejaculate from one session of intercourse. In case of a repeat performance, apply a fresh dose of SWC.
What is the proper way to store SWC?
We recommend that you keep SWC gel in a cool place to keep the gel from getting runny in warm temperatures. Cool gel is easier to apply. Replace lid on your container as soon as possible after use.
What happens if I want to get pregnant?
Simple! When you decide it is time to start or add to your family, all you do is stop using SWC during intercourse. You can become pregnant as soon as your natural state of fertility allows.
Is SWC edible or ok to ingest?
SWC is not designed to be eaten but is no more unpleasant than a bit of soap in your mouth. It should be kept away from children.
I am in a transition period and need a temporary birth control method. Is SWC a good fit between hormonal birth control and trying to conceive?
Yes, it is. SWC doesn’t impact your hormonal systems, and you can rely on it to protect you until you are ready to begin trying to conceive.
My partner recently chose to get a vasectomy and we are in the space where he may still be fertile. We need something until we are sure there are no more swimmers?
Yes, if you are looking for a temporary birth control method to use short-term and as needed, SWC could be a great fit for you.
How long must I use SWC for it to be effective?
SWC is used as needed, that’s the beauty of it! The only planning ahead you need to do is to have it on hand, and accessible for when you and your partner are in the mood. It makes a great long or short-term solution to your birth control needs.
What if I experience a side effect while using the product?
Please reach out to us and let us know what is going on so we can document your experience. We are here to help!
Will I notice anything different after intercourse?
You may notice slightly more discharge after intercourse than normal-this is simply the coagulated semen and the Smart Women’s Choice cream passing from your body.
How long will it take to receive my order?
We pack and ship orders on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. We do not ship on U.S. federal holidays. Most U.S. orders arrive in about 3-5 days.
You will receive an email with your package’s tracking number so you will know exactly when to expect the product.
You will receive an email with your package’s tracking number so you will know exactly when to expect the product.
Do you ship internationally?
Yes, we do. We can ship to most countries worldwide. Shipping time varies depending on country, season, and carrier. Reach out and we can help you figure out an approximation.
Do you offer expedited shipping for U.S. orders?
Yes, we do. You can upgrade your order to priority (2-day) or express mail (overnight).
Do you offer expedited shipping for international orders?
Yes, we do for select countries.
Will I be enrolled in a subscription or auto-ship program if I buy today?
Only if you want to enroll in SWC’s subscription program, which you can sign up for or cancel at any time. Get more details and enroll in our subscription program here.
What if I’m not satisfied with the product?
If for any reason you are not totally satisfied, simply return the unused portion of the product for a full refund. You can start the return process here.