Abstract: The present invention relates to microbicidal and spermicidal compositions, methods and topical pharmaceutical compositions containing N-cocoyl amino acid pyrrolidone carboxylates (N-cocoyl amino acid pyrrolidone salts, CAPS) as active ingredients. The invention is for the prevention and control of sexually transmitted diseases and for the prevention of pregnancy. The microbicidal spectrum of the invention includes various STD pathogens, HIV viruses as well as gram positive and negative bacteria, and yeasts. Spermicidal barriers containing the compositions are also provided. The N-cocoyl amino acid pyrrolidone salts is represented by the formula: Wherein A is an amino acid residue and R is a C.sub.1O-C.sub.