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Contraceptive Sponges

Contraceptive sponges are age-old barrier birth control method being used by women for centuries. It is doughnut-shaped small polyurethane foam sponged come alongwith Nonoxynol-9 type of spermicide to kill the sperm. It does not contain any hormone. The idea is simple to protect sperm entering into vagina passing through uterus to fertilize the egg. Thus contraceptive sponge protects from pregnancy.

How to use contraceptive sponge?
First, you need to wash the hands with the good anti-bacterial soap. It is very important so that sponge should not get dirty. Remove the sponge with clean hand, add two tablespoon of water, squeeze it once and insert it into vagina and cover the cervix as directed. The correct position of inserting contraceptive sponge is where the dimple side should face the cervix and loop side away from it.

It is to be inserted into vagina before intercourse. Of course, contraceptive sponge should be impregnated with (Nonoxynol-9) spermicide. Effectiveness of contraceptive sponge would depend upon the position and spermicide Nonoxyno-9 used. It should be inserted as you would use tampon. Do not use fingernails to push sponge into, it may tear it.

Fing out About Sponges:

Contraceptive sponge will provide protection for upto 24 hours without use of additional spermicide inspite of repeated intercourse, if used as directed. It should remain in place for upto 6 hours after the intercourse. However, care must be taken that it should not remain in vagina for more than 30 hours. Some women may be allergic to spermicide and risk at TSS (Toxic Shock Syndrome). This occurs due to contraceptive sponge or tampon left in place for more than prescribed time. TSS is uncommon but could be serious for some women who are using contraceptive sponges daily. Contraceptive sponges are not recommended to use during menstruation, after immediate child-birth or miscarriage.

If it is inserted properly, your partner should not feel it, however, if it is so, then please check the position of the contraceptive sponge because it may not be inserted properly.

How to remove the contraceptive sponge?
Wash your hands with good anti-bacterial soap. Contraceptive sponges come with loop made of woven polyester. Pull the sponge gently from the loop with finger. Make sure that it is removed in one-piece. If it is torn then you need to clean the pieces from vagina. Once pull out, throw away the sponge in the safe way. Douching is not recommended while you use contraceptive sponges as it may cause pelvic infection. If douching, however, is required anyway, you can do so only after six hours of intercourse so that spermicide should not get washed away.

Effectiveness of contraceptive sponges:
It's effectiveness is estimated to be 64-82% if used as directed. It may also provide protection against STDs (chlamydia and gonorrhea) to some extent due to spermicide used. However, spermicide could be harmful for women who are allergic to it and opt for multiple intercourse in a day with the same or multiple partners, and may be at the risk of HIV infection. Women using contraceptive sponges may insist their male partners to use latex condoms for better protection from birth control and STDs

Contraceptive sponges' side effects:
Some common side effects noticed by women are irritation, burning sensation, redness, itching inside or around vagina. Such side effects could be temporary but if problem persists, please consult your doctor or healthcare professional immediately and seek advice on further continuation of the contraceptive sponge.

Contraceptive sponges are approved by FDA for OTC (over-the-counter) sale without prescription. However, due to some economical reasons, contraceptive sponges were removed from the market. The first company manufactured it, were taken over by another. However, you can find them now in all the leading pharmacies between $1.00 to $3.00 each, with 3-12 packages.

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