Birth Control Method
Barrier
Description
The contraceptive sponge is a small, disposable sponge that contains spermicide and is placed over the cervix to kill sperm before they enter the uterus or fertilize an egg.
How It Works
Moisten the contraceptive sponge with water (not saliva!) and then insert into your vagina, placing it over your cervix, which is the opening of your uterus or womb. Spermicide kills live sperm, preventing them from fertilizing an egg. You can have intercourse multiple times while wearing the contraceptive sponge, but you must remove it within 24 hours from the time you first inserted it.
Should You Use It?
Women who have intercourse infrequently, or whose fertility is low because of age,
will find the contraceptive sponge a good choice for contraception. Couples who have
intercourse frequently (more than three times weekly) may find the contraceptive
sponge less effective than those who have sex sporadically -- mostly due to
inconsistent and incorrect use. The contraceptive sponge is very effective for
women who have not had children, but higher failure rates apply for women who
use the sponge after they have given birth.
One thing to be aware of is the unpleasant taste of the spermicide with which the sponge is saturated -- you might want to forgo oral sex if you're using the sponge.
Effectiveness
With consistent and correct use, the contraceptive sponge is about 90% effective; however, most couples will find the contraceptive sponge to be, on average, 84 to 87% effective at preventing pregnancy.
STI Protection
Barrier methods may provide considerable protection from sexually transmitted infections (STIs) such as gonorrhea, chlamydia and certain pre-cancerous conditions of the cervix; however the contraceptive sponge does not prevent the transmission of many other STIs, including herpes, HPV or HIV. Women who frequently use spermicides may experience disruption in the vaginal skin, increasing the risk of sexually transmitted infections and abnormal pap results.
Advantages
- Small, portable and inexpensive.
- Can be purchased at most drugstores or pharmacies.
- Wearer does not need to see a doctor before using the contraceptive sponge.
- Can be inserted up to an hour before sex.
- Effective for 24 hours.
- Wearer can have intercourse an unlimited number of times with each wearing.
- Confidential -- your partner doesn't have to know you're using it.
- Teaches women more about their anatomy.
- Reliable form of contraception when used correctly and consistently.
Disadvantages
- Some women cannot easily reach their cervix and must choose a different form of contraception.
- Can be difficult to insert properly and remove.
- May increase the risk for urinary tract infection, toxic shock syndrome, vaginal infection or inflammation of the cervix.
- The spermicide in the contraceptive sponge can make performing oral sex on the wearer unsavory; many people have complained about the "numbing" effect of the sponge.
Where to Buy It
Contraceptive sponges can be purchased at most grocery stores, family-planning clinics, drugstores or pharmacies. As the sponge is not generally as available as other forms of contraception, such as condoms, you may want to call ahead to ensure the store can help you.
Follow Up
Contraceptive sponges can only be used once. After you use it, throw it away! Also, be aware that because of the spermicidal agents in the sponge, the package does bear an expiration date. Do not use a sponge past its expiration date or you will risk pregnancy or infection.
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