Contraceptive Sponge
What is the contraceptive sponge?
The vaginal sponge is a barrier method of preventing pregnancy. That is, the sponge acts as a barrier to prevent semen from entering the cervix. The sponge is more effective with women who have never given birth than with women who have. With typical use of the sponge, about 16 percent of women will experience pregnancy within one year. With consistent and correct use of the sponge, about nine percent of women will experience pregnancy within one year.
Because vaginal barrier methods, including the sponge, protect the cervix, they may help in preventing some sexually transmitted infections, including gonorrhea, chlamydia, and trichomoniasis. Studies about the protective effect of vaginal barrier methods are not consistent, however, so women should also use condoms to prevent sexually transmitted infections.
What are the advantages of the contraceptive sponge?
- Sponges are easy to use, relatively inexpensive, and available without prescription.
- Because you may insert the sponge when your sex partner is not present, they offer a good measure of contraceptive privacy.
What are the disadvantages?
- Unlike hormonal methods, the sponge does not provide constant protection. You need a new one for each occasion of sex.
- You need to wash your hands with soap and water before you insert the sponge.
- The sponge must be inserted into the vagina and up against the cervix prior to the penis entering the vagina.
- Some women find it difficult to place the sponge correctly.
- Some women have difficulty removing the sponge.
- If left within the vagina for more than 30 hours, the sponge slightly increases your risk for a very serious infection called toxic shock syndrome. Don’t leave your sponge in for more than 30 hours.
- The sponge may accidentally be placed onto the cervix improperly or may slip out of place during sex.
- Sponges must be stored in a clean, cool, dark place—not in the glove compartment of a car or in a purse.
Where can I get the contraceptive sponge?
You can purchase the sponge in local pharmacies and other stores that sell condoms and personal hygiene products, including online stores.
Adapted from Hatcher RA et al. Contraceptive Technology. 18th rev. edition. New York, NY: Ardent Media, 2004.
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