Contraceptive sponge
{{short description|Birth control device}}
{{Infobox Birth control
|name = Contraceptive sponge
|image = Éponge spermicide.jpg
|width = 230
|caption = Protectaid sponge, in its plastic tray. It is removed from the tray before use.
|tradename = Today, Safe-T
|bc_type = Barrier
|date_first_use = 1983
|rate_type = Failure
|perfect_failure% = Nulliparous:9%{{cite book|last=Trussell|first=James|year=2011|chapter=Contraceptive efficacy|editor1-last=Hatcher|editor1-first=Robert A.|editor2-last=Trussell|editor2-first=James|editor3-last=Nelson|editor3-first=Anita L.|editor4-last=Cates|editor4-first=Willard Jr.|editor5-last= Kowal|editor5-first=Deborah|editor6-last=Policar|editor6-first=Michael S.|title=Contraceptive technology|edition=20th revised|location=New York|publisher=Ardent Media|isbn=978-1-59708-004-0|issn = 0091-9721|oclc=781956734|pages=779–863}} Table 26–1 = [http://www.contraceptivetechnology.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/CTFailureTable.pdf Table 3–2 Percentage of women experiencing an unintended pregnancy during the first year of typical use and the first year of perfect use of contraception, and the percentage continuing use at the end of the first year. United States.] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170215224018/http://www.contraceptivetechnology.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/CTFailureTable.pdf |date=2017-02-15 }}
Parous:20
|typical_failure% = Nulliparous:12%
Parous:24
|duration_effect =
|reversibility = Immediate
|user_reminders =
|clinic_interval =
|STD_protection_YesNo = No
|periods_advantage =
|benefits = May be inserted 12–24 hours before intercourse
|periods_disadvantage =
|weight_gain_YesNo =
|risks = yeast infection, rarely toxic shock syndrome
|medical_notes =
}}
The contraceptive sponge is a contraceptive which combines barrier and spermicidal methods to prevent conception. Sponges work in two ways. First, the sponge is inserted into the vagina, so it can cover the cervix and prevent any sperm from entering the uterus. Secondly, the sponge contains spermicide.{{cite web|url=http://www.plannedparenthood.org/health-topics/birth-control/birth-control-sponge-today-sponge-4224.html|title=Bith Control Sponge|access-date=13 September 2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140109010052/http://www.plannedparenthood.org/health-topics/birth-control/birth-control-sponge-today-sponge-4224.html|archive-date=9 January 2014}}
Use
The sponges are inserted vaginally prior to intercourse and must be placed over the cervix to be effective. Sponges provide no protection from sexually transmitted infections. Sponges can provide contraception for multiple acts of intercourse over a 24-hour period, but cannot be reused beyond that time or once removed.{{cite web |title=Today Sponge Vaginal Contraceptive Sponge Consumer Information Leaflet |url=http://todaysponge.com/pdf/todaysponge-pi2.pdf |publisher=Mayer Laboratories, Inc. |access-date=3 March 2019 |archive-date=26 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230226114101/http://www.todaysponge.com/pdf/todaysponge-pi2.pdf |url-status=dead }}
Sponges are a physical barrier, trapping sperm and preventing their passage through the cervix into the reproductive system. The spermicide is an important component of pregnancy prevention.
Effectiveness
The sponge’s effectiveness is 91% if used perfectly by women who have never given birth, and 80% if used perfectly by women who have given birth at least once, Since it is hard to use the sponge perfectly every time having vaginal sex, its real effectiveness can be lower, and it is advised to combine sponges with other birth control methods, like withdrawal of penis before ejaculation or condoms.{{cite web |title=How effective is the sponge? |url=https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/birth-control/birth-control-sponge/how-effective-sponge |website=Planned Parenthood |access-date=2022-09-14}}
Side effects
People sensitive to Nonoxynol-9, an ingredient in the spermicide used in the sponge, may experience unpleasant irritation and may face increased risk of sexually transmitted infections. Sponge users may have a slightly higher risk of toxic shock syndrome.{{cite web |title=What are the disadvantages of using the sponge? |url=https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/birth-control/birth-control-sponge/what-are-disadvantages-using-sponge |website=Planned Parenthood |access-date=2022-09-14}}
In popular culture
Shortly after they were taken off the U.S. market, the sponge was featured in an episode of the sitcom Seinfeld titled "The Sponge". In the episode, Elaine Benes conserves her remaining sponges by choosing to not have intercourse unless she is certain her partner is "sponge-worthy".Lavery, David and Sara Lewis Dunne (2006). Seinfeld, master of its domain: revisiting television's greatest sitcom, p. 247. Continuum International Publishing Group, {{ISBN|978-0-8264-1803-6}}
References
{{reflist|30em}}
External links
- [https://web.archive.org/web/20060204000755/http://www.drdonnica.com/display.asp?article=4125 The Contraceptive Sponge] – DrDonnica.com
{{Birth control methods}}