Contraceptive sponge

Overview of Contraceptive Sponge or Birth Control Sponge

Birth control sponges have been around for centuries in one form or another. For example, the French in the 17th century-soaked sponges in brandy to weaken sperm and inhibit pregnancy.

Today, birth control sponges utilise something stronger than brandy: spermicide, a gel specifically designed to kill sperm. And for women who don't have prescription birth control, the birth control sponge is a superb choice since it's over the counter and women can find it in most drug stores or online.

The contraceptive sponge refers to a minuscule, spermicide-containing polyurethane sponge designed to be placed over the cervix. The shape of a sponge resembles a concave dimple with a cotton loop and is utilized for single-time usage.

How to utilize the Contraceptive Sponge?

Wet the sponge with water and press firmly an array of times until it becomes foamy. Do not press firmly the sponge dry.
Fold the sides in upward direction with a finger along each side to bolster it. Be sure the string loop dangles underneath.
Utilize one or two fingers to push the sponge delicately up into the vagina as far as it will go.
Be vigilant not to push a fingernail through the sponge.
Assess the position of the sponge to observe that the cervix is covered as well as the string loop can be felt.
Always wait at least 6 hours post the last act of intercourse prior to taking out the sponge. Insert the finger into the vagina, look for the string loop, tug delicately on the string, and take out the sponge.
If removal is tricky, relax the vaginal muscles and try again.
Please discard the sponge in a trash receptacle; do not flush it down the toilet.

How does the birth control or contraceptive sponge work?

Post the contraceptive sponge is placed in the vagina, it inhibits pregnancy by secreting a spermicide known as Nonoxynol-9. This spermicide works by destroying or paralyzing sperm (they can’t display motion) that enters the vagina. A dimple on one side of the sponge covers the cervix, creating a barrier that prevents sperm from reaching an egg.

The dimple additionally reduces the likelihood of the sponge shifting during sex. On the opposite side, the sponge features a loop designed for easy removal. There is only one size available for the sponge.

Effectiveness of the contraceptive sponge against pregnancy

The effectiveness of the sponge relies on how well women utilize it and whether women have ever given birth.

Typical use of the contraceptive sponge results in an effectiveness rate of 88%. This means that if 100 women utilize the contraceptive sponge, 12 women will become pregnant annually with typical usage. The contraceptive sponge is less effective at inhibiting pregnancy for women who have previously been pregnant.

The failure rates are:

Nine percent of women who haven’t given birth utilize the sponge correctly every time.
Twelve percent are women who haven’t given birth and don’t utilize the sponge correctly every time.
Twenty percent of women who have given birth utilize the sponge correctly every time.
Twenty-four percent of women who have given birth don’t utilize the sponge correctly every time.

What are the side effects or health risks of the Contraceptive Sponge?

The sponge has been linked with a few women experiencing toxic shock syndrome (TSS) – an unusual but severe fatal infection of bacteria.
The sponge should not be kept inside the vagina for more than 30 hours. The sponge should not be utilized during menstruation or if women have a history of TSS.
If the sponge breaks, women are trying to remove it, and women can’t get all the pieces out; women are required to see a doctor. Leaving the pieces in the body may cause an infection.
Women should not utilize the sponge if they are allergic to sulphites (a chemical found in few foods and wine), spermicide, or any of the sponge’s materials. Doing so may lead to hypersensitivity.

Pros and cons of the contraceptive or birth control sponge

The pros comprise:

Here are some of the most notable birth control sponge perks:

There’s no requirement for a prescription: The birth control sponge is available over the counter in majority of pharmacies, grocery stores and health centers.
The sponge delivers 24-hour protection: After women has inserted the sponge into vagina, women can have intercourse as many times as she wants within the next 24 hours.
It’s a hormone-free option: The contraceptive sponge is an excellent option for women who prefer non-hormonal birth control. It’s even safe to use while breastfeeding (chest feeding).
Women don’t have to worry about interrupting intercourse: Because she can insert the sponge up to 24 hours before intercourse, she doesn't have to worry about birth control in the heat of the moment.

The cons comprise:

Not as effective as a lot of other methods.
Spermicide can cause allergies or rashes.
Does not offer a means to protect against Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI).
Few studies have depicted that it raises the chances of acquiring HIV.

In a nutshell, the contraceptive sponge provides a convenient, over-the-counter birth control choice for women who prefer non-hormonal methods. Its ease of access, hormone-free nature, and capability to provide up to 24 hours of protection make it appealing to several users. However, its effectiveness is lower compared to some other birth control methods, and it does not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Furthermore, there are potential health risks such as the rare occurrence of toxic shock syndrome as well as allergic reactions to spermicide or sponge materials.

While the contraceptive sponge can be a reliable option for some women, it's essential for users to understand its drawbacks and risks and to follow the instructions for proper usage diligently. As with any birth control method, women should consult with a healthcare provider to estimate the most appropriate option for their requirements and circumstances.

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