Birth Control Sponge

Contraceptive sponge
Protectaid sponge, in its plastic tray. It is removed from the tray before use.
Background
Type	Barrier
First use	1983
Failure rates (first year)
Perfect use	Nulliparous:9%[1] Parous:20%[1]
Typical use	Nulliparous:12%[1] Parous:24%[1]
Usage
Reversibility	Immediate
User reminders	?
Advantages and disadvantages
STI protection	No
Benefits	May be inserted 12–24 hours before intercourse
Risks	yeast infection, rarely toxic shock syndrome

The birth control sponge combines barrier and spermicidal methods to prevent pregnancy. It is placed in the vagina over the cervix prior to sex. With typical use pregnancy occurs in 12% in the first year, while with typical use rates are about 17%.^[2] Effectiveness appears lower in those who have previously had children.^[2] It is effective immediately and should be left in for 6 to 30 hours.^[2]

It 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. They work by covering the cervix to prevent sperm from entry and inhibiting the function of sperm.^[3]

As of 2020, it is a relatively infrequently used method of birth control globally.^[4] They have not been commercially available in the United States since 2020.^[2]

Medical uses[edit | edit source]

Sponge's effectiveness is 91% if used perfectly by women who never gave birth, and 80% if used perfectly by women who have given at least one birth. 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.^[5]

Technique[edit | edit source]

To use the sponge, wet the sponge and squeeze it, fold it and put it in the vagina covering the cervix. A sponge works for 24 hours once put in, during which the female can have sex multiple times. Once the sponge is pulled out, it should not be reused and should be trashed, not flushed. The sponge should be left in place for 6 hours after having sex. A sponge should not be in the vagina for more than 30 hours.^[6]

Spermicide[edit | edit source]

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.

Side effects[edit | edit source]

People sensitive to nonoxynol-9, an ingredient in the spermicide used in the sponge, may experience irritation and an increased risk of sexually transmitted infections. Sponge users may have a slightly higher risk of toxic shock syndrome.^[7]

Society and culture[edit | edit source]

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".^[8]

References[edit | edit source]

External links[edit | edit source]