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Worried about Pregnancy?
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Cervical Barrier Contraceptives for Women
Contraceptive Sponge
Average Failure: 16-32%
The Today sponge was removed from the US market in
1995 due to manufacturing problems which were resulting in contamination of
the product. As of 2005, the Today sponge has returned to the US market.
The Today Sponge is the only brand available in the US, but other brands are available in Canada and abroad.
How the Contraceptive Sponge Works
The contraceptive sponge is a small, disposable foam sponge that already contains nonoxynol-9 spermicide. It prevents pregnancy by acting as a cervical barrier to semen and by killing sperm before they can reach an egg.
Who Should Consider the Sponge
The sponge may be a good option for the following groups of women:
- Women who like the convenience of a disposable contraceptive
- Women who prefer an over-the-counter option because there is no need to visit a physician
- Women who smoke, and therefore should not use hormonal methods of birth control
- Women who are over age 35, and therefore should not use hormonal methods of birth control
- Women who experience side-effects from hormonal methods
- Women who prefer non-hormonal methods of birth control
- Women who need a backup method to a condom for extra protection from pregnancy
- Women who need a backup method to to the pill (when pills are missed, during first month of use, or if using drugs that interfere with pill effectiveness)
- Women who prefer a method affording sexual spontaneity without messy gels and creams
- Women who have difficulty being fitted for or using a diaphragm
Using the Contraceptive Sponge
Before intercourse, the sponge should be moistened with water (not saliva). A woman then
then places the sponge over the cervix. Once in place, the sponge provides protection
for twenty-four hours, no matter how often you have intercourse. Because it is made of a soft foam, the sponge is usually not felt by a woman or her partner.
Effectiveness of the Contraceptive Sponge
The sponge is about as
effective as a diaphragm, but, like the cervical cap, it is less effective for women who have already borne children.
Side-Effects and Health Risks of the Sponge
The sponge is a fairly safe method of birth control, unless either person has an allergy to spermicide.
In addition to toxic
shock syndrome, women who use the sponge may be at higher risk
of vaginal yeast infections.
Featured Links
- At this site:
- The following links are provided as an informational resource or counterpoint and are not necessarily endorsed by the author:
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