Barrier contraceptives and spermicides offer different methods of preventing pregnancy. Barriers physically block semen from entering the cervix and the other parts of the female reproductive system. Spermicides, on the other hand, annihilates sperm cells on contact. If you combine the features of both means of birth control, you get the product known as the contraceptive sponge.
Contraceptive Sponge: Blocks and Kills Sperm Cells
The contraceptive sponge is a sponge doused with nonoxynol-9, an active ingredient of spermicides. It is inserted in the vagina until it totally blocks the cervix. During intercourse, the cloud of semen ejaculated by the male is absorbed by the sponge and killed by the built-in spermicide, preventing ovulation in the process. It can also be used in conjunction with other means of birth control for improved efficiency.
Three Prevailing Brands of Contraceptive Sponges
Only three brands are marketed commercially. These brands are:
Today
Pharmatex
Protectaid
Today is sold mainly in the United States while the other two are found in Canada and Europe. In Asia, people can buy generic contraceptive sponges made by Chinese manufacturers. People who don’t want to settle for generic means of contraception can order Today, Pharmatex or Protectaid via the Internet.
Efficiency
As compared to other means of birth control, the contraceptive sponge has a pretty low efficiency rating. Using standard barrier contraceptives and a spermicide separately yields even higher success rates. As a result, the contraceptive is not as popular as the condom, birth control pills and the IUD, which all have low percentages of failure.
Ideal Use (no errors) – prevents pregnancies 74% - 91% of the time
Global Average – prevents pregnancies 68% - 84% of the time
In other endeavors, those percentages are pretty high marks but in the field of birth control, a 68% tag is almost unacceptable. Passing the contraceptive sponge for more efficient methods, save those that require an operation, is a good idea.
Factors Contributing to the High Failure Rate
Given its efficiency rating, the contraceptive sponge should be improved by its manufacturers, if it wants to make a mark in the contraceptive market. The idea of combining two means of birth control is actually good, but the contraceptive’s dimensions and stability inside the vagina are questionable.
Size and Shape – The sizes and sometimes the shapes of vaginas differ. Ideally, the same should be said for the contraceptive sponge. The sponge, when placed inside the vagina, may leave small uncovered portions that are big enough for semen to slide through.
Stability – The sponge has no latch or any means to keep itself steady, except for its flexibility. During torrid love-making, it can bend or become displaced, permitting the entry of sperm cells into the cervix. The sponge’s manufacturers can incorporate the latches found in diaphragms to take care of this problem.
Capacity for Carrying Semen – With extra-long sexual intercourse, the male discharges huge amounts of semen multiple times. The sponge should be be absorbent enough to hold large amounts of the thick and sticky substance, which isn’t always the case. The spermicide may also fail to repulse huge doses of semen because of the latter’s thick consistency. After multiple ejaculations, the semen can overwhelm the sponge as it forcibly creates openings for passage.
Old Stock – Old sponges have less flexibility and capacity to absorb liquids. Huge amounts of semen will surely overwhelm a dated contraceptive sponge, especially during extended intercourse. Check the label and the best before date to make sure that you’re getting a fairly new item.
In addition, the sheer amount of spermicide in the sponge may be displaced by a large amount of sperm cells upon contact. Thick and heavy layers of semen can easily pile up above the spermicide and eventually nullify its effects.
Side-Effects
Since the contraceptive sponge uses spermicide, some side-effects related to the sperm-killing solution are also present in the contraceptive. The other side-effects, on the other hand, are related to using the sponge for extended periods.
Allergies – Many people are allergic to nonoxynol-9 and the other potent chemicals used in spermicides. Naturally, using a contraceptive that contains those substances will cause irritation on the vaginal walls. The irritation will feel more severe than a normal case of skin allergy since the vagina is a pretty sensitive organ.
Yeast Infection – Inserting the contraceptive sponge with unwashed hands can result in bacterial infection. Leaving the sponge inside the vagina beyond the prescribed period, which is 18- 24 hours, may also attract bacteria. When the bacteria accumulates, a yeast infection will develop. The symptoms of the condition are severe itching, a painful burning sensation, and white discharge coming from the vagina. (Learn how to get rid of yeast infections)
Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) – Just like a yeast infection, a UTI may develop due to the overextended use of the sponge and inserting it with dirty hands. Both diseases are bacterial in nature, so taking antibiotics and antifungal medicine are your primary means of treatment.
Toxic Shock Syndrome – This bacterial condition is pretty serious but occurs rarely. Its causes are similar to both yeast infection and UTI. Hospitalization and potent antibiotics are required to treat this ailment.
Except for the allergies, which can be prevented by consulting a doctor prior to using the sponge, the contraceptive’s side-effects are really caused by the lack of cleanliness and not following the instructions. You should always have clean hands when handling the sponge. As for the instructions, you must know them by heart even before using the contraceptive.
Perfect Combinations
Barrier contraceptives can be used in conjunction with other contraceptives, especially the oral and hormonal ones. The contraceptive sponge, being a barrier contraceptive and a spermicide, can definitely be used alongside other means of birth control. Items that make good combinations with the sponge are:
Male Condom – The primal function of the male condom is to act as a barrier in between the penis and the vagina. If ever a small amount of semen manages to the escape its boundary, the sponge will surely catch and annihilate it. Using both contraceptives eliminates any chance that the sponge will be overwhelmed by large amounts of semen. As a result, the failure rate of the two contraceptives working in conjunction is quite low.
Morning-After Pills – The morning-after pill is one of the most efficient forms of birth control. Using it alone yields a near-zero chance of having an unwanted pregnancy. Imagine combining it with the contraceptive sponge. Logic even backs the use of the two together. Let’s say multiple ejaculations enter the vagina. The sponge will surely take out most of the semen. If ever a small trace of sperm cells get through, the pills will have no problems repulsing them.
Birth Control Pills – The results are similar to the morning-after pill-contraceptive sponge combo.
Spermicide – The amount of spermicide used for the sponge is rather limited. If you place a good amount of spermicide inside the vagina before inserting the sponge, the contraceptive’s efficiency rate will dramatically rise. A discharge of semen, entering the vagina, will have to pass through a path covered with spermicide before reaching the sponge. As a result, many of the sperm cells will perish beforehand, which will make the job much easier for the sponge. Just don’t forget to consult your doctor if you are allergic to spermicide.
Since the contraceptive sponge is generally inefficient when used alone, it works better as a supporting contraceptive. Its dual features enhance the efficiency rate of other contraceptives. Just choose among the presented combos for a very bustling sex life.
How to Put on a Contraceptive Sponge
Putting in the contraceptive is simple, though some ladies are squeamish about placing a foreign object deep into their vaginas. All you really need to do is clean your hands and insert the sponge carefully. Remember, it should be inserted prior to having intercourse.
Materials Used:
contraceptive sponge
soap
water
Procedure
Wash your hands with soap and water.
Open the pack and take out the sponge.
Insert the sponge until your reach the cervix. Position it in such a way that it totally covers the cervix. Make sure that sponge is steadily wedged into place before the removing your fingers from your vagina.
When the sponge is in position, remove your fingers and then wash your hands.
Remove the sponge six hours after the final male ejaculation. When removing the sponge, keep your hands clean as you pull the contraceptive out of your vagina. Make sure that sponge stays in one piece while you remove it. If it crumbles, remove all the bits to avoid infection.
The Lowdown
The contraceptive sponge is a bold take on birth control, given its combining of two different technologies. Although, just like any bold concept, many details still need to be improved. Until those improvements appear, you are better off using other contraceptives. Remember, the responsibility of raising a child can’t be sacrificed for the development of an unperfected technology.