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
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
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
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
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
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
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 Trussell, James (2011). "Contraceptive efficacy". In Hatcher, Robert A.; Trussell, James; Nelson, Anita L.; Cates, Willard Jr.; Kowal, Deborah; Policar, Michael S. (eds.). Contraceptive technology (20th revised ed.). New York: Ardent Media. pp. 779–863. ISBN 978-1-59708-004-0. ISSN 0091-9721. OCLC 781956734. Table 26–1 = 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. Archived 2017-02-15 at the Wayback Machine
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 Cason, Patty; Cwiak, Carrie; Kowal, Deborah; Edelman, Alison (26 September 2023). Contraceptive Technology (22 ed.). Jones & Bartlett Learning. pp. 493–499. ISBN 978-1-284-25503-4. Archived from the original on 10 April 2024. Retrieved 10 April 2024.
- ↑ "Bith Control Sponge". Archived from the original on 9 January 2014. Retrieved 13 September 2014.
- ↑ World Family Planning 2022 (PDF). United Nations. 2022. ISBN 9789211483765. Archived (PDF) from the original on 7 December 2023. Retrieved 22 March 2024.
- ↑ "How effective is the sponge?". Planned Parenthood. Archived from the original on 2022-09-13. Retrieved 2022-09-14.
- ↑ "How do I use the sponge?". Planned Parenthood. Archived from the original on 2022-09-13. Retrieved 2022-09-14.
- ↑ "What are the disadvantages of using the sponge?". Planned Parenthood. Archived from the original on 2022-09-13. Retrieved 2022-09-14.
- ↑ 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