What is a contraceptive sponge?

 

Think condoms and pills are the only ways you can prevent pregnancy? Well, think again.

Well, as the name suggests, it is a sponge that helps to prevent pregnancy. This type of sponge is usually coated in spermicide and is then placed over the cervix before sexual intercourse.

There are a wide variety of contraceptives available on the market these days that all have the same function, i.e preventing pregnancy. The difference, however, is that even though they all have the same basic function, some are more effective than others and they varying pros and cons.

In this article, we’ll be taking a detailed look at the contraceptive sponge. Here, you’ll discover all you need to know about the contraceptive sponge and more importantly if it will be the right fit for you.

What is it made of?

Natural Sea Sponges (Organic)

Natural contraceptive sponges are made of sea sponges . Yes, from the ocean.

In many parts of the world where pads and tampons are too expensive or are inaccessible to locals, may women use sea sponges to “plug it up”. They also use these same sea sponges to prevent pregnancy.

These sponges are soaked in vinegar, lemon and other naturally occurring spermicides which both block and kill sperm before they have a chance to pass through the cervix. This practice dates back to the late 1800s and is making quite the comeback in the eco-friendly community.

The problem with this, however, is that sea sponge harvesting can be bad for the environment if proper practices aren’t observed, and unprocessed sea sponges can contain small particles of sand and other microorganisms that can cause irritation and infection.

As it relates to effectiveness, not all naturally occurring sea sponges are the same and absorbency rates can differ. This means that effectiveness will differ from woman to woman, especially if not used correctly.

Synthetic Sea Sponges

While some vegans are okay with using sea sponges although they are classified as animals (they have no organs, nerves or brains), others are not and prefer synthetic sponges.

Polyurethane foam

This is perhaps the most popular type of contraceptive sponge on the market. Polyurethane is a strong, impermeable synthetic material made of a hypoallergenic, non-toxic polymer. It is used to make several products from foam beds to condoms.

Polyurethane contraceptive sponges are soft and disc-shaped so that they fit comfortably over the cervix. They are filled with spermicide which helps the sponge to trap and destroy sperm and usually come with a strap for easy removal from the vagina.

When used correctly by women who have never given birth, these sponges are about 91% effective. For women who have given birth, efficacy falls to 80%. In reality, however, the sponge is not the easiest birth control method to use effectively and realistic figures are about 88% and 76% respectively.

Do You need a prescription or to be fitted?

 

Most contraceptive sponges are available over the counter which means that there’s no need for them to be fitted. They are one size fits all and can even be ordered online.

But as with everything related to the vagina, it is always advised to consult your gynecologist beforehand to get advise on of this is the right contraceptive for you. Doing your research is also very important.

Does it protect against STDs?

 

While contraceptive sponges are fairly effective at preventing unwanted pregnancies, they offer no protection against STDs. For this reason, many women use them along with condoms for extra protection.

How to insert and remove contraceptive sponges

 

As aforementioned, contraceptive sponges aren’t the easiest birth control method out there, but it isn’t rocket science either. After a few uses, you will find that insertion and removal become much easier and more comfortable.

Insertion:

The first thing you should do is wash your hands. Next, wet the sponge with water and squeeze until it becomes sudsy. This activates the spermicide and helps to make inserting the sponge easier.

Next, compress the sponge by folding and place it near the entrance of your vagina with the string or knob facing outwards.

Use one or two fingers to gently push the sponge up the vagina. This might be a bit uncomfortable your first time but it should not hurt.

When you think it has reached your cervix, use your finger to feel the sponge to check if it is properly in place, meaning your cervix is covered and the string is facing your entrance.

That’s it! You’re good to go.

Removal:

You should wait at least 6 hours after having sex to remove your sponge to ensure all sperm have been trapped or destroyed by the spermicide.

To remove, insert a clean finger and gently tug at the string until it comes out. If this doesn’t work, relax your vaginal muscles then insert two fingers. Open them up like a pair of scissors then grip the sponge and pull it out.

Disposal:

Contraceptive sponges are not reusable and should be disposed of after every act of sexual intercourse.

Do not flush it as it may clog the toilet. Instead, wrap it neatly in some tissue and dispose of it in a bin.

Can you use it while on your period?

 

Though contraceptive sponges can be used during your period and can help to make it less messy, especially if your partner is squeamish about blood, they should not be relied on for daily hygienic use.

There are sponges specifically designed for menstrual use and are useless when it comes to preventing pregnancy. Just be sure to read the packaging carefully and use each product for its intended purpose.

How long can you insert before intercourse?

 

You can insert your contraceptive sponge up to 24 hours before having sex. This means that you won’t have to stop in the middle of fooling around to put it in which can seriously kill the mood.

How long can you keep it in?

 

While you can keep the sponge in for more than one rounds of sex, it is not advised to keep the sponge in for more than 30 hours since any longer can put you at risk of infection.

Can a guy feel it?

 

If it is inserted properly, your partner will not be able to tell the difference between it and regular vaginal tissue.

Pros

 

There are several advantages to using the contraceptive sponge as a primary or complementary birth control method. These include:

• No prescription needed- Many birth control methods, especially hormonal birth control, require a doctor’s prescription. However, contraceptive sponges are something you can easily order online.
• The same sponge can be used for up to 24 hours- With condoms you have to use a new one for every act of intercourse even if it is within the same day because once his penis goes limp, semen can begin to leak out. With a sponge, you can keep it in there all day and go as many times as you like until it is time to take it out.
• No commitment required- Unlike hormonal birth control methods such as the patch, IUD, shot and pill, where you have to take one every day or deal with the side effects or hormones daily, the sponge is commitment-free. In just 6 hours after sex, you can remove the sponge and be done with it until you feel like using another one for sex in the early or late future.
• It is undetectable- Condoms sure can take the fun out of sex since it can reduce sensation for both the male and female. Sponges differ in that it undetectable by both parties.
• One size fits all- Since it is one size fits all, there is no need for it to be fitted or customized to your cervix. You also don’t need to visit a gynecologist to have it placed.

Cons

 

Contraceptive sponges are far from perfect and have a few drawbacks. Some of these include:

• Less effective at preventing pregnancy than other birth control methods- Even though no birth control method is 100% effective, sponges are pretty low on the efficacy ranking, especially if a woman has given birth in the past.
• Doesn’t protect against STDs- Sponges offer zero protection against STDs and can increase the risk of contracting certain STDs such as HIV.
• Can irritate- Contraceptive sponges have a high concentration of spermicide and this can cause irritation and allergic reactions in women who are sensitive to its ingredients.
• Can cause vaginal dryness- It is a sponge and sponges absorb moisture. This might make sex uncomfortable but can be resolved by using a water-based or silicone lubricant.
Who shouldn’t use the sponge

Contraceptive Sponges Are Not Recommended For women Who Fall In One Of The Below:

 

• Are allergic to latex, polyurethane or spermicide
• Have recently given birth, had an abortion or miscarriages
• Have a history of Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS)
• Have frequent Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)

Risks

 

The biggest risk posed by using contraceptive sponges as a primary means of birth control is contracting an STD. Second is pregnancy.

Women with acrylic nails or long fingernails run the risk of poking holes in their sponge which can cause pieces of the sponge to break off and be left behind in the vagina. This can lead to infection or even worse, TSS.

Signs and symptoms of TSS include dizziness, sudden high fever, vomiting, fainting, sore throat and muscles, weakness and rash.

Warning

 

Douching is never recommended since the vagina cleans itself but for women who feel the need to, avoid douching while wearing a sponge. This can cause the spermicide to get washed away and render the sponge completely useless.

Is it the same as a film? How are they different?

Both contraceptive films and sponges work by preventing sperm from entering the cervix. The difference, however, is that the film is a paper-thin barrier that turns into a gel when it is inside the vagina while the sponge is a round sponge that has to be manually removed after use.

Final Thoughts

 

While it is not the most effective birth control method out there, the contraceptive sponge is great for women who are against hormonal birth control and for women who don’t have a lot of sex (eg long-distance relationship). It is however not recommended as a long term birth control method since it can result in vaginal dryness and infections.