What is Birth Control – Sponge?
Sponge is round, soft plastic foam, contains spermicide. It is just five centimeter in diameter. It is inserted into the vagina by using your finger before intercourse. A small hole like dimple is present on one side and a nylon loop is attached to the bottom of it that helps in removing from vagina. It acts as a barrier and blocks your cervix to keep sperm from getting into your uterus, and it continuously releases spermicide which kills sperms.
How is it used?
INSERTION: It can be inserted into vagina 24 hours before having sex but it must not be kept inside vagina more than 30 hours.
- Hands must be washed properly.
- Sponge should be wet with few ml of water.
- To activate the spermicide, sponge must be squeezed gently.
- It is folded in half.
- It is inserted into vagina by using your finger.
- Sponge unfolds by itself and cover your cervix completely.
- To make sure whether it is in right place or not finger is moved around the circumference of sponge.
- It must not be inserted more than one time but couples can have intercourse as many times they want as long the sponge is in there.
REMOVAL: To remove it from vagina, you must wait at least six hours after sex.
- Hands must be washed properly.
- Finger is put inside the vagina and get the nylon loop.
- Sponge is pulled out slowly.
What is the effectiveness?
It is 85% effective if used properly but reduces to 75% if not used carefully.
How long it is effective?
It gives protection for 24-30 hours.
What are the advantages of Sponge?
- It is small in size, so can be carried in pocket.
- It won’t affect natural hormones.
- Couples can have intercourse as many times they want after inserting within 30 hours.
- No prescription is required.
What are the disadvantages of Sponge?
- Sometimes it can be broken into multiple pieces and can’t be removed so might need doctor assistance.
- Sometimes it makes irritation inside vagina.
- It makes sex dry and hence requires too much liquid.
- It doesn’t give protection against STDs.