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Sexual Health Centre
Birth Control |
Sponges
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The sponge is placed in the vagina in front of the cervix. (Art by Kathryn Maney)
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The sponge is a soft round piece of polyurethane foam containing several different spermicides. It can stay in your vagina up to 12 hours. The sponge:
- absorbs and traps sperm
- uses spermicide to kill sperm
- sits in front of the cervix making it more difficult for sperm to enter
The sponge is 75 to 90 percent effective when used alone. It may be more effective
when combined with another method of birth control like a condom. Even alone,
the sponge provides some protection against sexually
transmitted infections.
How to Use the Sponge
You can put the sponge in place up to six hours before you have intercourse. Do not use a sponge during your menstrual period. There are different brands of sponges but most have slots or other modifications so you can grip them easily. Read the directions carefully before use.
To insert the sponge:
- Put your finger into a slot on the side of the sponge.
- Squat or sit on a toilet as you would to insert a tampon.
- Slide the sponge into the vagina using one or two fingers.
- Push it towards the small of your back.
- Leave the sponge in place for at least six hours after sex.
- To remove the sponge put your fingers in the vagina and grab one of the slots
- Pull it out and discard the sponge. Once a sponge has been removed it should never be reused!
- If you have trouble removing the sponge, push as if you are having a bowel movement. This may move the sponge closer to the opening of the vagina.
Advantages
- it can be inserted hours before intercourse so sex can be spontaneous
- can be used with other forms of birth control
- you only use it when you need to
- usually neither partner can feel the sponge during sex
- you control this method of birth control
- it does not cause any hormonal changes in your body
- you can buy it without a prescription in any pharmacy
- it does not need to be fitted
Disadvantages
- not very effective when used alone
- it may be expensive if used regularly
- only provides partial protection against sexually transmitted infections
- you may have some difficulty inserting and removing it
- cannot be used during your menstrual period
- spermicide may cause irritation and often taste bad
(Vaginal irritation can increase your risk of sexually transmitted infections.)
- you must plan ahead before you have sex
- some women are uncomfortable inserting it into their vagina
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