| Contraceptive sponge | |
|---|---|
 Protectaid sponge, in its plastic tray. It is removed from the tray before use. | |
| Background | |
| Type | Barrier |
| First use | 1983 |
| Trade names | Today, Safe-T |
| 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 contraceptive sponge combines barrier and spermicidal methods to prevent conception. Sponges work in two ways. First, the sponge is inserted into the vagina, so it can cover the cervix and prevent any sperm from entering the uterus. Secondly, the sponge contains spermicide.[2]
The sponges are inserted vaginally prior to intercourse and must be placed over the cervix to be effective. Sponges 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.[3]
- ^ a b c d 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
- ^ "Bith Control Sponge". Archived from the original on 9 January 2014. Retrieved 13 September 2014.
- ^ "Today Sponge Vaginal Contraceptive Sponge Consumer Information Leaflet" (PDF). Mayer Laboratories, Inc. Archived from the original (PDF) on 26 February 2023. Retrieved 3 March 2019.