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Risks
By Mayo Clinic staffIt's possible to become pregnant when using a contraceptive sponge, especially if you remove the contraceptive sponge less than six hours after sex.
The contraceptive sponge doesn't offer protection from sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
The contraceptive sponge and the spermicide it releases may cause:
- Vaginal irritation or dryness
- Urinary tract or vaginal infection
- An increased risk of contracting STIs
An estimated 16 out of 100 women who've never given birth and use the contraceptive sponge for one year will get pregnant. An estimated 32 out of 100 women who've given birth and use the contraceptive sponge for one year will get pregnant.
Contact your health care provider if:
- You have signs and symptoms of toxic shock syndrome, such as sudden high fever, diarrhea, dizziness, vomiting, fainting or a rash that looks like sunburn
- You have trouble removing the contraceptive sponge or you're able to remove only part of the sponge
- Frequently asked questions: Birth control methods. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. http://www.womenshealth.gov/faq/birth-control-methods.pdf. Accessed Sept. 30, 2009.
- Yranski P. New options for barrier contraception. Journal of Obstetric, Gynecologic and Neonatal Nursing. 2008;37:384.
- Barrier methods of contraception. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. http://www.acog.org/publications/patient_education/bp022.cfm. Accessed Oct. 23, 2009.
- Over-the-counter vaginal contraceptive and spermicide drug products containing nonoxynol-9; Required labeling. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. http://www.fda.gov/OHRMS/DOCKETS/98fr/80n-0280-nfr0003.pdf. Accessed Oct. 23, 2009.
- Hatcher RA, et al. Contraceptive Technology. 19th ed. New York, N.Y.: Ardent Media, Inc.; 2007:TK.
- Birth control. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. http://www.acog.org/publications/patient_education/ab020.cfm. Accessed Oct. 23, 2009.
- Zieman M. Overview of contraception. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Oct. 2, 2009.
- Today sponge. Mayer Laboratories Inc. http://www.todaysponge.com/images/pdf/todaysponge-pi.pdf. Accessed Oct. 23, 2009.
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