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Why it's done
By Mayo Clinic staffThe contraceptive sponge is an over-the-counter contraceptive device. The contraceptive sponge:
- Doesn't require a prescription or fitting
- Can be inserted hours before sex and provides protection from pregnancy for 24 hours
- Can be used as a backup method of birth control
- Doesn't require a partner's cooperation or an erect penis
The contraceptive sponge isn't appropriate for everyone, however. Your health care provider may discourage use of the contraceptive sponge if:
- You're sensitive or allergic to spermicide or polyurethane
- You have vaginal abnormalities that interfere with the fit, placement or retention of the contraceptive sponge
- You have frequent urinary tract infections
- You have a history of toxic shock syndrome
- You recently gave birth or had a miscarriage or an abortion
- You're at high risk of contracting HIV or you have HIV or AIDS
- You're at high risk of pregnancy — you're younger than age 30, you have sex three or more times a week, you've had previous contraceptive failure with vaginal barrier methods or you're not likely to use the contraceptive sponge consistently
References
- 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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