Contraceptive sponge

Contraceptive sponge
Protectaid sponge, in its plastic tray. It is removed from the tray before use.
Background
TypeBarrier
First use1983
Trade namesToday, Safe-T
Failure rates (first year)
Perfect useNulliparous:9%[1]
Parous:20%[1]
Typical useNulliparous:12%[1]
Parous:24%[1]
Usage
ReversibilityImmediate
User reminders?
Advantages and disadvantages
STI protectionNo
BenefitsMay be inserted 12–24 hours before intercourse
Risksyeast infection, rarely toxic shock syndrome

The contraceptive sponge is a contraceptive which 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]

  1. ^ 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
  2. ^ "Bith Control Sponge". Archived from the original on 9 January 2014. Retrieved 13 September 2014.