The contraceptive sponge also known as the birth control sponge is gaining massive popularity. Today sponge is being used as an alternative to the various other alternative present for women and this article will provide you with all the information you need regarding contraceptive sponges, so you know whether this method is a better alternative to birth control pills and condoms or not.
The sponge is a round object made out of plastic or foam, with a diameter of two inches that has to be inserted deep into the vagina of a woman. How does the sponge work? The contraceptive sponge contains spermicide that helps prevent the sperms infiltrate the vagina of women. The spemicide get its name from the job it performs i.e. to kill the sperms.
So what is the Today Sponge? There is the only one particular brand of a sponge in the market today and that is the Today Sponge. How effective is the sponge? When choosing a particular method for birth control, it is always necessary to keep in mind its effectiveness so that one can make an informed decision accordingly. If you haven’t given birth before then this method of birth control is more effective for you. It has been said that if a 100 women use this contraceptive sponge on a yearly basis, out of that 100, only 9 will probably get pregnant. You should always know that even though you are using methods to control birth, there are always chances of you getting pregnant. If you have already given birth, then the chances of the birth control sponge failing are more. According to research it has been said that out of a 100 women who have already given birth and use this sponge, 25 will surely get pregnant. As you can see the chances of getting pregnant have increased greatly. The chances of preventing a pregnancy increase greatly, if your spouse or partner uses a condom along with the Today sponge. The condom is said to be 99 percent effective and is worn on a male penis. By wearing a condom, there is security that the sperm will not travel into the vagina, only if the condom doesn’t break. So by combining these two birth control methods, you can greatly increase the chances of birth control.
How does the Today Sponge work
When using any one particular method of birth control such as these contraceptive sponges, you must know how they work, so you wouldn’t have to pay the doctor a visit every time you wish to use these birth control measures. The sponge basically has two fold functions which are as follows:
- The sponge prevents semen fluid from entering into the uterus by protecting its opening.
- The sponge contains spermicide, as mentioned above which is continuously released by it and helps to kill any sperms that get through.
Possible side effects of the Today Sponge
The main side effect of using this sponge is the increased risk of the toxic shock syndrome. What is the toxic shock syndrome? The symptoms include nausea, vomiting, dizziness, diarrhea, sore throat, muscle aches, weakness accompanied by high fever. The chances of a female suffering from toxic shock syndrome are very rare, but this is a serious condition and you should get in touch with your doctor, if you start experiencing any of the above mentioned symptoms. Furthermore to avoid the risk of this disease occurring you can take certain precautions such as:
- Never use the today sponge right after you have had an abortion, miscarriage or given birth. You should always ask your doctor before using any form of birth control right after any of these occurrences.
- Furthermore, do not leave the sponge is for more than thirty hours as it greatly increases the risk.
- Never use the sponge during menstruation
- If you are allergic to drugs that contain sulfa, refrain from using this sponge as it can causes serious damage to your health.
- If you have a physical abnormality of problem with your vagina, do not use the sponge.
- If inserting the sponge into your vagina causes pain and an uncomfortable feeling, take it out immediately.
- If you have tract infections, please do not use this birth control method.
- If you have had a history of the toxic shock syndrome the chances of it reoccurring with the sponge, are much greater.
The various advantage of the sponge
So what are the potential benefits of using this sponge, considering its popularity and effectiveness it must have quite a few. Firstly the sponge is very small and can be carried around with great ease to be inserted at any time. Secondly the sponge doesn’t cause any hindrance as firstly, your partner will not feel it and secondly you do not have to remove or replace it after one time sex. It can be used as many times as you wish to use it, within thirty hours of inserting the sponge. Lastly, this product is also safe to use while breastfeeding.
