Editing Contraceptive sponge

{{short description|Birth control device}}
{{Infobox Birth control
|name                 = Contraceptive sponge
|image                = Éponge spermicide.jpg
|width                = 230
|caption              = Protectaid sponge, in its plastic tray. It is removed from the tray before use.
|tradename            = [[Today sponge|Today]], Safe-T
|bc_type              = Barrier
|date_first_use       = 1983
|rate_type            = Failure
|perfect_failure%     = [[Nulliparous]]:9%<ref name="Trussell 2011">{{cite book|last=Trussell|first=James|year=2011|chapter=Contraceptive efficacy|editor1-last=Hatcher|editor1-first=Robert A.|editor2-last=Trussell|editor2-first=James|editor3-last=Nelson|editor3-first=Anita L.|editor4-last=Cates|editor4-first=Willard Jr.|editor5-last= Kowal|editor5-first=Deborah|editor6-last=Policar|editor6-first=Michael S.|title=Contraceptive technology|edition=20th revised|location=New York|publisher=Ardent Media|isbn=978-1-59708-004-0|issn = 0091-9721|oclc=781956734|pages=779–863}} Table 26–1 = <span class="plainlinks">[http://www.contraceptivetechnology.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/CTFailureTable.pdf 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.] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170215224018/http://www.contraceptivetechnology.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/CTFailureTable.pdf |date=2017-02-15 }}</span></ref><br>[[Gravidity and parity|Parous]]:20
|perfect_failure_ref  = <ref name="Trussell 2011"/>
|typical_failure%     = [[Nulliparous]]:12%<ref name="Trussell 2011"/><br>[[Gravidity and parity|Parous]]:24
|typical_failure_ref  = <ref name="Trussell 2011"/>
|duration_effect      = 
|reversibility        = Immediate
|user_reminders       =
|clinic_interval      = 
|STD_protection_YesNo = No
|periods_advantage    = 
|benefits             = May be inserted 12–24 hours before intercourse
|periods_disadvantage = 
|weight_gain_YesNo    = 
|risks                = [[yeast infection]], rarely [[toxic shock syndrome]]
|medical_notes        = 
}}

The '''contraceptive sponge''' is a contraceptive which combines [[barrier contraception|barrier]] and [[Spermicide|spermicidal]] methods to prevent [[fertilisation|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]].<ref name=pp>{{cite web|url=http://www.plannedparenthood.org/health-topics/birth-control/birth-control-sponge-today-sponge-4224.html|title=Bith Control Sponge|access-date=13 September 2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140109010052/http://www.plannedparenthood.org/health-topics/birth-control/birth-control-sponge-today-sponge-4224.html|archive-date=9 January 2014}}</ref>

== Use ==
The sponges are inserted [[vagina]]lly prior to intercourse and must be placed over the cervix to be effective. Sponges provide no protection from [[sexually transmitted infection]]s.  Sponges can provide contraception for multiple acts of intercourse over a 24-hour period, but cannot be reused beyond that time or once removed.<ref>{{cite web |title=Today Sponge Vaginal Contraceptive Sponge Consumer Information Leaflet |url=http://todaysponge.com/pdf/todaysponge-pi2.pdf |publisher=Mayer Laboratories, Inc. |access-date=3 March 2019 |archive-date=26 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230226114101/http://www.todaysponge.com/pdf/todaysponge-pi2.pdf |url-status=dead }}</ref>

Sponges are a physical barrier, trapping sperm and preventing their passage through the cervix into the reproductive system. The [[spermicide]] is an important component of pregnancy prevention.

==Effectiveness==
The sponge’s effectiveness is 91% if used perfectly by women who have never given birth, and 80% if used perfectly by women who have given birth at least once, Since it is hard to use the sponge perfectly every time having vaginal sex, its real effectiveness can be lower, and it is advised to combine sponges with other birth control methods, like [[Coitus interruptus|withdrawal of penis before ejaculation]] or [[condoms]].<ref>{{cite web |title=How effective is the sponge? |url=https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/birth-control/birth-control-sponge/how-effective-sponge |website=[[Planned Parenthood]] |access-date=2022-09-14}}</ref>

==Side effects==
People sensitive to [[Nonoxynol-9]], an ingredient in the spermicide used in the sponge, may experience unpleasant irritation and may face increased risk of [[sexually transmitted infection]]s. Sponge users may have a slightly higher risk of [[toxic shock syndrome]].<ref>{{cite web |title=What are the disadvantages of using the sponge? |url=https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/birth-control/birth-control-sponge/what-are-disadvantages-using-sponge |website=[[Planned Parenthood]] |access-date=2022-09-14}}</ref>

==In popular culture==
Shortly after they were taken off the U.S. market, the sponge was featured in an episode of the [[sitcom]] ''[[Seinfeld]]'' titled "[[The Sponge (Seinfeld episode)|The Sponge]]". In the episode, [[Elaine Benes]] conserves her remaining sponges by choosing to not have [[sexual intercourse|intercourse]] unless she is certain her partner is "sponge-worthy".<ref name="lavery2006">Lavery, David and Sara Lewis Dunne (2006). ''Seinfeld, master of its domain: revisiting television's greatest sitcom'', p. 247. Continuum International Publishing Group, {{ISBN|978-0-8264-1803-6}}</ref>
==References==
{{reflist|30em}}

==External links==
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20060204000755/http://www.drdonnica.com/display.asp?article=4125 The Contraceptive Sponge] – DrDonnica.com


{{Birth control methods}}

[[Category:Barrier contraception]]
[[Category:Spermicide]]
[[Category:Products introduced in 1983]]