Contraceptive+Sponge

Brett Einbecker ** Contraceptive Sponge ** **Contraceptive Sponge** The contraceptive sponge is an over the counter form of birth control. “The sponge, a cervical barrier, is circular, three quarters of an inch thick and two inches in diameter. It prevents pregnancy by releasing the spermicide nonoxynol-9 over a 24 hour period”(Swibel, 2000). After use, the sponge can be removed by a nylon loop and disposed of. The use of the sponge does not affect hormone levels like methods such as the pill, patch, implant, and the shot.

**History** The contraceptive sponge was introduced in 1983 by The Today Sponge company. It became the largest over the counter contraceptive in the United States and was the first to combine the barrier contraceptive method with spermicide in an easy to use product for women (Stacey, 2009). In 1994 “FDA inspectors found that water in the sole plant that produced the sponge contained bacteria” (Fumento, 1995). Although there was no evidence that the sponges were contaminated, “the drug giant American Home Products then dropped The Today Sponge” (Swibel, 2000) due to the large amount of money that it would take to meet the FDA’s approval. That led to the sponge’s fame on the Seinfeld TV program in the “1995 episode in which Elaine divided the world of potential boyfriends into those who were and those who weren’t “sponge-worthy”” (Swibel, 2000). The sponge made a return in 2005 after receiving approval of their manufacturing plants from the FDA. Again financial issues hit. In 2007, the manufacturer of the sponge went bankrupt, leading to the sponge leaving the market once again. In 2009, the sponge was put back onto the market for the third time in its history.

**How it works** The sponge works in three different ways. “Primarily, it works as a delivery system for spermicide. By continuously releasing spermicide throughout the vagina, it kills sperm on contact. It acts as a barrier method that blocks the entry of sperm into the cervix. The foam provides contraceptive protection by trapping and absorbing sperm” (Stacey, 200 9). **Who can use it** Any woman who is looking for a non-hormonal form of birth control is able to use the sponge. If you are unsure that the sponge will fit, its safe to say that if you can use a tampon that you will be able to use the sponge. Using the sponge will allow you to avoid the side effects of the hormonal treatment methods. You can also use it with a hormonal method of birth control. The sponge can also be a back-up for the hormonal method if an error occurs.

**Recommended use** In order for the sponge to be effective, the sponge must be moistened with water prior to placing it into the vagina where the vaginal muscles would keep it in place. The water activates the spermicide, which will kill the sperm with which it comes in contact. The sponge is able to stay inside the vagina for 24 hours before intercourse but must be left in place for at least 6 hours after the last act. Then slowly remove the sponge using its nylon loop then discard the sponge. Never reuse and old sponge it only should be used once. It is recommended that a person should not have sex while in a bathtub, Jacuzzi, or pool because the higher quantity of water into the vagina could dilute the spermicide that is in the polyurethane sponge (Stacey, 2009).

**Advantages** The sponge is an over the counter contraceptive so there is no need to go to the doctor and get a prescription. It is a one size fits all non-hormonal product, so you are able to avoid the side effects of hormonal methods. It can be inserted right before sex and lasts up to 24 hours and multiple acts of intercourse throughout that period. The sponge also does not affect sensation of intercourse of both partners. The sponge can be taken out safely and easily if the desire for intercourse is no longer. The sponge is also an inexpensive contraceptive that is found at most drugstores across the nation.

**Disadvantages** In the early life of the sponge, “problems with removing the sponge and with vaginal infections and news of toxic shock syndrome hit the newsstands barely six months after the sponge hit the drugstore shelves” (Paris, 1986). Today “about 4 percent of women report allergic reactions to the sponge’s polyurethane material or spermicides which can include vaginal burning, itching, redness, and rash. Partners may experience similar trouble. Although rare, some cases of non-menstrual toxic syndrome have been reported among women using barrier methods like the sponge” (Altan, 2005). Toxic Shock Syndrome is caused by bacterial toxins and is potentially fatal, according to Kwarteng and Osborne (2006). Its symptoms are “ fever greater than 38.8°C, a blood pressure of 90 mm Hg, a diffuse macular rash with subsequent desquamation, negative serology for measles, leptospirosis, and Rocky Mountain fever. At least three of seven organ systems (liver, blood, renal, gastrointestinal, mucous membranes, muscular, and central nervous system) must be involved” (p. 131). The sponge should not be use by women with a reproductive track infection, vaginal obstruction, or those that have had a recent abortion, childbirth, or miscarriage, and vaginal bleeding (Stacey, 2009). In some cases it is difficult for women to insert or remove the sponge (Stacey, 2009). By removing the sponge too quickly, there is a possibility that the polyurethane sponge will break into small pieces. In this situation you must contact a physician (Stacey, 2009). The sponge does not protect the user from STD’s.

**Effectiveness** The sponge “even when used perfectly, is less effective than hormonal methods (89 to 91 percent) and its only 84 to 87 percent effective if you use it wrong” (Altan, 2005). That would include taking out the sponge too early. The hormonal methods include the pill, patch, implant and shot. The pill is 99 percent effective at preventing pregnancy when used properly and 92 percent when not taken properly (Altan, 2005). The patch is 99 percent effective when used correctly and if misused is 92 percent effective. The implant is more than 99 percent effective (Altan, 2005). The shot is also 99 percent effective, assuming that you don’t miss a shot (Altan, 2005)

**References** Altan, D. (2005). Beyond the pill. Health. 19(10), 82-85. Fumento, M. (1995). Sponge bath. Reason. 27(2), 42-42. Kwarteng, F, & Osborne, N. (2006). Toxic shock syndrome: antibiotic management. Journal of Gynecologic Surgery, 22(3), 131-135. Paris, E. (1986). Cold Shower. Forbes. 138(11), 129-130. Stacey, D. (2009, June 28). The today sponge. Retrieved from http://contraception.about.com/od/overthecounterchoices/p/sponge.htm Swibel, M. (2000). Second acts. Forbes, 166(16), 240-240.