Sponge
Barrier Method
A sponge blocks the entrance to the cervix and releases spermicide, both together stopping sperm from entering the womb and fertilizing an egg.
DETAILS
The vaginal sponge is a small round sponge made of plastic and contains spermicides. It is inserted into the vagina so that it rests against the cervix.
The sponge prevents pregnancy by blocking the entrance to your uterus and the spermicide slows sperm down so it can’t reach your egg. It is not widely available and is one of the least effective methods of contraception.
It is not widely available and is one of the least effective methods of contraception.
HOW TO
You need to use the sponge every time you have sex. With clean hands, wet the sponge to activate the spermicide. Squeeze out the excess water, but not so that sponge is dry. With the dimpled part of the sponge facing upwards, fold the edges together so that it is long and narrow. You then insert the sponge into your vagina like a tampon, pushing it up as far as it will go so that it covers your cervix.
The sponge can be inserted up to 24 hours before sex, allowing you to have as many times as you want in the next 24 hours with no need to replace it. You will need to leave the sponge in for at least 6 hours after the last time you had sex. Do not leave it in for more than 30 hours in total.
Each sponge can only be used once and must be thrown away after use.
PROS
- It can be used on demand
- It provides you with up to 24 hours of protection from pregnancy
- It does not interrupt sex
- It is hormone-free
CONS
- It must be used every time you have sex
- It is one of the least effective methods of contraception
- It is not readily available
- It takes practice to insert it correctly
- It may cause allergic reactions or irritation
SIDE EFFECTS
Some people may experience irritation in or around the vagina or penis
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
A sponge blocks the entrance to the cervix and releases spermicide, both together stopping sperm from entering the womb and fertilizing an egg.
Yes. The contraceptive sponge will not be affected in any way.
You may use the sponge as often as you wish but not during your menstrual period.
The contraceptive sponge is held in place by the muscles of the upper vagina. The cup-like indention in the sponge helps to keep it in place directly over the cervix. The opening from the vagina to the uterus is far too small for the sponge to pass through. There is no way that the sponge could access any other part of your body.
The sponge is a hormone-free vaginal contraceptive that does not disrupt your menstrual cycle.
Always apply your contraceptive patch to clean, dry skin. Do not use lotions, creams, oils, powder, or makeup on the skin where you are going to put the patch or on top of or near a patch you are wearing. These products may cause the patch to fail to stick or become loose.
Contraception Methods
CONTRACEPTIVE IMPLANT
CONTRACEPTIVE IMPLANT
CONTRACEPTIVE INJECTION
CONTRACEPTIVE INJECTION
CONTRACEPTIVE PATCH
CONTRACEPTIVE PATCH
CONTRACEPTIVE RING
CONTRACEPTIVE RING
DIAPHRAGM
DIAPHRAGM
EMERGENCY CONTRACEPTIVES
EMERGENCY CONTRACEPTIVES
FEMALE CONDOM
FEMALE CONDOM
FERTILITY AWARENESS
FERTILITY AWARENESS
INTRAUTERINE DEVICE
INTRAUTERINE DEVICE
INTRAUTERINE SYSTEM-IUS
INTRAUTERINE SYSTEM-IUS
MALE CONDOM
MALE CONDOM
PULL-OUT METHOD
PULL-OUT METHOD
SPERMICIDES
SPERMICIDES
STERILISATION
STERILISATION
THE PILL
THE PILL
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