| Contraceptive sponge | |
|---|---|
 Protectaid sponge, in its plastic tray. It is removed from the tray before use. | |
| Background | |
| Type | Barrier |
| First use | 1983 |
| Trade names | Today, Safe-T |
| Failure rates (first year) | |
| Perfect use | Nulliparous:9%[1] Parous:20%[1] |
| Typical use | Nulliparous:12%[1] Parous:24%[1] |
| Usage | |
| Reversibility | Immediate |
| User reminders | ? |
| Advantages and disadvantages | |
| STI protection | No |
| Benefits | May be inserted 12–24 hours before intercourse |
| Risks | yeast infection, rarelytoxic shock syndrome |
Thecontraceptive sponge is a contraceptive which combinesbarrier andspermicidal methods to preventconception. Sponges work in two ways. First, the sponge is inserted into the vagina, so it can cover thecervix and prevent any sperm from entering theuterus. Secondly, the sponge containsspermicide.[2]
The sponges are insertedvaginally prior to intercourse and must be placed over the cervix to be effective. Sponges provide no protection fromsexually transmitted infections. Sponges can provide contraception for multiple acts of intercourse over a 24-hour period, but cannot be reused beyond that time or once removed.[3]
Sponges are a physical barrier, trapping sperm and preventing their passage through the cervix into the reproductive system. Thespermicide is an important component of pregnancy prevention.
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, likewithdrawal of penis before ejaculation orcondoms.[4]
People sensitive toNonoxynol-9, an ingredient in the spermicide used in the sponge, may experience unpleasant irritation and may face increased risk ofsexually transmitted infections. Sponge users may have a slightly higher risk oftoxic shock syndrome.[5]
Shortly after they were taken off the U.S. market, the sponge was featured in an episode of thesitcomSeinfeld titled "The Sponge". In the episode,Elaine Benes conserves her remaining sponges by choosing to not haveintercourse unless she is certain her partner is "sponge-worthy".[6]