Birth Control Options

Lesson 2: Continuing the Choice

Today Sponge

In 1983 the Today Sponge was introduced to the American market, and was embraced by women that didn't want to use messy creams, or couldn't take hormonal birth control. In 1995, Wyeth Labs, removed it from the market instead of making the needed upgrades to their manufacturing plant. During that time, 1983 to 1995, approximately 250 million sponges were sold. Luckily that is not where the Sponge ends. In 1995, Allendale Pharmaceuticals, purchased the needed machinery and patents from Wyeth, and began work on bringing the Sponge back. In March of 2003, they accomplished half of that goal as the Today Sponge went on sale in Canada. Allendale hopes to have FDA approval and begin selling the Today Sponge in the US within the next year.

The sponge works in three different ways. First, it contains a spermicide (nonoxynol-9) that is activated by running water over the sponge and creating a 'lather' before insertion. The spermicide is active for 24 hours, and the sponge can be left in place for up to 30 hours. Second, the sponge absorbs the sperm before they reach the cervix. The sponge is placed inside the vagina, covering the cervix. Because it is made out of an absorbent material, it will absorb the semen and 'trap' the sperm. The last way the sponge works is by blocking the cervical opening similar to the way a diaphragm does, preventing the passage of sperm into the uterus.

Because the sponge contains nonoxynol-9, there is the possibility of an allergic reaction. The other possible side effects are vaginal infection (usually from leaving the sponge in too long) and a slight risk of Toxic Shock Syndrome.

The sponge should not be used during menstruation, after childbirth, miscarriage, abortion, or other pregnancy termination, and should not be used by women that have had TSS in the past. It is also best not to use the sponge if a vaginal infection or irritation is present.

Typical use effectiveness is between 84% and 87%, but with perfect use, the effectiveness increases to between 89% and 91%.

The cons to using the Today Sponge are few, but include the need to leave it in place for at least 6 hours after the last sexual encounter, possible allergic reaction, risk of vaginal infections, and slightly increased risk of TSS. The pros on the other hand are numerous, including nonprescription method, not messy, can be inserted and left in place for up to 30 hours, does not need to have additional spermicide applied for additional sexual acts for up to 24 hours (must be left in place for at least 6 hours after last sexual encounter), may offer some protection against STDs, does not contain any hormones, usually not felt by either partner during intercourse, and there is no need to have it 'fitted' like the diaphragm and cervical cap.

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