Contraceptive sponge: Difference between revisions

Latest revision as of 06:50, 16 February 2025

A contraceptive device used to prevent pregnancy

Overview[edit]

The contraceptive sponge is a small, round device made from soft, squishy plastic foam. It is used as a barrier method of contraception to prevent pregnancy. The sponge is inserted into the vagina before sexual intercourse and works by covering the cervix to block sperm from entering the uterus.

Composition and Mechanism[edit]

The contraceptive sponge is typically made of polyurethane foam and is infused with a spermicide, usually nonoxynol-9. The spermicide serves to immobilize and kill sperm, providing an additional layer of protection against pregnancy. The sponge is designed to fit snugly against the cervix, creating a physical barrier that prevents sperm from reaching the egg.

Usage[edit]

To use the contraceptive sponge, it must be moistened with water to activate the spermicide. The sponge is then folded and inserted into the vagina, ensuring it covers the cervix. It can be inserted up to 24 hours before intercourse and must be left in place for at least 6 hours after the last act of intercourse to ensure effectiveness. However, it should not be left in for more than 30 hours in total.

Effectiveness[edit]

The effectiveness of the contraceptive sponge varies depending on whether the user has given birth before. For women who have never given birth, the failure rate is approximately 9% with typical use. For women who have given birth, the failure rate increases to about 20% with typical use. The sponge does not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

Advantages and Disadvantages[edit]

Advantages[edit]

Non-hormonal method of contraception
Can be used on demand, only when needed
Provides some degree of spontaneity as it can be inserted hours before intercourse

Disadvantages[edit]

Less effective for women who have given birth
Does not protect against STIs
May cause irritation or allergic reactions in some users

Related pages[edit]

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
-'''Contraceptive sponge''' is a type of [[birth control]] method that is soft, round, and about two inches in diameter. It is made of plastic foam and contains [[spermicide]], a type of chemical that kills [[sperm]]. The contraceptive sponge is placed inside the [[vagina]] before [[sexual intercourse]] to prevent [[pregnancy]].
+{{Short description|A contraceptive device used to prevent pregnancy}}
-== Mechanism of Action ==
+== Overview ==
+The '''contraceptive sponge''' is a small, round device made from soft, squishy plastic foam. It is used as a [[barrier method]] of [[contraception]] to prevent [[pregnancy]]. The sponge is inserted into the [[vagina]] before [[sexual intercourse]] and works by covering the [[cervix]] to block [[sperm]] from entering the [[uterus]].
-The contraceptive sponge works in two ways. First, the sponge releases spermicide, which kills sperm and prevents them from fertilizing an [[egg]]. Second, the sponge acts as a barrier, blocking the sperm from reaching the egg.
+[[File:Éponge_spermicide.jpg|thumb|right|A contraceptive sponge]]
+== Composition and Mechanism ==
+The contraceptive sponge is typically made of [[polyurethane]] foam and is infused with a [[spermicide]], usually [[nonoxynol-9]]. The spermicide serves to immobilize and kill sperm, providing an additional layer of protection against pregnancy. The sponge is designed to fit snugly against the cervix, creating a physical barrier that prevents sperm from reaching the egg.
+== Usage ==
+To use the contraceptive sponge, it must be moistened with water to activate the spermicide. The sponge is then folded and inserted into the vagina, ensuring it covers the cervix. It can be inserted up to 24 hours before intercourse and must be left in place for at least 6 hours after the last act of intercourse to ensure effectiveness. However, it should not be left in for more than 30 hours in total.
 == Effectiveness ==
+The effectiveness of the contraceptive sponge varies depending on whether the user has given birth before. For women who have never given birth, the failure rate is approximately 9% with typical use. For women who have given birth, the failure rate increases to about 20% with typical use. The sponge does not protect against [[sexually transmitted infections]] (STIs).
-The effectiveness of the contraceptive sponge varies depending on whether or not the woman has given birth. For women who have never given birth, the sponge is about 91% effective. For women who have given birth, the sponge is about 80% effective.
 == Advantages and Disadvantages ==
+=== Advantages ===
+* Non-hormonal method of contraception
+* Can be used on demand, only when needed
+* Provides some degree of spontaneity as it can be inserted hours before intercourse
-There are several advantages to using the contraceptive sponge. It is easy to use, can be inserted up to 24 hours before sexual intercourse, and does not require a prescription. However, there are also some disadvantages. The sponge does not protect against [[sexually transmitted infections]], and some women may be allergic to the spermicide.
+=== Disadvantages ===
+* Less effective for women who have given birth
+* Does not protect against STIs
+* May cause irritation or allergic reactions in some users
-== Side Effects ==
+== Related pages ==
+* [[Contraception]]
-Some women may experience side effects from using the contraceptive sponge. These can include vaginal irritation, allergic reactions to the spermicide, and difficulty removing the sponge.
+* [[Barrier method]]
-== See Also ==
-* [[Birth control]]
 * [[Spermicide]]
-* [[Sexually transmitted infections]]
+* [[Cervical cap]]
+* [[Diaphragm (contraceptive)]]
-[[Category:Birth Control]]
-[[Category:Women's Health]]
-[[Category:Sexual Health]]
-{{stub}}
+[[Category:Contraception]]
+[[Category:Barrier methods]]