{"id":1497,"date":"2022-06-10T07:22:01","date_gmt":"2022-06-10T07:22:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/advanced-obgyn-institute\/?p=1497"},"modified":"2022-07-18T07:39:06","modified_gmt":"2022-07-18T07:39:06","slug":"birth-control-sponge-use-advantages-and-side-effects","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/advanced-obgyn-institute\/birth-control-sponge-use-advantages-and-side-effects\/","title":{"rendered":"Birth Control Sponge: Use, Advantages and Side Effects"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">One of the available nonhormonal birth control solutions includes the so-called birth control sponge. In order to prevent conception, the person has to insert the contraceptive sponge into their vagina. However, this vaginal sponge is not a protection against sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Keep in mind, though, that the use of sponge birth control may not be a suitable method for everyone, especially for those allergic to polyurethane and spermicide and those suffering from recurring vaginal infections. This is why it\u2019s essential to seek <\/span><a href=\"\/advanced-obgyn-institute\/gynecology\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">gynecology services<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> at a professional and reputable institution where the doctor can suggest the ideal birth control method for an individual\u2019s particular needs.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>What Is the Sponge Birth Control?<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The birth control sponge also referred to as a vaginal sponge or contraceptive sponge, is essentially a piece of plastic foam that\u2019s round and soft. It also has a small loop attached to make the removal process easier. In the US, one sponge birth control brand is available, namely the Today Sponge. When discussing what sponge birth control is, it\u2019s important to mention that this contraceptive sponge is actually filled with spermicide (nonoxynol-9). For pregnancy prevention, it\u2019s only inserted into the vagina before engaging in sexual intercourse.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">In terms of what sponge birth control is, it basically involves two main ways of preventing pregnancy: covering the cervix to block the sperm and releasing spermicide to kill the sperm. The vaginal sponge can also trap and absorb the sperm.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>How to Use Sponge Birth Control?<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-1499 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/advanced-obgyn-institute\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/194\/2022\/07\/How-to-Use-Sponge-Birth-Control.jpg\" alt=\"Concerned Beautiful Female Medicine Doctor Listening Carefully Patient Complaints\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/advanced-obgyn-institute\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/194\/2022\/07\/How-to-Use-Sponge-Birth-Control-200x133.jpg 200w, https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/advanced-obgyn-institute\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/194\/2022\/07\/How-to-Use-Sponge-Birth-Control-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/advanced-obgyn-institute\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/194\/2022\/07\/How-to-Use-Sponge-Birth-Control-400x267.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/advanced-obgyn-institute\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/194\/2022\/07\/How-to-Use-Sponge-Birth-Control-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/advanced-obgyn-institute\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/194\/2022\/07\/How-to-Use-Sponge-Birth-Control-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/advanced-obgyn-institute\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/194\/2022\/07\/How-to-Use-Sponge-Birth-Control-800x534.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/advanced-obgyn-institute\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/194\/2022\/07\/How-to-Use-Sponge-Birth-Control.jpg 1000w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Unlike other birth control methods, using the contraceptive sponge may require a bit more time and effort until getting used to it. Consider the following steps for proper insertion:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Make sure to wash your hands thoroughly before inserting the sponge.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Get the sponge wet using clean water until it\u2019s thoroughly soaked but not dripping, and then proceed to squeeze it to get the spermicide activated.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Fold the sponge upward so that it\u2019s narrow and long, with the loop hanging down from the middle of the fold.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">While keeping the sponge folded, insert it into the vagina as deeply as possible.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Once in place, release the fold so that it can fully cover the cervix and slide out the finger around it.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Just like it\u2019s essential to learn how to insert the birth control sponge properly, you have to know how to remove it as well:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Again, make sure to wash your hands thoroughly<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Proceed to reach into your vagina with fingers to grab the sponge\u2019s loop<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Pull the loop gently to remove the sponge and then throw it way slowly<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Keep in mind that the birth control sponge is not reusable. Always trash it in a bin \u2013 don\u2019t try to flush it down the toilet. The sponge can be inserted immediately before sexual intercourse but also up to 24 hours before. Most importantly, do not remove the sponge right after the sexual activity; make sure to wait for at least six hours before removal to ensure that the sperm is blocked and killed off. Since the sponge shouldn\u2019t remain inside the vagina for more than 30 hours, make sure to calculate the timing for insertion with the waiting period after the intercourse correctly.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>How Effective Is Vaginal Sponge?<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">In general, all kinds of barrier birth control, including sponges, condoms, and spermicide, tend to be less effective than hormonal birth control. What\u2019s more, a birth control sponge doesn\u2019t provide protection against STDs; only a condom does.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">That said, it\u2019s been reported that about 28 in 100 people who use barrier birth control still get pregnant annually. To boost the sponge\u2019s efficiency, it\u2019s crucial to follow the instructions to a tee. Some people prefer to combine barrier birth control methods for added safety, such as using the sponge and condom simultaneously.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Furthermore, women who have never given birth benefit from higher birth control sponge effectiveness compared to those who have. So, the contraceptive sponge offers around 91% of effective protection to women who haven\u2019t given birth and around 80% to women who have.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>Potential Risks When Using Sponge Birth Control<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Side effects of using a contraceptive sponge are rare but not nonexistent. Those sensitive to spermicide could experience vaginal irritation and burning, increasing the risk of getting STDs. The sponge also contains sulfites and polyurethane, which some people may be allergic to.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Very rarely, the person using the vaginal sponge for contraception may develop toxic shock syndrome (TSS). The risk of TSS increases in the following circumstances:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The sponge is left inside the vagina for more than 30 hours<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The woman uses the sponge while menstruating<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The sponge is inserted shortly after giving birth<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The woman experiences miscarriage or gets an abortion<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">It\u2019s recommended to wait at least six weeks after giving birth to use a vaginal sponge as a birth control method safely.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>Pros and Cons of the Birth Control Sponge<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-1500 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/advanced-obgyn-institute\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/194\/2022\/07\/Pros-and-Cons-of-the-Birth-Control-Sponge.jpg\" alt=\"Doctor Talking To Female Patient\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/advanced-obgyn-institute\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/194\/2022\/07\/Pros-and-Cons-of-the-Birth-Control-Sponge-200x133.jpg 200w, https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/advanced-obgyn-institute\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/194\/2022\/07\/Pros-and-Cons-of-the-Birth-Control-Sponge-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/advanced-obgyn-institute\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/194\/2022\/07\/Pros-and-Cons-of-the-Birth-Control-Sponge-400x267.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/advanced-obgyn-institute\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/194\/2022\/07\/Pros-and-Cons-of-the-Birth-Control-Sponge-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/advanced-obgyn-institute\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/194\/2022\/07\/Pros-and-Cons-of-the-Birth-Control-Sponge-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/advanced-obgyn-institute\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/194\/2022\/07\/Pros-and-Cons-of-the-Birth-Control-Sponge-800x534.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/advanced-obgyn-institute\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/194\/2022\/07\/Pros-and-Cons-of-the-Birth-Control-Sponge.jpg 1000w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Just like with other kinds of contraceptives, using sponge birth control has its own set of advantages and disadvantages. The pros include the following:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The sponge is safe to use together with condoms<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">It can be purchased without a prescription<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The vaginal sponge doesn\u2019t release hormones<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Right after its removal, a woman can try to conceive<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">It can be used as needed, with no particular schedule to follow<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">It\u2019s relatively easy to use<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The cons of this birth control method, on the other hand, include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Less effective pregnancy protection for those who have already given birth<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Not suitable to use the sponge while menstruating or right after giving birth<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The sponge doesn\u2019t provide protection against STDs<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">On rare occasions, the sponge can lead to TSS<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Even though it\u2019s easy to use, it can be a bit messy<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Make sure to seek immediate medical assistance if you experience any of the potential <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mayoclinic.org\/diseases-conditions\/toxic-shock-syndrome\/symptoms-causes\/syc-20355384\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">TSS symptoms<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> while or right after using the birth control sponge:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">High fever and flu-like symptoms<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Nausea, vomiting, and\/or diarrhea<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Unusual redness in the whites of the eyes, tongue, and lips<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Widespread and sudden rash<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Confusion, dizziness, fainting<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Shortness of breath<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Even though a birth control sponge is readily available for purchase, it would be best to talk to your doctor about the safest and most effective birth control method for you in particular. There are many different options in regard to contraception, but not all of them can be equally recommended to everyone. For instance, while hormonal birth control tends to be the safest option in terms of pregnancy protection, some people with certain underlying medical conditions simply can\u2019t use it. The doctor will take into account your own preferences as well as your medical history when deciding what the best birth control methods would be for you. If you\u2019re interested in starting birth control or simply want to maintain and\/or improve your gynecological health, don\u2019t hesitate to reach out to us at Advanced OBGYN Institute. You can count on our expert physicians to provide you with a professional and tailored medical service, from screenings and assessments to hormone replacement therapy.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>One of the available nonhormonal birth control solutions includes the so-called birth control sponge. In order to prevent conception, the<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":1498,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":"","_links_to":"","_links_to_target":""},"categories":[30],"tags":[118,121,123,119,122,120],"class_list":["post-1497","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-gynecology","tag-birth-control-sponge","tag-contraceptive-sponge","tag-spermicide","tag-sponge-birth-control","tag-vaginal-sponge","tag-what-is-the-sponge-birth-control"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/advanced-obgyn-institute\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1497","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/advanced-obgyn-institute\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/advanced-obgyn-institute\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/advanced-obgyn-institute\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/advanced-obgyn-institute\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1497"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/advanced-obgyn-institute\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1497\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/advanced-obgyn-institute\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1498"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/advanced-obgyn-institute\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1497"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/advanced-obgyn-institute\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1497"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/advanced-obgyn-institute\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1497"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}