Birth Control Sponge: Effectiveness, & How It Works

Birth Control Sponge– There are many ways to prevent pregnancy. One such method is the contraceptive sponge. You probably know that a small, soft sponge can help prevent pregnancy. In today’s article, we’ll explain it step-by-step, explaining how it works, how to use it, and how effective it is.

What is a Birth Control Sponge?

The contraceptive sponge is a small, round, soft piece of plastic foam coated with spermicide. This sponge prevents pregnancy in two ways.

First, it covers your cervix and prevents sperm from reaching the uterus, reducing the risk of pregnancy.

Second, the sponge contains a chemical called spermicide, which kills sperm. This method is especially useful for those who want to use hormone-free contraceptive methods.

How to Use the Sponge

Now let’s talk about how you can use the sponge.

First, wash both your hands with antibacterial soap and clean water. Then, place the sponge under running water and squeeze it until it’s completely wet and soapy. Be careful not to let it get so wet that water starts leaking.

Now, bend the sponge, and yes, bend it from the side away from the loop. This bend will make it thinner and longer. Next, insert the sponge as deep into your vagina as possible with your fingers. When you pull it out, it will expand and cover the cervix. Check with your finger to see if the cervix is completely covered.

Now, regarding timing, you can use the contraceptive sponge 24 hours before sex and at least 6 hours after sex. But remember, don’t leave it in the vagina for more than 30 hours, or it could cause problems.

Removal in Birth Control Sponges

Now let’s understand how to remove it from the vagina after use.

First, wash your hands with antibacterial soap and clean water. Then, use your fingers to locate the loop of the sponge in the vagina. Once you find the loop, gently grasp it and pull the sponge out.

FAQ of Birth Control Sponges

One question that often comes to mind is whether the partner can feel the sponge during sex.

The sponge is made of a soft material that feels similar to normal vaginal tissue. Therefore, most people don’t even feel the sponge during sex. Although in some cases, the partner may feel a slight sensation, it’s usually not noticeable.

Effectiveness of Birth Control Sponges

For women who have never given birth before, the sponge is about 88% effective when used correctly. For women who have never given birth before, it is less effective, about 80%.

Limitations of Birth Control Sponges

There are some disadvantages to using the contraceptive sponge, the biggest one being that it doesn’t protect you from any sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) or sexually transmitted infections (STIs). This means that if you or your partner has an STI, using the sponge won’t protect you.

In addition, the spermicide in the sponge can have some side effects, including occasional vaginal infections or irritation, difficulty urinating or vaginal dryness, and, in rare cases, toxic shock syndrome, a serious condition.

Therefore, it’s important to understand both the advantages and disadvantages of using the sponge before using it. Always talk to your doctor if you need more information.

Some additional doubts

Question: Is the birth control sponge still available?
Answer: Yes, it is still available in many stores and online.

Question: What are the side effects of birth control sponges?
Answer: Dryness, infection, and irritation can be the side effects of it.

Question: Why did they discontinue the sponge for birth control?
Answer: Earlier, it was discontinued due to manufacturing issues, not safety concerns.

Question: What is birth control sponge?
Answer: It is a contraceptive device to prevent pregnancy.

Question: How long do sperm live on a sponge?
Answer: Usually, Sperm die due to spermicide.

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Birth Control Sponge: Effectiveness, & How It Works

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