What is the Sponge?
Foam is placed into the woman's vagina using an applicator (similar to tampon insertion). It has two effects. It kills or destroys sperm which is why it is called "spermicidal". It blocks the man's fluids from entering the cervical canal, thus, stopping sperm from reaching the egg. Among typical couples who initiate use of vaginal spermicides, about 29% will experience an accidental pregnancy in the first year. If vaginal spermicides are used consistently and correctly, about 18% will become pregnant.
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What are the advantages of the Sponge?
- Foam gives a women control over contraception.
- It is available over the counter without a visit to a clinician.
- It can be put into the vagina 20 minutes before sexual intimacy, but it is also effective immediately if you want to have sex right after putting foam into the vagina.
- Foam is safe, no hormones are involved, and it is immediately reversible.
- The man's penis can remain inside the vagina after ejaculation.
- Foam adds lubrication and moisture.
- Lubrication, in the case of foam, may heighten satisfaction in both partners.
- Foam can be used during breastfeeding.
- It can serve as immediate back-up if a condom should slip or break.
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What are the disadvantages of the Sponge?
- Foam can be irritating to the vagina, and some find it messy.
- It is not protective against HIV (the virus that causes AIDS). If protection against infection is important, use condoms.
- Practice putting foam into your vagina in advance. This will make it easier at the time of intercourse.
- Some women do not like placing an applicator into the vagina.
- Sometimes you can't be sure if there is enough foam in the can to provide protection for the next act of intercourse. Keep an extra can handy.
- The taste of foam is unpleasant.
- The container carrying the foam is large and may be embarrassing to carry around.
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Where can I purchase the Sponge?
Foam may be purchased at drug stores and some supermarkets.
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