It is indeed available over-the-counter and: Never reuse it. Sponge—The contraceptive sponge contains spermicide and is placed in the vagina where it fits over the cervix. The contraceptive has a success rate of 71 percent; this means that out of 100 adults using spermicide for contraception, 29 will result in a pregnancy 1. LARC are long-term birth control methods and does not require any effort from the patient’s side. There have been some episodes of vaginal irritation while using the contraceptive sponge. Though commonly considered safe to use by most women, a few women have reported contraceptive sponge side effects as well. The contraceptive sponge is, of course, a type of birth control (contraceptive) that does prevent sperm from entering the uterus. Though the contraceptive sponge is easy to use, it has certain side effects which has limited the use of this product. • Recently has given birth, had a miscarriage or had an abortion All contraceptive sponges have a small loop at the bottom for ease of removal. The spermicide used may have its own limitations. It happens to be soft and disk-shaped and made of polyurethane foam. Contraceptive sponges do not use hormones to prevent pregnancy, so there are few side effects associated with their use. Some condoms are lubricated with spermicide gel to decrease the risk of pregnancy. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Some women who use the sponge may experience more vaginal yeast infections, and women who are allergic to spermicide may experience irritation when they use a contraceptive sponge. Does not have any detrimental effect on the hormonal cycles. Call your doctor or get medical help if you have any side effects that bother you or do not go away. The sponge often interferes with the sex making process and is considered messy. The use of contraceptive sponge can lead to common side effects of rectum irritation, vaginal discharge, dryness, and irritation. An estimated 24 out of 100 women who have given birth will rather get pregnant during the first year of typical use of the contraceptive sponge. Spermicide may have side effects. Side effects. The contraceptive sponge tends to absorb most of the natural lubrication that is produced in the vagina, which results in vaginal dryness during sexual intercourse. How does Eating Breakfast Benefits to Health: Importance of Breakfast, Did You Get Scratch by Monkey? The sponge is considered safe and is fairly easy to use. The contraceptive sponge tends to absorb most of the natural lubrication that is produced in the vagina, which results in vaginal dryness during sexual intercourse. Side Effects Since contraceptive sponges do not use hormones to prevent pregnancy, there are few side effects associated with their use. The woman folds the sponge and inserts it into her vagina. There are several other contraceptive options and one needs to discuss with one’s doctor whether any may be better suited for one. It is important that one makes use of contraception, such as a male condom or oral contraceptives, when one begins using this sponge. Often, a visit to the healthcare provider is recommended in such situations, to ensure that the sponge is completely removed. If you douche, wait until at least six hours after sex to avoid washing away spermicide. If torn, run a finger around the upper part of your vagina to sweep out any remaining pieces of the sponge. Though it is easy to insert and remove, on some occasions the loop of the contraceptive sponge may break, which makes it difficult for the female to remove it. Be careful not to push your fingernail through the sponge while inserting it. Contraceptive Sponge Birth Control Sponges Summary. Check the placement of the contraceptive sponge. Improper use, such as leaving the sponge in too long, can result in toxic shock syndrome. Additionally, some women who use the sponge may experience more yeast infections. What Is VCF Birth Control? Long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) methods. Copper IUD; Paragard IUDs are non-hormonal contraceptive devices that come with a copper coating to prevent sperm. It is round, soft and approximately two inches in diameter. Its foam-like texture makes it more comfortable than a diaphragm, and once the sponge is in place, you won’t be able to feel it. 1. Spermicides all have the common ingredient nonoxynol-9. The benefits of the contraceptive sponge include, How Abortion Pills Work: Effects of Birth Control Medications, How Do Male Contraceptive Pills Work and What are Its Side Effects, Benefits Of Low Estrogen Birth Control Pills And Its Side Effects. Sponges work in two ways. • Does not require a partner’s cooperation. The sponge works for up to 24 hours, and must be left in the vagina for at least 6 hours after the last act of intercourse, at which time it is removed and discarded. How does one prepare? One’s health care provider may not recommend it if one: • Are sensitive or allergic to spermicide or polyurethane The sponge does not have hormonal side effects, unlike the pill. Women who use contraceptive sponges have an increased risk of yeast infection and urinary tract infection. They are highly effective, and one of the major plus points is that once the contraceptive is removed, patients can quickly regain their fertility. Here is a list of the fundamental symptoms of hormonal contraceptives. Can be worn for up to thirty hours at a stretch. You should be able feel that the cervical sponge is situated flush against the cervix. Also, some contraception comes with more side effects than others. In rare cases, it can also lead to contact dermatitis, Infection Of Vagina, and UTI. Be careful not to push your fingernail through the sponge while removing it. The contraceptive sponge can also prevent pregnancy but does not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs). It can cause irritation that’s unpleasant and … The contraceptive sponge has rather a strap on one side for rather easier removal. Place the used sponge in the trash. Established by well trained, dedicated and devoted doctors with the expert and expertise of more than 35 years experience formed together to establish Ferty9 Fertility & Research Center under the name of STAR HEALTH SCIENCES. Don’t douche while the sponge is in your vagina. • It also provides protection from pregnancy nearly 24 hours If you can’t find the strap, bear down or grasp it between your thumb and forefinger and pull. The sponge is generally not felt by either partner and this plays a vital role in uninterrupted sex play. The sponges are not effective in preventing sexually transmitted diseases. Separate your labia with one hand. Contraceptive sponge side effects. That irritation increases your risk for the virus that causes AIDS) and other STDs (sexually transmitted diseases) from an infected … You may have unpredictable … The contraceptive sponge can also contains a spermicide called nonoxynol-9, which can irritate the lining of your genitals and increase the risk of STIs or HIV in people at risk. The effectiveness of a birth control method is crucial and like other birth control methods, the contraceptive sponge has higher efficacy, if used correctly. The only medical contraindication to the use of barrier contraception is latex allergy (when using latex condoms). It is a proven contraceptive with over 150 million sponges sold and is available … These are not all of the side effects that may occur. The contraceptive sponge and the spermicide released may cause: • Vaginal irritation or dryness • Urinary tract or vaginal infection • An increased risk of contracting STIs • Toxic shock syndrome. Gently pull on the strap. However, possible drawbacks include: 1. All drugs may cause side effects. Although commonly thought of as barrier methods, the diaphragm, cervical cap, and the contraceptive sponge largely function by maintaining a reservoir of contraceptive gel against the cervix. Women who use contraceptive sponges have an increased risk of yeast infection and urinary tract infection. The string loop side should be facing out so that it tightly covers the cervix. Things to Do Immediately, How Long do Growing Pains Last? Don’t flush it down the toilet. Improper use, such as leaving the sponge in too long, can result in toxic shock syndrome. It has a dimple on one side and a nylon loop across the top. Before making use of the contraceptive sponge, one needs to read the product instructions carefully or talk to one’s health care provider. • Urinary tract or vaginal infection Moisten it with about 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) of clean water and squeeze it gently until the sponge is sudsy. Contact your health care provider if: You have signs and symptoms of toxic shock syndrome, such as sudden high fever, diarrhea, dizziness, vomiting, fainting or a rash that looks like sunburn, You have trouble removing it or you’re able to remove only part of the sponge. Some people are allergic to the spermicide used in the sponge. However, do not leave it in longer than 24 hours to reduce the risk of infection. Side effects. • It does not require a prescription or fitting It is not really right for everyone. It was easy to use and had a small number of contraindications. Often if the sponge itself breaks into pieces, it may be a cause of concern. Side effects. It is recommended that a water based lubricant be used during the intercourse to prevent the dryness. Some of the disadvantages may be: Some women may experience inconvenience or difficulty while inserting the sponge into the vagina. Today Sponge provides effective birth control without 'pill' side effects. Side effects are rare; NOTE: The contraceptive sponge was removed from the market in 1994 by the FDA for health reasons but has been recently re-approved by the FDA, so it may not be available in all areas. In addition, birth control sponges are all the same size which simplifies the choice. • Are at high risk of contracting HIV or one has HIV or AIDS • Can also be made use of as a backup method of birth control Side effects . The means had a contraceptive effect up to 24 hours. The spermicide used currently is nonoxynol-9 which if used for several times a day can cause irritation of the mucus membrane of the vagina and also increase the risk of sexually transmitted diseases. For a complete list of severe side effects, please refer to the individual drug monographs. • An increased risk of contracting STIs The sponge may cause vaginal irritation 4. Some people are allergic to the spermicide used in the sponge. Slide your finger around the edge of the sponge to make sure your cervix is covered.