Birth control and you: The sponge
THE sponge is a reversible, over-the-counter barrier method of birth control. Obstetrician-gynaecologist Dr Anna-Kay Taylor Christmas said it is a round device that is 1.57 inches in diameter and about half an inch thick.
“It is made of soft polyurethane foam, which feels like natural vaginal tissue, and is coated with sperm-killing nonoxynol-9 spermicide. It also has a cotton loop attached to the bottom for removal,” she said.
Dr Taylor Christmas explained that the sponge is not a method that is commonly utilised by Jamaican women and said it was removed from the market in 1995 due to manufacturing issues, but was reintroduced in 2005. However, the ObGyn said it is available over the counter without a prescription, and does not have to be fitted by a doctor beforehand.
“It is inserted by the woman herself (to the top of the vagina covering the cervix), using just fingers as no special equipment is required,” Dr Taylor Christmas said.
She added that it acts in several ways to prevent pregnancy as it blocks the sperm, absorbs sperm, and contains a spermicide to kill sperm. With regards to its effectiveness, she said it is more effective in preventing pregnancy for women who have never given birth, with the risk of pregnancy increasing from 10 per cent to 20 per cent for women who have had previous deliveries.
It is made more effective by the use of the male condom, which also prevents sexually transmitted infections (STIs) that the sponge does not protect against.
Dr Taylor Christmas said the sponge can be inserted up to 24 hours before intercourse and must be left in place for at least six hours after the last intercourse, but should not be left in for more than 30 hours in a row. She said it can only be used once and should not be flushed down the toilet.
The sponge offers an alternative to hormonal contraceptives like the pill and does not affect a woman’s natural hormones.
“It can be used during breastfeeding. It allows for as many acts of intercourse in the 24-hour period without needing additional spermicide and does not impair spontaneity since it can be inserted 24 hours before intercourse.”
Dr Taylor Christmas said the sponge does have potential side effects and should not be used by women who:
1. Are allergic to the components in the sponge (including sulfa drugs, polyurethane and the spermicide)
2. Have difficulty inserting the sponge
3. Have had recent childbirth, miscarriage, abortion or a history of toxic shock syndrome.
4. Are experiencing bleeding, as blood increases the risk of toxic shock syndrome.
In addition, she said some women complain of vaginal irritation with use, or increased dryness during intercourse and noted that there is also sometimes the complaint of it being messier because of the liquid that is needed to moisten it before insertion.
