Vaginal sponge and spermicides

Definition

Spermicides and vaginal sponges are two birth control methods used during sex to avoid pregnancy. Over-the-counter means that they can be purchased by anyone, without a prescription.

Alternative Names

Birth control - over the counter; Contraceptives - over the counter

Information

Spermicides and vaginal sponges are not as effective at preventing pregnancy as some other methods of birth control. But using a spermicide or sponge is much better at preventing pregnancy than not using birth control at all.

SPERMICIDES

Spermicides are chemicals that stop sperm from moving. They come as gels, foams, creams, or suppositories that are inserted into the vagina before intercourse. You may buy them in most drug and grocery stores.

• Spermicides used by themselves are not very effective. About 15 pregnancies occur out of every 100 women who correctly use this method alone over 1 year.
• If spermicides are not used correctly, the risk of pregnancy is more than 25 for every 100 women each year.
• Using spermicides along with other methods such as male or female condoms or the diaphragm will reduce the chance of pregnancy even more.
• Even by using a spermicide alone, however, you are still much less likely to become pregnant than if you did not use any birth control.

Using spermicides:

• Insert the spermicide 10 minutes before having sexual intercourse. It should stay effective for about 60 minutes.
• Insert the spermicide deep into your vagina. Either use your fingers or any applicator that is provided.
• You will need to insert more spermicide every time you have intercourse.
• Do not douche for at least 6 hours after intercourse.

Spermicides do not reduce your chance of an infection, and they may increase the risk of HIV transmission.

Risks include irritation and allergic reactions.

VAGINAL SPONGE

Vaginal contraceptive sponges are soft sponges covered with a spermicide.

A sponge can be inserted up to 24 hours before intercourse.

• Moisten the sponge with 2 tablespoons or more of water. Then gently squeeze the sponge.
• Fold the sponge away from the loop. It should look long and narrow.
• Slide the sponge as far back into the vagina as possible, and place it over the cervix. Make sure the sponge covers the cervix.

After intercourse, leave the sponge in place for 6 - 8 hours.

Avoid using the sponge if you:

• Are having your period or any vaginal bleeding
• Have an allergy to sulfa drugs, polyurethane, or spermicides
• Have an infection in the vagina, cervix, or uterus
• Recently had an abortion, miscarriage, or delivered a child

How well sponges work depend on a number of factors:

• About 9 to 12 pregnancies occur out of every 100 women who use sponges correctly over 1 year. Sponges are more effective in women who have never given birth.
• If sponges are not used correctly, the risk of pregnancy is 20 to 25 for every 100 women each year.
• Using sponges along with male condoms will reduce the chance of pregnancy even more.
• Even by using a sponge alone, you are still much less likely to become pregnant than if you did not use any birth control at all.

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References

Amy JJ, Tripathi V. Contraception for women: an evidence based overview. BMJ. 2009 Aug 7;339.