Is the Sponge Really All That?

The contraceptive sponge became an instant hit when it was the centre of an episode of the popular TV show Seinfeld. Women allover the world joked about whether the men they were to sleep with were ‘sponge worthy’ as in the show where the female characters all sang the praises of this method of birth control. But, does the sponge live up to the hype in real life?

Living Up To the Hype

The sponge is just as the name states; a soft sponge that is used vaginally as a barrier which is filled with several kinds of spermicide. It is inserted into the vagina and works as a barrier between the sperm and the cervix while the spermicide helps kill sperm. It’s easy to insert and remove and it can be worn for twelve hours or more depending on the brand. Also, neither the woman nor her partner should be able to feel it during intercourse. And unlike birth control pills, a sponge will not affect hormones or cause decreased sexual desire like some pills have been known to. Sounds like it does it all, doesn’t it? Well, there are a few things to consider before choosing a sponge as your regular method of birth control though.

Things to Consider Before Using the Sponge

•    While it does act as a barrier in front of the cervix, it doesn’t protect you against STDs when used on its own.

•    It is not completely foolproof when it comes to preventing pregnancy. The effectiveness rates vary between the different brands of contraceptive sponges on the market worldwide and fall between seventy-four to eighty-nine percent when used properly.

•    It can get quite expensive when used often and may not be the best choice for your regular method of birth control if you’re on a budget.

•    The contraceptive sponge is made of polyurethane and can cause irritation in some people.

•    The sponge cannot be used while menstruating.

When it comes right down to it, the contraceptive sponge may be a good option for those in a monogamous relationship, but again, if you’re really not looking to get pregnant you will need to be very diligent about using the sponge correctly to avoid any unwanted surprises. Also, some brands need to be run under water before use which means that spontaneous lovemaking may not be possible depending on where you are.

And finally, if you’re even remotely squeamish, putting the sponge in and getting it out may not be for you. It’s all a matter of personal choice and weighing the pros and cons.