Search the Questions & Answers	Browse by Category
[Advanced Search]	-- Select Category -- Barrier Methods Contraception Emergency Contraception I.U.D. Injections/Implants Menses Miscellaneous Oral Contraception Pregnancy Sexually Transmitted Infection Sterilization

<< Return to questions

We need updated information on the Today Sponge. #624/8

Would you like to... Print this page Email this page Post a comment Subscribe me Add to favorites Remove Highlighting Edit this Question Dear Dr. Hatcher, I work at the University of Texas at Austin and we are redeveloping our website.  We are going to the www.managingcontraception.com website and using CHOICES links for all of our contraceptive methods, but there is no content for the Today Sponge.  I know the sponge’s re-release happened between editions of the book.  Will there be a new web content on the Today Sponge to support the forthcoming edition of “Contraceptive Technology”?               Thank you!   Guli Fager, MPH The sponge protects for up to 24 hours, no matter how many times intercourse occurs.  After intercourse, the sponge must be left in place for at least 6 hours before it is removed and discarded.  Wearing the sponge for longer than 24 to 30 hours is not recommended because of the possible risk of TSS (toxic shock syndrome).               Contraceptive sponge:  This small, pillow-shaped polyurethane sponge contains 1 gram of nonoxynol-9 spermicide.  The concave dimple on one side was designed to fit over the cervix and decrease the chance of dislodgement during intercourse.  The other side of the sponge incorporates a woven polyester loop to facilitate removal.  The sponge is a one-size over-the-counter product.  It is moistened with tap water prior to use and inserted deep into the vagina.               Effectiveness:  The contraceptive effectiveness of vaginal barriers and spermicides depends on how correctly and consistently they are used.  The pregnancy rates of typical and perfect use for these methods vary because of high levels of inconsistent use. There are no failure rates higher than the failure rates in sponge rates in parous women when considering all of the other contraceptives failure rates in 2008.          Contraceptive Technology 19th edition, page 24 provides the failure rates for the sponge.  They are miserable!    In parous women the typical use failure rate is 32% and the perfect use is 20% in the first year.  In nulliparous women the typical use failure rate is 16% and perfect use failure rate in the first year is 9%.   There are no failure rates higher than the failure rates in sponge rates in parous women.   8-3: Guli, please send us the exact information that you have posted at the present time on Today sponge.     Key Words:  redeveloping website, Managing Contraception, Choices, Today Sponge, contents, Contraceptive Technology, protects, intercourse, removed, discarded, recommended, risk, toxic shock syndrome, pillow-shaped polyurethane sponge, Posted 7-8-2008, Updated 7-11-2008, Updated 8-3-2008

Robert A. Hatcher MD, MPH Professor of Gynecology and Obstetrics Emory University School of Medicine Atlanta, GA ---2008-08-3

Managing Contraception for Your Pocket 2010-2012 #9005   Managing Contraception for Your Pocket 2010-2012 #9005

The directors and owners of this website and any publications and information concerning health matters offered here advise a person with a particular problem to consult a primary-care clinician or a specialist in obstetrics, gynecology, or urology (depending on the problem or the contraceptive) as well as the product package insert and other references before diagnosing, managing, or treating the problem.

Post Comment

To post a comment for this question, simply complete the form below. Fields marked with an asterisk are required.

Your Name:    Email Address: * Your Comment: * Enter the code below:

Suggestions, recommendations, questions, comments, data from the literature, interpretation of laboratory tests and other information provided on this site are for informational purposes only and are not intended to be relied upon as advice from or implied to be a substitute for the professional advice of a physician, nurse practitioner, nurse midwife, counselor or other healthcare professional. Always seek the advice of your clinician or other professional for any questions you may have regarding your health, medical condition, method of birth control and other family planning or personal/social issues. Periodic references to costs of birth control methods on this website are estimates only and your actual cost for any specific method of birth control may be more or less than the stated amount. Emory University School of Medicine, Bridging the Gap Foundation, and Bridging the Gap Communications Inc are not responsible for any damage or loss you may incur as a result of your use of or reliance on any material or information provided through this website.