SPONGE
Yes. The contraceptive sponge will not be affected in any way.
The contraceptive sponge should not tear with normal muscular movement within the vagina or even during intercourse. Be careful not to push a fingernail through the sponge when inserting or removing the sponge. There may be minor separation, but these do not affect the contraceptive capabilities of the sponge.
The sponge will not dissolve by itself. In some cases such as during a bowel movement, the sponge may be expelled. If it has not been in place for 6 hours after the last act of intercourse, you should immediately insert a new sponge. Do not reinsert the one that was expelled.
You may use the sponge as often as you wish but not during your menstrual period.
If you have trouble removing the sponge or think that parts of the sponge are still in your vagina, carefully follow the removal instructions on the given directions. If you still have trouble removing contact your doctor or healthcare provider right away.
Many women spot between periods, particularly during ovulation. If the menstrual bleeding is unusual, continual, or heavy, consult your doctor or healthcare provider.
The contraceptive sponge is held in place by the muscles of the upper vagina. The cup-like indention in the sponge helps to keep it in place directly over the cervix. The opening from the vagina to the uterus is far too small for the sponge to pass through. There is no way that the sponge could access to any other part of your body.
The sponge is made of soft and comfortable material, It feels like normal vaginal tissue. Some partner may feel the sponge during intercourse, but this is usually not objectionable.
Some women have found that the sponge absorbs some of the natural vaginal secretions. To help avoid this, it is important to make sure that the sponge has been wet thoroughly before use. If this becomes a problem for you, it is recommended to use water based lubricant with the sponge.
The sponge is a hormone free vaginal contraceptive that does not disrupt your menstrual cycle.
The efficacy with typical use is only 83%, that means approximately 17 out of every 100 women in a year using this method will experience an unintended pregnancy. There exist other, more effective birth control methods – for example the pill (93% efficacy) or the IUD or IUS, also known as copper and hormonal coils, (99% efficacy).
No, the sponge must be inserted before you have intercourse. Once the penis enters the vagina, there is a greater chance of getting pregnant because there may be the leakage of sperm without ejaculation and, with ejaculation; sperm reaches the fallopian tubes even more quickly.
