Thinking of trying out the contraceptive sponge for sexual intercourse next time? It is one of the good contraception options commonly available in the markets today, but before you purchase it, you should be aware of how it works and, most importantly, its effectiveness. The Contraceptive Sponge, also known as the Birth Control Sponge, is a doughnut-shaped piece of sponge containing a spermicide.

During sexual intercourse, this sponge that is worn in the vagina, destroys sperms with its spermicidal properties and prevents them from travelling up the vagina to the ovum, by acting as a barrier between the sperm and the ovum.   These sponges are commercially available under various brands, which report effectiveness of their products to varying percentages.

Effectiveness Of Contraceptive Sponge

The effectiveness of the contraceptive sponge is defined by the correctness and consistency of its usage. Hence, the degree of effectiveness of the contraceptive sponge depends upon how you use it.

If you are a perfect user, then you can expect the maximum effectiveness of 89%-91%; however, if you do not follow the exact usage instructions of these contraceptive sponges, as prescribed by the manufacturer, their effectiveness is about only 84%-89%. Further, the performance of the contraceptive sponges drops to 68%-74%, if correct and consistent usage is not done.

Ideal Usage Of Contraceptive Sponge

One can expect to get maximum results by following certain usage rules, which are discussed further. The contraceptive sponge should be inserted into the vagina, at the most, 24 hours before having sexual intercourse; the sponge should be placed and positioned accurately in the vagina, it should maintain its position during intercourse, and remain in that position for 6 hours after intercourse; the sponge should not remain in the human body for more than 30 hours continuously; it should be consistently used for each and every intercourse, to prevent pregnancy.

Often, many users do not follow the rules of contraceptive sponge usage as discussed above, and the sponge fails in such cases.

Maximizing Effectiveness Of Contraceptive Sponge

You can always consider increasing the effectiveness of your contraceptive sponge if you are comfortable with using it, and have attained sexual satiation by wearing it. This can be achieved in some ways:

Adherence To Instructions

You should try to adhere to the usage instructions of these sponges, as much as possible, for maximum results.

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Supplementing With Latex Condom

Secondly, you can combine its usage with another contraceptive aid for maximizing the contraception. For example, your partner can be instructed to wear a latex condom, while you wear the contraceptive sponge. This will be a foolproof measure to ensure contraception.

Moreover, this arrangement helps in protection from sexually transmitted diseases, as latex condoms are effective in decreasing the risk of being infected with STDs, while the contraceptive sponges do not.

Withdrawal Before Ejaculation

To decrease the risk of conception while using the sponge, another natural measure would be your partner withdrawing before ejaculation.

The effectiveness of contraceptive sponges is seen to be more in the case of women who have never given birth to children, in comparison to the ones who have undergone childbirth.