THE SPONGETHE SPONGEBY: Justine OlsonBY: Justine Olson

What is it?What is it? The sponge is donut-shaped

polyurethane device containing spermicide and a woven polyester loop that hangs down into the vagina for removal.

How does it work?How does it work? The sponge is moistened with The sponge is moistened with

water and inserted into the water and inserted into the vagina. vagina.

It releases a spermicide to kill It releases a spermicide to kill sperm cells. sperm cells.

It is constructed to trap and It is constructed to trap and absorb semen before the absorb semen before the sperm have a chance to enter sperm have a chance to enter the cervix. the cervix.

It acts as a barrier between It acts as a barrier between the sperm and the cervix. the sperm and the cervix.

Must be left in for six hours after Must be left in for six hours after intercourseintercourse

THE SPONGETHE SPONGE

EffectivenessEffectiveness For typical use is 80% For typical use is 80%

effectiveeffective For perfect use is For perfect use is

91%effective91%effective

Where to get it and cost?Where to get it and cost? Typically package of 3

cost $7.50 to $15.00 No prescription neededNo prescription needed Available at most Available at most

drugstores, internet, family drugstores, internet, family planning centersplanning centers

THE SPONGETHE SPONGE Positive aspectsPositive aspects Protects 24 hours Protects 24 hours Can be used in multiple Can be used in multiple

acts of intercourseacts of intercourse Does not require a Does not require a

prescriptionprescription Available at most Available at most

drugstoresdrugstores Is chemical and physical Is chemical and physical

barrierbarrier

Negative aspectsNegative aspects Leaving in longer than 30 Leaving in longer than 30

hrs may cause toxic shock hrs may cause toxic shock syndromesyndrome

Sponge may shred or tear Sponge may shred or tear during useduring use

May experience more May experience more yeast infectionsyeast infections

May still get pregnantMay still get pregnant