Sometimes, due to certain unpredicted side effects, common birth control techniques may not work for some women. The Birth control sponge or the Contraceptive Sponge may be opted for in such a situation. The vaginal sponge is reversible and is a form of birth control. Some women may prefer to use a vaginal sponge to prevent pregnancy because it is readily accessible without a prescription in most pharmacies and is also very easy to use. However, a vaginal sponge can not protect against sexually transmitted diseases such as HIV when compared to a male condom.
What Is Birth Control Sponge?
Sponge for antifungal use or the sponge for birth control is a sponge of around two inches in height, doughnut-shaped. This oval, the soft vaginal sponge is made of foam polyurethane. Fermentation and spermicidal approaches help the female sponge avoid pregnancy.
The sponge can be put in the vagina deep before intercourse. The sponge is a protective cover over the cervix which prevents the sperm from entering the uterus. The tissue loop is attached to each cervical sponge to make it convenient to remove it. The sponge can not be reused and discarded after use.
How Does Birth Control Sponge Work?
It can be similar to the functioning of a sponge. There are two ways to monitor the sponge birth. The sponge is tightened to the cervix, creating a protective barrier and preventing entry of the sperms in the uterus. The sponge collects the sperm before it reaches the cervix, which connects the vagina with the uterus.
Spermicide, a sperm killer that keeps sperm from accessing an egg, is also used to produce the vaginal sponge. It is important for women to use the sponge before intercourse in the right way. Before being inserted deeply into the vagina, the sponge must moisten with water. The sponge can be placed in your vagina approximately 24 hours before intercourse.
After usage, the loop attached to the sponge can be used to pull it out. Either in addition to a condom or all by itself, the sponge may be used. Using it along with a condom, however, may offer better pregnancy protection.
Effectiveness Of Birth Control Sponge
1. For Preventing Pregnancy
When we talk about birth control, sponge contraception might not be the best option on the market, especially when a woman is born once. However, before intercourse, it is important to use the sponge correctly to make it most effective. Correctly following the product directions and using it every time before intercourse will improve its effectiveness. But it may not be entirely feasible, theoretically speaking, to use it correctly each time.
If the sponge is used correctly by a woman who has not borne a child, the efficiency rate may be as high as 91 percent. But it may not be more than 88 percent efficient in realistic terms. But the success rate may be less than 80 percent in the case of a woman who has given birth before, even if we talk realistically. This makes it an unlikely choice for women with children to use contraception. It can thus be safe to assume that an average of 9-11 women out of 100 who use contraceptive sponge may continue to become pregnant in one year.
2. How to Increase the Effectiveness of a Sponge
One way to improve Sponge productivity is any time before you have intercourse to use it properly. Using the sponge consistently every single time before intercourse can also enhance its effectiveness. However, one definite way to increase their effectiveness is with other methods, such as oral contraceptives or male condoms, in combination.
A different approach may be by not ejaculating semen inside your partner and extracting the semen in the vagina before secreting. However, the most efficient way to avoid STDs can be by combining both sponge and male condoms.
How to Use the Sponge
It is not possible to emphasize the proper use of a sponge to effectively control birth. Once you get enough practice, the sponge can be fairly easy to use. It is quite like pushing in a tampon to insert a sponge.
1. Insertion Of Birth Control Sponge
- Before putting the sponge in, it is essential to properly wash your hands with water and soap.
- Wet it with a little water after removing the sponge wrapper.
- A few times, squeeze the sponge lightly or until it is foamy. The sponge should be completely wet to activate the spermicides.
- Be careful not to squeeze the dry sponge,
- Turn the sides up (like you fold something in half) so that the sponge is long and narrow, keeping the indented side of the sponge facing upward. The indented side of the sponge should face the front side of the body, while the sponge loop should face the backside of the body.
- Try to sit in a relaxed spot, as you can balance yourself or squat on the edge of a chair. When lying down or standing with one of your feet on a chair, you can also insert the sponge.
- With the assistance of your fingertips, push the sponge deep into the vagina. Try to slide it as far up as you can. Upon letting go, the sponge unfolds on its own and suits the cervix securely.
- Make sure the sponge correctly protects the cervix by running your fingers all over and around the sponge’s edges. Also, ensure that the loop is at the bottom of the sponge.
You don’t need to panic because you remember every single detail. A comprehensive collection of instructions comes with all items. It will help you to use the sponge correctly by following the given instructions.
2. When Does One Insert the Sponge?
Approximately 24 hours before intercourse you can place the sponge. As soon as the spermicide is triggered and inserted in the vagina, the sponge is ready to be used. The birth control can therefore be established long before you have intercourse. You can have intercourse as many times as you wish without any interruptions during the next 24 hours when you have the sponge inside the vagina. You don’t need to replace the sponge for that period.
3. How Long Can A Sponge Be Left Inside?
It takes at least 6 hours after intercourse to leave the sponge in. However, make sure that it does not last more than 30 hours. However, for a total of 30 hours, there is no compulsion to abandon the sponge inside, but six hours after sex must be kept safe.
4. Sponge Removal
Glide a finger into your vagina and fasten it around the sponge loop after washing your hands carefully. Then take the sponge out of the vagina very gently and continuously with the help of the loop. In the event that the sponge loop is not found, you can grab the sponge and push it out slowly. If you have difficulty reaching the sponge, try and reach the sponge with the help of your vaginal muscles. Place the sponge carefully in the trash bin and do not flush it down a toilet.
It is necessary to correctly and consistently use contraceptive sponges. Only by way of a reliable birth control method can it be determined. Compliance with the product directions can help to correctly use the sponge. You can achieve ease of use with practice. When you are uncertain about the consistent use of a sponge, other birth control methods are always more usable and reliable, such as implants and IUDs. In any event, the best protection against pregnancy and STDs can be provided by using a male condom and sponge.
Also Read: 12 Ways To Prepare Your Body for Pregnancy
