Are contraceptive sponges still available?

Where can I buy the sponge? The only contraceptive sponge brand available in the U.S. is called the Today Sponge. You can buy the Today Sponge over-the-counter at pharmacies, drugstores, and some supermarkets and grocery stores. It’s also available on the Today Sponge website and other online retailers.

Why was the contraceptive sponge discontinued?

PIP: The vaginal sponge, an over-the-counter spermicidal contraceptive, will no longer be available to US women. Whitehall-Robins Healthcare, which began manufacturing the sponge in 1983, has ceased manufacturing this product allegedly because of stringent Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requirements.

Is contraceptive sponge over-the-counter?

The contraceptive sponge is readily available in drugstores, pharmacies and some supermarkets. The sponge: Doesn’t require a prescription or fitting. Can be inserted immediately or up to 24 hours before sex.

Is the sponge a good birth control?

So the sponge is realistically 88% effective for women who’ve never given birth — 12 out of 100 sponge-users who’ve never given birth will get pregnant within a year. The sponge is 76% effective for women who have given birth — so 24 out of 100 sponge-users who’ve given birth will get pregnant within a year.

What is a disadvantage of using the contraceptive sponge?

The sponge does not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including infection with HIV. Some studies show that use of the sponge dries and irritates the vagina, which may increase the risk of HIV infection. The use of spermicides with nonoxynol-9 may increase your risk of getting HIV/AIDS.

Why can’t I find Today Sponge?

The Today sponge, discontinued in 1995, may be back on shelves this fall, thanks to Allendale Pharmaceuticals of Allendale, New Jersey. When the apparatus became scarce and, ultimately unavailable, many sponge devotees were outraged.

Can guys feel sponges?

Can my partner feel the contraceptive sponge during intercourse? 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.

Can you lose a sponge in your vagina?

But always remember: a menstrual sponge can never disappear into your body. Your vagina is designed to make this impossible. No tampon will fit through the tiny hole in your cervix. It may happen that the tampon moves a little further than necessary, for example if you accidentally inserted a second tampon or had sex.

How do you insert the Today Sponge?

Today Vaginal Contraceptive Sponge is inserted through the vaginal opening and placed in the deepest part of the vagina, just below the cervix. The cervix is at the bottom end of the uterus, and has a small opening through which sperm must travel to reach and fertilize the egg.

When should you remove the contraceptive sponge?

Leave the contraceptive sponge in place for 6 hours after you’ve had sex.

Does the sponge protect against pregnancy?

Sponges prevent pregnancy by covering the cervix and blocking sperm from entering the uterus. By inserting the sponge deep into the vagina before intercourse, sperm are blocked and cannot enter the uterus. In addition, the sponge releases spermicide throughout intercourse, which keeps the sperm from moving.

Where can you buy a sponge contraceptive?

The only contraceptive sponge brand available in the U.S. is called the Today Sponge. You can buy the Today Sponge over-the-counter at pharmacies, drugstores, and some supermarkets and grocery stores.

What is sponge birth control method?

The contraceptive sponge, or birth control sponge, is a soft, round piece of plastic foam with a loop for removal. It’s available over the counter in many drugstores. The sponge is filled with a spermicide known as nonoxynol-9. You insert the sponge deep into your vagina before sexual intercourse to prevent pregnancy.