Barrier Methods of Birth Control (cont.)
Contraceptive sponge
The contraceptive sponge is a doughnut shaped sponge. It
is made of polyurethane foam and is impregnated with the spermicide Nonoxynol-9.
This spermicide is essential to the contraceptive ability of the sponge.
Before intercourse, a woman pushes the sponge up into her vagina (as she
would insert a tampon). The spermicidal sponge should then act as a barrier in
order to prevent sperm from reaching the cervix. Once in place, the sponge
provides protection for up to 24 hours without the need for additional
spermicide.
The sponge must remain in the vagina for at least 6 hours after intercourse.
However, the same sponge should never remain in the vagina for more than a total
of 30 hours because of the risk of toxic shock syndrome.
(Toxic shock syndrome is an uncommon and potentially very serious illness that
is caused by a type of bacteria. This illness occurs when certain types of products, such as tampons,
are left in place for excessive periods of time. This is why package
instructions of these products are careful to specify how long they may be
safely kept in place.) Each sponge is used only once and then thrown away.
The sponge is generally an effective birth control method. Some users of the
contraceptive sponge may experience irritation and allergic reactions. The
sponge can also be difficult to remove from the vagina. Removal has been made
easier by the addition of a woven polyester loop.
The estimated effectiveness of the sponge as
a contraceptive is 64% to 82%. As for protection from sexually transmitted
infections, the spermicide may provide some protection against chlamydia and
gonorrhea, but otherwise, the degree of protection is unknown.
Diaphragm
The diaphragm is a soft flexible rubber cup shaped like a dome that is
inserted into the vagina. The diaphragm blocks access to the cervix so that
sperm cannot pass from the vagina into the uterus. The diaphragm must be covered
on both sides and especially around its rim with spermicidal jelly, cream, or
foam in order to form a tight seal around the diaphragm.
A woman inserts the diaphragm into her vagina no more than 4 hours prior to
intercourse. After intercourse, she should check to be sure that the diaphragm
has not been dislodged and is still in the correct position. The diaphragm must
be left in place for at least 6-8 hours after intercourse; after this time it
should be removed. Fresh spermicide jelly or foam must be inserted into the
vagina each time intercourse is repeated.
Since diaphragms are only available with a prescription, a woman must see a
health care practitioner to have a diaphragm properly fitted (they come in a
range of sizes), and to learn proper insertion techniques.
There are no known long-term health risks associated with using the diaphragm
and spermicide method of birth control. Some women may find spermicides to be
irritating, but changing brands of spermicides may help. There is also an
increased risk of urinary tract
infections with diaphragm use. One possible reason is that the diaphragm puts
increased pressure on the urethra or the
spermicide may contribute to irritation leading to infection. (The cervical cap
is not associated with increases in urinary tract infections.)
The diaphragm may be appealing to women because it offers a safe temporary
(not permanent) birth control that is under her control.
When the diaphragm and spermicide are used correctly,
they are thought to have over an 82% success rate (18 pregnancies/100 women per
year). To ensure protection, it is important that the diaphragm be checked after
every use for rips or holes (this is best done by holding the diaphragm up to
the light). Also, the fit of the diaphragm should be checked annually, after
every pregnancy, and after significant weight loss.
Using a diaphragm does not protect a woman from sexually transmitted
infections, although the spermicide does give partial protection against
gonorrhea and chlamydia. It can, however, be used with condoms to offer some
protection against sexually transmitted infections.
Next: Cervical cap »
- Natural Methods of Birth Control - Natural methods of birth control are non-mechanical and non-hormonal. They are also considered fertility awareness methods and there are a variety of choices for natural birth control.
- Sexually Transmitted Diseases in Women (STDs) - Learn and become aware of common STDs in women, including descriptions, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatments of each type of infection.
- Hormonal Methods of Birth Control - Read about hormonal birth control methods, such as oral contraceptives, the patch, birth control injection, and vaginal ring. The hormones used in hormonal birth control are estrogen and/or progesterone.
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