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HOW IT WORKS:

A polyurethane foam is impregnated with spermicides.  It releases a protective spermicidal gel over the vaginal mucosa. The sponge forms a barrier to the sperm reaching the cervix as well as killing or immobilizing sperm.  No sperm - no pregnancy.  Protectaid® is the only sponge on the market (available outside the US), but Allendale Pharmaceuticals Inc. recently bought the rights to manufacture the Today® Sponge and it will be on the market in the US by this Fall.

EFFECTIVENESS:

85-90% in women who have never had a baby 75 - 85% in women who have had a baby

AVERAGE COST:

$2.25 per use.  NOT AVAILABLE IN THE US BUT CAN BE ORDERED FROM INTERNATIONAL SOURCES at this time.  The Today® Sponge will be available in the Fall in the US.

ADVANTAGES:

Fertility returns immediately upon discontinued use.  Can be inserted several hours prior to intercourse and may be left in place up to twelve hours after.  It contains three types of spermicide and does not appear to be  allergenic nor as irritating as previous sponges.  Does not require a prescription.  May protect against some STD's.  Disperses a protective gel over the vaginal mucosa.  Does not require insertion of a new sponge for each act of intercourse.

DISADVANTAGES:

Cannot be used by women allergic to nonoxyl-9 or those who have had toxic shock syndrome.

HOW TO USE IT:

Insert the sponge into the vagina up to several hours prior to intercourse and leave in place up to twelve hours after sex.  Can be left in place a total of twenty-four hours.

YOU NEED TO CALL A HEALTH CARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF:

You experience any of the following: soreness of the vagina; rash in the genital area; profuse, foul-smelling or itchy discharge; severe abdominal pain; or fever and/or chills for no reason.

Additional Information: Graphics, correct usage and important links for this method of Birth Control.

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