Is the sponge still available?

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.

Was the sponge taken off the market?

The sponge was voluntarily taken off store shelves in 1995 by its previous manufacturer who chose to stop producing it rather than make FDA-mandated changes to the equipment at their manufacturing plant.

Why did sponges get discontinued?

It was discontinued when the original manufacturers, American Home Products, decided not to spend the hefty amount needed to bring its factory equipment up to Federal Drug Administration (FDA) standards. The sponge was not pulled from the marketplace because of lack of safety or efficacy, as some rumors had suggested.

Do people still use sponges?

The only brand of sponge sold in the U.S. is the Today Sponge.

Is the Today Sponge safe?

The Today Sponge is a safe, hormone-free birth control alternative for couples that provides 24hr protection.

The Spongehenge Theory

Does anyone still use a diaphragm?

A new one-size-fits-most diaphragm is currently available. Though not as effective as other methods, this diaphragm decreases the risk of pregnancy significantly compared to using no form of contraception. In one year of unprotected intercourse, about 85 out of 100 women will become pregnant.

How effective is pulling out?

For every 100 people who use the pull out method perfectly, 4 will get pregnant. But pulling out can be difficult to do perfectly. So in real life, about 22 out of 100 people who use withdrawal get pregnant every year — that's about 1 in 5.

How much is the Today Sponge?

However, Walmart sells the Today Sponge on its website. A pack of three birth control sponges costs $21.78.

Is the sponge available in Canada?

The sponge is available for sale over the Internet on two Canadian web sites, www.birthcontrol.com and www.feelbest.com, says Robert Staab, PhD, chairman and chief scientific officer of Allendale (NJ) Pharmaceuticals.

How do you remove the Today Sponge?

To remove, it is necessary to break the suction. To do this, slip a finger between the sponge and the cervix on one side, tilting the sponge up and away from the cervix. Once free, the sponge may be removed normally. Today® Sponge, like a soft contact lens, should be handled gently.

Do you need a prescription for diaphragm?

You can buy a diaphragm at a pharmacy, drugstore, or health center after you get a prescription from your nurse or doctor. Diaphragms aren't one size fits all — they come in different sizes. Your nurse or doctor will fit you for your diaphragm and show you how to insert and remove it.

Do you need a prescription for contraceptive sponge?

You don't need to see a doctor or have a prescription to get the sponge, and it's sold over-the-counter at most drugstores, some supermarkets, community health centers, Planned Parenthood health centers, and online. You can also buy sponges on the Today Sponge website.

Do you need a prescription for a cervical cap?

Yes. You need a prescription for a cervical cap from your nurse or doctor. That's because cervical caps are made in different sizes. So your nurse or doctor will need to examine you to figure out which size cervical cap is best for you.

How does the vaginal ring work?

It works by stopping your ovaries from releasing an egg each month. It also thickens the fluid around the cervix (opening to the uterus or womb). This helps to prevent the sperm from entering. When you start using a vaginal ring for the first time, or after a break, it can take up to 7 days to start working.

Can u get pregnant on your period?

A woman's ovulation cycles can vary, so it's statistically possible you could become pregnant while on your period. While pregnancy is less likely in the earlier days of your period, the chances increase in the later days.

Do diaphragms get stuck?

Can a diaphragm get lost or stuck inside my body? There is no reason for the diaphragm to get lost or stuck inside your body. A diaphragm will be specifically fitted by a healthcare provider to ensure it fits and can be used effectively by you.

Do diaphragms hurt?

You'll likely feel some discomfort if the diaphragm isn't placed correctly, but not always, which is why it's important to make sure you have a handle on insertion before using it.

When did diaphragms stop being popular?

Diaphragms became a popular birth control choice, gaining in popularity until 1960. In 1955, a U.S. National Fertility Survey reported that 25% of the 1,900 white married couples surveyed relied on the diaphragm. It was the same in 1960. By 1965, however, that number began to drop.

Can a man feel a cervical cap?

Most men are not able to feel the cervical cap. Some men may feel it during intercourse, but it shouldn't be uncomfortable for either of you.

Is the sponge the same as a diaphragm?

The vaginal sponge is a birth control method used in the birth canal. The sponge is soft and round, and has a loop on it for removal. The sponge contains a chemical to kill sperm. The diaphragm is a rubber circle that goes in the birth canal.

How much does the cervical cap cost?

A cervical cap can cost anywhere from $0 to about $275 for the cap and the office visit. A cervical cap should be replaced every year. Many health insurance plans cover these costs, and family planning clinics (such as Planned Parenthood) may charge less.

Is the contraceptive sponge available in Australia?

Caya is the only type of diaphragm available in Australia. It comes in only one size, and fits about 8 women out of 10. A health professional will be able to help you select another form of contraception if the diaphragm is not suitable for you.

Can a guy feel a diaphragm?

A few men report feeling the diaphragm during sex, but most do not. Cannot pass through the cervix. They cannot go into the uterus or otherwise get lost in the woman's body.

Is it hard to insert a diaphragm?

Diaphragms can be hard to use correctly.

Some people have trouble inserting the diaphragm, and it can take practice to get comfortable doing it.

Which is better diaphragm or cervical cap?

Diaphragms and cervical caps have similar success rates for preventing pregnancy. People who have already given birth vaginally to a full-term baby may do better with a diaphragm than with a cervical cap.