the Sponge
 

No, not Sponge Bob, but The Sponge. Have you all heard (story here) that this contraceptive is being put back on the market after being out for a decade? I'm not on the pill, and the only birth control my husband and I use is a condom combined with the Fertility Awareness Method. I like the idea of birth control that doesn't interfere with my hormones (they get crazy enough on their own, thanks), and it'd be nice to have b.c. that doesn't require me to "plan" (FAM) so much, so I'm interested in trying the Sponge. Did anyone used this when it was on the market a while back? I'd like to hear what you think... This is funny because I just got all excited last night after reading Supple Cow's info about the resusable menstrual cups--now another product that could potentially make my life so much easier! I'm all over that. LOL

I have never used it. I don't think I will either.

I am sticking to my RING.

This was big when I was in college ( before many of y'all were born) it was easy to use, convenient (as long as you inserted it before going out... the sponge had to get pretty wet for it to work - and it was a little drippy afterwards) -

I honestly don't remember why it was pulled from the market, but it did leave a gaping whole for women who used it... (and made for a semi-interesting Seinfeld episode - is he or isn't he Spongeworthy?)

Nice to see it coming back to the market

From the FAQ on the webpage:
I've never gotten past the condom stage of a relationship, but this looks like a nice alternative when that happens.

Sue- have you looked into getting an IUD ? I have one, and I LOOVVEE it! Ask your gyno! PM me with questions! I'm on a rampage like Supple is for Diva Cups!!!

Anyway, don't know nothin bout no sponges, ceptin the ones I use to clean my dishes! Sorry :)

Actually...I just came off the pill because I don't like the hormonal side effects, and hubby and I have been discussing a viable alternative. I thought about an IUD...but the thought of having one inserted and the chance of a puncture, no matter how small, scares me. I'll have to look for these and try them, because neither of us likes condoms either. Thanks for the link, sue!!!

Yes, Nikki, I looked up the ring and saw that it's probably a better alternative to the pill since it releases a low dose of hormones. That's good. What do you like about it? Is it easy/convenient?

Maleficent--every single recent news item I've read about the sponge references that Seinfeld episode! Our city paper even included an accompanying picture of Elaine. Ha!

Pip, thanks for noting that section from the FAQs page. Hmm...

Sage, I haven't considered the IUD! I don't know much about it, haven't looked it up on the Web or anything. I kind of had the same concern that Medusa mentioned above. It does look kind of scary/off-putting, I have to say. Not soft and squishy like the sponge! heh ;)

Thanks for your comments, guys!!

The chance of a "puncture" (it really would just embed in the wall of the uterus, not puncture the thing!) from an IUD comes only during the insertion or, worse case scenario, from getting pelvic inflammatory disease (which only happens if you get bacteria in your uterus). I asked my doctor about a bajillion questions before I got it, trust me. Once it's in, it's in, for up to 10 years. You cramp a little for about a week, and *supposedly* your first three periods after you get it are a little heaver on the bleeding and cramping, but this has not happened to me (I'm on period #2). Talk to your doctor about it at least- learn all you can (knowledge really is power!) Perhaps this is the answer you've been looking for!

Yeah, you're right, Sage. The best thing to do is talk to my doctor. I agree that knowledge is power!

I read on the Paragard (brand) site that the IUD is "the most widely used reversible contraceptive in the world today."

I used on in 1987, it got stuck in me and I couldnt get it out (here comes the gross part) I was too embarrassed to go to my doctor about it, I figured it would come out eventually...it did in the ER. Believe me I tried to get it out, to the point of using little bamboo tongs to try. It started to smelly really bad and started coming out in little bits. If I remember right it was in about 3 weeks before I got such an infection and pain I couldnt stand it anymore. On top of all of it....the sponges back then had nonoxyl 9, thats when we found out I was allergic to that too.

It gives me the shivers to know they are back.

Oh that's awful, ShaniFaye!!! I'm really sorry that happened to you. What a nightmare that must have been(!!!).
Thank you for sharing your experience with me...

I guess nothing is "no-risk", and there's always the possibility that something could go wrong, no matter what the product.

Heh.

My mom was using the sponge when she got pregnant with me.

That's my sponge story.

i had asked my gyno about the iud and she said that unless you had either had a kid or an abortion or been pregnant at all it wasnt a good idea..she also said that she wouldnt put one in anyone under 30. i trust her shes pretty amazing

I read up on the sponge and it doesn't appeal to me. Regardless, it is good to know there are new alternatives ! :)

My gyno said the same thing about the IUD - that it's best if you've had some sort of pregnancy. As for the sponge, she said that with motivated people, especially couples because they're more able to plan ahead, that she's seen Very Good percentages. For someone just going out to hookup, perhaps it's not the best idea, but if you're exclusively dating/married, you're more likely to pay attention, do it right, and not have any trouble.

hoo boy.
I used to use the sponge back in my slutty days. It was convenient and not terribly messy. I was also prone to frequent yeast infections at the time. huh.
After I got older and they took it off the market, I discovered my allergy to nonox-9 with condoms and made the conncetion, duh. I won't use it again, especially considering the risks.
For the gals out there, look into the ring. My friend is a rep for Organon, the maker of Nuvaraing and the info she's given me seems pretty convincing that it's a good choice for ladies that would prefer a low dose hormonal contraceptive. I'll try to get her to post info about it through my account next time she's here on the other thread in the lounge.

Doctors are unlikely to put an IUD in someone who hasn't had a pregnancy or abortion because of the massive discomfort associated with the initial widening of the cervix.

I'd avoid using the sponge, or anything with nonoxinol9 in it. It may kill sperm, but it increases chances of infection and many people are allergic to it.