Any Sponge Users?
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Any Sponge Users?
| Tue, 04-06-2004 - 9:22am |
I'm going to be changing birth control soon and decided I want to use a diaphragm but won't be able to be fitted for it at the time I stop using the other method. So I thought of using the sponge along with condoms. What is the difference between Protectaid and Today Sponge? The Today Sponge seems to be less expensive but if the Protectaid has better benefits I'd prefer that. Any experiences would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

I'm curious as to why you are going to use a sponge with condoms. I'm sure it seems more effective but I'm not sure. Hell, I also don't know much about sponges but I do know something about spermicide.
In studies done in Thailand with prostitutes, findings showed that those who used a spermicide with their condoms were more likely to contract HIV than those who didn't. The thought is that the spermicide actually makes tiny cuts in the condom with the friction and the virus slips through.
Aren't sponges spermicidal? If this is the case, then wouldn't a sponge be more detrimental when using a condom? I thought sponges were for use with diaphrams or, uh, I guess that's it.
As maybe a comment and a question: Does it make sense to use a sponge with a condom?
“Effectiveness of COL-1492, a nonoxynol-9 vaginal gel, on HIV-1 transmission in female sex workers: a randomised controlled trial.”
“INTERPRETATION: This study did not show a protective effect of COL-1492 on HIV-1 transmission in high-risk women. Multiple use of nonoxynol-9 could cause toxic effects enhancing HIV-1 infection. This drug can no longer be deemed a potential HIV-1-prevention method.” Link:
http://www4.infotrieve.com/newmedline/detail.asp?NameID=12383665&Session=&searchQuery=Nonoxynol%2D9+AND+HIV+AND+Thailand&count=9 And
“Nonoxynol-9 for preventing vaginal acquisition of HIV infection by women from men.”
“REVIEWER'S CONCLUSIONS: There is good evidence that nonoxynol-9 does not protect against sexually transmitted infections, and there is some evidence that it may be harmful by increasing the rate of genital ulceration. As such, this product cannot be recommended for STI prevention.” Link:
http://www4.infotrieve.com/newmedline/detail.asp?NameID=12519622&Session=&searchQuery=Nonoxynol%2D9+AND+HIV&count=229
Jill