sponge, diaphragm, cervical cap, foam

iVillage Member
Registered: 11-07-2003
sponge, diaphragm, cervical cap, foam
3
Sun, 08-08-2004 - 6:22pm
Hello, which of these is best and most popular among women? What are the important differences? Are they expensive and are they covered under most insurance?
iVillage Member
Registered: 12-30-2003
Sun, 08-08-2004 - 7:44pm
Hi zyl41, welcome!

‘Best and most popular’ are hard to quantify when you are talking about something as individual as birth control. The sponge and foam are basically two ways to deliver spermicide. With a diaphragm or cervical cap it will depend on the woman’s anatomy as to which or if either is right for her. As far as popularity is concerned the diaphragm is used by about 2% of women using contraception and the cervical cap probably less than 1% so we are a very small minority! The few, the brave, the barrier wearers! Lol! If you would like to know more about diaphragms or caps read the post about them in the FAQs at the top of the board.

Are they covered by insurance? Over the counter methods (sponge and foam) aren’t covered specifically, though if you have a medical savings account at work where you can put in money deducted from your salary to pay for medical costs not covered by your insurance, you can pay for them in before tax dollars. Contraceptive devices, diaphragms and caps, are usually covered by insurance but you would have to check with your own ins. Co. to see. For what Planned Parenthood has to say about effectiveness and cost see:

http://www.plannedparenthood.org/bc/cchoices.html I hope you can find an effective method of contraception the works well for you.

Good luck.

      Jill

    

iVillage Member
Registered: 11-07-2003
Sun, 08-08-2004 - 8:15pm
Thanks! How about the percentage of women using sponge?
iVillage Member
Registered: 12-30-2003
Sun, 08-08-2004 - 8:26pm
As I remember it The sponge (while not a true barrier) was lumped in with the diaphragm for a combined total of about 2%

Good luck,

      Jill