Questions about sponge and spermicides

iVillage Member
Registered: 10-07-2003
Questions about sponge and spermicides
1
Sun, 10-17-2004 - 9:27pm
Hi!

I'm on the pill, but would like to accompany it with a second form of bc other than condoms, just in case. I've been wondering about the contraceptive sponge...how does it work? Where can I buy it? How effective is it? And concerning spermicides: I used VCF (vaginal contraceptive film) a couple of times, because it was the spermicide with the highest amount of nonoxynol-9 I could find, but found insertion extremely irritating (like getting paper cuts down there...NOT pleasant at ALL...plus I had to throw out 5 of them before I finally got the hang of the correct insertion method) and it drove me crazy that you had to wait a minimum of 15 minutes for it to start working. Plus, it left a nasty burning sensation...I suppose that had to do with the higher concentration of nonoxynol? So I was wondering: just how effective are other kinds of spermicide, like the capsule-type ones? Are they reliable as an accompanying form of birth control? (I know they shouldn't be used by themselves, and that correct use has a lot to do with their effectiveness.) Which are the most reliable? How much nonoxynol-9 should they have to be trustworthy? Do you have to wait a certain amount of time with all of them before you can do anything?

Answers, advice, suggestions are all welcome. :)

Thanks in advance!

iVillage Member
Registered: 12-30-2003
Sun, 10-17-2004 - 11:34pm
"I've been wondering about the contraceptive sponge...how does it work? Where can I buy it? How effective is it?"

The sponge primarily acts as a container for the spermicide, holding it close to the cervix. There are at least three brands available; Pharmatex, Protectaid and Today. All are available on the Internet. The active ingredients are:

1. Pharmatex with Benzalkonium chloride (BZK)

2. Protectaid contains three agents. Nonoxynol-9 (NX9), Benzalkonium Chloride (BKC), and Sodium Cholate (NACOL).

3. Today with nonoxynol-9.

The three sites that I found selling the sponge are all in Canada. Planned Parenthood http://www.plannedparenthood.org/bc/bcfacts2.html currently does not give figures separately for the sponge. The 17th Ed. of Contraceptive Technology (1998) p.216, said the failure rate for ‘perfect use’ was: For parous women 20% and for nulliparous women 9%.


"I used VCF (vaginal contraceptive film) a couple of times, because it was the spermicide with the highest amount of nonoxynol-9 I could find, but found insertion extremely irritating (like getting paper cuts down there...NOT pleasant at ALL...plus I had to throw out 5 of them before I finally got the hang of the correct insertion method) and it drove me crazy that you had to wait a minimum of 15 minutes for it to start working. Plus, it left a nasty burning sensation...I suppose that had to do with the higher concentration of nonoxynol?"

Yes, because of its small size VCF has a very high concentration of N9, about 28%, and so is more likely to cause an allergic reaction than most other spermicides.

"I was wondering: just how effective are other kinds of spermicide, like the capsule-type ones? Are they reliable as an accompanying form of birth control? (I know they shouldn't be used by themselves, and that correct use has a lot to do with their effectiveness.)"

Spermicides as a method have a 15% failure rate with perfect use. (from the PP link above) The delivery method: suppository, film, foam, cream or gel will determine the amount of time required between application and when it is safe to have IC. Suppositories, and film must melt and cover the cervix before they become effective so they usually have a longer interval between application and full effectiveness. Foams, creams and gels are usually effective immediately.


"How much nonoxynol-9 should they have to be trustworthy? Do you have to wait a certain amount of time with all of them before you can do anything?"

When used with a barrier (diaphragm, cap or condom) a 2% N9 spermicide is all you need. Some Spermicides formulated for use alone have a bit higher concentrations 3.5-7%. You should read the information on the packaging to determine what use is intended for a particular formulation. I hope this helps. Let us know what you decide, ok?

Good luck,

      Jill