Should I try the sponge?

iVillage Member
Registered: 09-01-2006
Should I try the sponge?
5
Fri, 09-01-2006 - 3:35pm

I am 36 years old and have been using condoms for the past year. Both my boyfriend and I are becoming tired of them and would like an alternative, more spontaneous method of birth control. I was on the pill in my 20's and don't really want to start taking it again.

Any suggestions on non-hormonal contracepitves which provide a degree of spontanaity? I've considered using the sponge, but I don't know anyone who has used it and would like feedback from someone with first-hand experience before I try it.

Thanks so much!

iVillage Member
Registered: 04-19-2005
Fri, 09-01-2006 - 11:33pm

I got pregnant while on it. If that is any help?!!!!

They say nothing though is 100% fool proof

iVillage Member
Registered: 08-11-2004
Sat, 09-02-2006 - 8:30am
I've used the sponge years ago. It makes a fairly easy backup method for condoms, but it certainly wouldn't have been something I relied on. The failure rate with typical use is around 20% (and that's higher if you've previously had a child). I guess you should consider how much of a disaster it would be if you got pregnant right now.
iVillage Member
Registered: 09-10-2003
Sat, 09-02-2006 - 1:09pm
Thanks for the info, girls. Now, I'm really freaked out. My boyfriend and I were also using condoms and switched to the sponge a couple of weeks ago, for one cycle, until I can get some kind of prescription method. I've used it alone, but perfectly. Do you think I'll get pregnant? I'm going back to condoms.
Amie
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-19-2003
Sun, 09-03-2006 - 10:01am

Personally, I would not rely on the sponge alone.

Judie Cl for Birth Control 
iVillage Member
Registered: 09-01-2006
Tue, 09-05-2006 - 8:43pm
Thank you all very much for the information/insight. I'm going to do some more research and see what I can find out about the cervical cap.