Sponge + spermicide vs. condom alone...?

iVillage Member
Registered: 12-30-2005
Sponge + spermicide vs. condom alone...?
2
Wed, 02-28-2007 - 9:40pm

Hi! I have never posted here b4 but I have a question. I practice FAM in conjunction with the barrier method. DH and I have sponges, spermicide and condoms on hand for our intimate times. The sponge is a hassle and I don't trust it alone, but DH and I are getting SOOOOOOO tired of having to wear condoms EVERY time. At least with the sponge and spermicide there is a little room for "spontaneity" so to speak (i.e. I can put them in B4 intercourse and not have to worry about it killing the mood like condoms sometimes can).

So here is my question.....
Would you say that the sponge/spermicide combo is safer, less safe, or as safe as the condom? *I* would think the combo would be safer or at the very least AS safe as a condom. However, we don't want to take any chance on what I *THINK*....KWIM?

TIA!





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iVillage Member
Registered: 03-19-2003
Wed, 02-28-2007 - 10:26pm

Actually, I would expect that sponge + spermicide would be less safe than the condom. The sponge is just saturated with spermicide, it isn't expected to act like a barrier, so by adding spermicide you just have more spermicide on top of spermicide. Spermicide is around 85% effective, condoms used properly are about 95% effective.

I know condoms are a DRAG, but you might be better off checking into a diaphragm or cervical cap. Those actually are barriers and work with spermicide. They are very effective IF they fit properly AND if they are used properly. They don't have to interrupt the moment--you can leave a diaphragm in for up to 24 hours and a cap for 48. The trick is finding a doctor who knows something about barriers and knows how to fit them properly.

Let us know if we can help, I know it's not the answer that you wanted, but that's my unprofessional opinion. ;)

Judie
Co-cl for Birth Control
Judie Cl for Birth Control 
iVillage Member
Registered: 12-30-2005
Thu, 03-01-2007 - 1:34am
Thanks :/ *sigh*




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