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The Today Sponge is one of the most studied female over-the-counter types of birth control in the world. The effectiveness rate of the Sponge is 89% to 91% when used correctly everytime you have intercourse. Correct use means thoroughly wetting the Sponge with tap water before insertion, leaving it in place for six hours after the last act of intercourse, and having it in place every time intercourse occurs. Without correct and consistent use, women can expect a effectiveness rate of 84% to 87%.

Made of a soft, disposable polyurethane foam that feels like natural vaginal tissue, Today Sponge contains spermicide nonoxynol-9. Once inseted into the vagina, the Sponge becomes effective immediately and prevents pregnancy for 24 hours without the need to add spermicidal cream or jelly — even with repeated acts of intercourse.

How does the Today Sponge work?

• Spermicidal Delivery Today Sponge acts primarily as a reserve for 1,000 mg of nonoxynol-9, a highly effective spermicidal agent that is continuously released into the vagina in small amounts through a 24-hour time period.
• Absorption The polyurethane foam from which the Sponge is made traps and absorbs semen before sperm have a chance to enter the cervix.
• Blocking Today Sponge acts as a barrier between sperm and the cervix.

What does the Sponge have to offer me?

• Effectiveness The Sponge has an effectiveness rate of 89% to 91% when used consistently and according to label instructions. In clinical trials including women who did not use Today Sponge consistently and properly, the use-effectiveness was 84% to 87%. Its onset of action is immediate and reversible, offering you effective protection only when you need and want it.

• Sexual Spontaneity After insertion, it is effective for 24 hours without any need for further application of spermicide.
• Nonhormonal Method Today Sponge does not have the side effects associated with systematically administered hormones like birth control pills or Depo - Provera.
• Over-the-counter Convenience You do not need a prescription to acquire the Sponge.
• Comfortable to Use Today Sponge is not typically felt by either partner during intercourse.

How do you use the Today Sponge?

With clean hands, remove Today Sponge from its airtight inner package. Holding the Sponge in one hand with the dimple (concave) side facing upward, and the loop dangling down, wet the sponge thoroughly with clean tap water.

Gently squeeze the Sponge to produce amounts of suds. This activates the spermicide and facilitates insertion. Do not be concerned about producing too much suds. There is more than enough spermicide in Today Sponge to provide effective prevention of pregnancy.

Fold the sudsy Sponge in half - still with the dimple side facing upward - and insert deeply in the vagina, along the back wall to cover the cervix. The dimple should face the cervix, and the loop should face away from the cervix.

Wait at least 6 hours after the last act of intercourse before removing the Sponge. Make sure to relax - if your vaginal muscles are tensed it may be harder to navigate to the Sponge.

Put a finger into the vagina and reach upward to find the string loop. Bear down and push Today Sponge toward to vaginal opening. Hook the finger around the string loop or grasp the Sponge between thumb and forefinger. Slowly and gently withdraw it from the vagina.

If the vaginal muscles seem to be holding Today Sponge tightly, wait a few minutes, then try again. If removal is still difficult, tighten vaginal muscles and hold for ten seconds, then relax and let go. Repeat. While relaxing, breathe out slowly while bearing down and remove Today Sponge.

Can I get an infection from using Today Sponge?

It is unlikely that you will get an infection from the Sponge. However, if you have a preexisting, low-grade infection (meaning you have not noticed any obvious symptoms), any intravaginal product, like a diaphragm or the Today Sponge, could make the symptoms more noticeable.

Any foreign object in the vagina can potentially produce irritation and infection. If the Today Sponge is discolored upon removal this may be an indication of a preexisting vaginal infection, but keep in mind that vaginal secretions can also discolor the Sponge. To decipher whether or not you may have an infection look for these signs: foul odor, itching, soreness, or unusual bleeding. You should check with your doctor, who may want to take a vaginal culture or "wet mount" (a microscopic examination of vaginal discharge). That is the only way to determine if you have an infection. PAP smears show abnormal cell growth, not the presence of bacteria, yeast, or other infectious organisms.

The Today Sponge does not protect against HIV/AIDS or sexually transmitted diseases. Always practice safe sex by using a protective barrier like a condom.

BirthControlBuzz is a service company that provides birth control prices, birth control types (prescription required), health administrative services, and birth control statistics predominantly to US patients seeking to purchase birth control on-line.

For more information, call 1-866-868-8850 or visit http://www.birthcontrolbuzz.com/.

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posted by BirthControlBuzz @ 9:32 AM