Methods Of Barrier Contraceptives For Women. How Is Vaginal Contraceptive Sponge(Today) Used? Write Its Advantages
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Methods of barrier contraceptives for women. How is vaginal contraceptive sponge(Today) used? Write its advantages

Barrier contraceptives for women provide a physical barrier to prevent sperm from reaching the cervix and fertilizing an egg.

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One such method is the vaginal contraceptive sponge, commonly known as Today Sponge. Here’s how it works and how it’s used, along with its advantages:

Vaginal Contraceptive Sponge (Today Sponge):

How it Works:

The Today Sponge is a small, round sponge made of polyurethane foam containing spermicide (nonoxynol-9). It is inserted deep into the vagina before intercourse, where it releases spermicide to immobilize sperm and prevent them from reaching the cervix. Additionally, the sponge physically blocks the cervix, acting as a barrier to prevent sperm from entering the uterus.

How to Use:

  1. Preparation:
  • Before insertion, wet the sponge with clean water to activate the spermicide.
  1. Insertion:
  • With clean hands, squeeze the sponge to compress it and insert it deep into the vagina, against the cervix. The dimpled side should face upward, and the loop should remain outside the vagina for easy removal.
  1. Placement:
  • Once inserted, the sponge should cover the cervix and remain in place during intercourse.
  1. Duration:
  • The Today Sponge provides protection for up to 24 hours or multiple acts of intercourse within that time frame.
  1. Removal:
  • After intercourse or 24 hours, grasp the loop and gently pull the sponge out of the vagina. Discard the used sponge in the trash; do not flush it down the toilet.

Advantages of the Vaginal Contraceptive Sponge (Today Sponge):

  1. Convenience:
  • The Today Sponge is available over-the-counter without a prescription, making it easily accessible for women.
  • It can be inserted discreetly before intercourse, without the need for a healthcare provider visit or prior planning.
  1. Non-Hormonal:
  • Unlike hormonal contraceptives, such as birth control pills or hormonal IUDs, the Today Sponge does not contain hormones and does not interfere with the body’s natural hormonal balance.
  • This makes it suitable for women who cannot tolerate hormonal contraception or prefer non-hormonal methods.
  1. Immediate Effectiveness:
  • The Today Sponge begins working immediately upon insertion and does not require a waiting period to become effective.
  1. Reusable:
  • Although designed for single use, some women may find that they can rinse and reuse the sponge for multiple acts of intercourse within the 24-hour period. However, effectiveness may decrease with reuse.
  1. Minimal Side Effects:
  • The Today Sponge is generally well-tolerated and has fewer systemic side effects compared to hormonal contraceptives.
  • Some women may experience local irritation or allergic reactions to the spermicide or sponge material.
  1. Protection Against STIs:
  • While primarily used for contraception, the spermicidal component of the Today Sponge may provide some protection against sexually transmitted infections (STIs) by immobilizing and killing pathogens.

Overall, the vaginal contraceptive sponge (Today Sponge) offers a convenient and effective non-hormonal option for women seeking barrier contraception. Its accessibility, immediate effectiveness, and minimal side effects make it a popular choice among individuals who prefer non-hormonal contraception or who cannot use other forms of birth control.

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