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Birth ControlSpongesThe vaginal contraceptive sponge has not been available since the sole manufacturer, Whitehall Laboratories of Madison, NJ, voluntarily stopped selling it in 1995. It remains an approved product, though and could be marketed again. The sponge, a donut-shaped polyurethane device containing the spermicide nonoxynol-9, is inserted into the vagina to cover the cervix. A woven polyester loop makes it easier to remove. The sponge protects for up to 24 hours and for multiple acts of intercourse within this time. It should be left in place for at least six hours after intercourse but should be removed no more than 30 hours after insertion because of the risk, though low, of toxic shock syndrome (TSS), a rare but potentially fatal infection. Symptoms of TSS include sudden fever, stomach upset, sunburn-like rash, and a drop in blood pressure.The overall failure rate of the vaginal sponge (with spermicide) is 9% if you’ve had no previous births and 20% if you’ve had previous births.
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