I'm doing some research into alternative bc (other than the hormone type) and someone mentioned the sponge. Of course I've heard about it but have never taken any time to do any research on it and know nothing about it. Anyone have any experiences? I REALLY don't like anything I have to put in there but might think about trying this. I guess you can't buy it here yet but can but it online and there is a chance that they will start selling them here soon. {removed}Read posting rules. Do not post coprighted material.

So anyway...anyone with experiences or any knowledge? Thanks.

Today Sponge is newly available in the US, just last week, I think, with plans to distribute all over by Fall 05.

I used the Today Sponge a lot when last it was legal...like ages 16--20. Basically, it is a round foam sponge with a depression on one side and a strap/string on the other. This sponge is loaded with nonoxyl-9 powder. To activate the thing, you run water on it (gotta do it in a bathroom, pretty much) and squeeze it a few times. You fold it in half, string/strap on the outside. You insert it into the vagina, putting the 'hole' (depression) over and around your cervix. The sponge, being squishy, expands and makes a seal against the vaginal walls. The deal is, you leave it in, at least 18 (I think?) hours, after sex is finished. The spermicide kills whatever is around during that time. When you go to remove, you reach in and get your finger under the string. Just pull it out and throw away.

A couple drawbacks. The spermicide can get easily spread on the outside of the vagina...doesn't taste good at all, can make the mouth kind of numb.

For me, leaving a spermicidal sponge inside me for like a day always gave me some irritation and soreness, inside and around the vulva and labia. Occasionally, this irritation would even cause me to get a yeast infection.

Overall, I think I may be allergic to spermicide...to a very minor degree. I have tried hormonal birth control, and that is a much worse option for me (can you say mood swings?).

Hope this was helpful

fishychick