sponge or diaphram - Birth Control Message Board

cbrooke · 12-02-2007, 10:27 PM

I have been on some form of hormonal bc for about 15 years and I really just want to give my body a rest! I am in a long term relationship and really can`t stand condoms, my guy has no problem but I just feel like some of the intimacy is missing when using condoms. Anyway, I *think* I am ready to give either the sponge or diaphram a try.....but I have some questions!

1. a diaphram must be fitted and purchased from your doctor correct

2. do you have to use spermacide with a diaphram

3. are the failure rates similar for both the sponge and diaphram or is one better than the other

THANKS

MSNik · 12-03-2007, 02:02 PM

Yes a diaphram must be fitted, and yes spermacide or some sort of lubricant must be used to insert it. KY can be used, if you have spermicide allergies. The sponge, on the other hand can be purchased in any drug store and comes with spermacide already in it....the failure rate is slightly higher for the sponge then with the Diaphram, if the diaphram is used correctly...
the sponge is only slightly lower then condoms...used alone.
Hope that helps.

cbrooke · 12-03-2007, 02:39 PM

Thank you

I am definetely going to give the sponge a try *I think* as it seems very convienent and readily available. Don't really want to get fitted for a diaphram and then decide I hate it, maybe I will graduate to it after the sponge?
The only thing that I am concerned about is having to leave the sponge in for 6 hours after intercourse....this seems weird to me! Can you feel it? I suppose it would be the same as wearing a tampon, correct? It's there but doesn't really bother you

Are you able to wash after without effecting it and would there be any sort of leakage???