Patient Counselling
Intended benefit
o Increase efficacy of other barrier methods (such as the male condom) if used in combination
o An option for women who want to avoid hormonal contraception
o Less messy than spermicide used alone or in combination
o Will provide prolonged (12h protection)
Use
o Wash hands before use
o Remove the sponge from the pouch
o Wet the sponge thoroughly with clean water (about 2 tablespoons), squeeze once
o With the dimple side of the sponge facing up, fold sponge upward and insert the sponge deep into the vagina
o The ribbon loop must be on the bottom for easy removal
o Wait at least 6 hours after the last intercourse before removing sponge
o Do not re-use the sponge
o The sponge can remain inserted for a maximum of 12 hours
o Do not use
§ Within the first 6 weeks after giving birth
§ If you have ever had toxic shock syndrome
§ During your menstrual period
o Douching after intercourse is not recommended; if choose to do so, wait for at least 6 hours after intercourse to avoid the removal of spermicid
o Less messy than spermicide used alone or in combination
o Will provide prolonged (12h protection)
Use
o Wash hands before use
o Remove the sponge from the pouch
o Wet the sponge thoroughly with clean water (about 2 tablespoons), squeeze once
o With the dimple side of the sponge facing up, fold sponge upward and insert the sponge deep into the vagina
o The ribbon loop must be on the bottom for easy removal
o Wait at least 6 hours after the last intercourse before removing sponge
o Do not re-use the sponge
o The sponge can remain inserted for a maximum of 12 hours
Do not use
§ Within the first 6 weeks after giving birth
§ If you have ever had toxic shock syndrome
§ During your menstrual period
o Douching after intercourse is not recommended; if choose to do so, wait for at least 6 hours after intercourse to avoid the removal of spermicide
Potential side effects
o Increased risk of toxic shock syndrome but this risk is still very small (2 to 3 cases per 100 000 women)
o Toxic shock syndrome symptoms; fever, rash, vomiting, profuse diarrhea, dizziness and/or faintness
§ If patient experiences these symptoms, remove sponge immediately and seek immediate medical attention
o Hypersensitivity to the sponge may be common; allergies or sensitivity to spermicide or polyurethane
o May increase HIV transmission by damaging the vaginal mucosa
Contraindications
o Should not be used by women who have:
§ an allergy to spermicide
§ abnormalities in vaginal anatomy that interfere with satisfactory or stable placement of the sponge
§ an inability to learn correct insertion technique
§ a history of toxic shock syndrome
§ repeated urinary tract infections
§ a need for protection from HIV infection
§ had a full-term delivery within the past 6 weeks, a recent spontaneous or induced abortion, or abnormal vaginal bleeding
Intended benefit
o Increase efficacy of other barrier methods (such as the male condom) if used in combination
o An option for women who want to avoid hormonal contraception
o Less messy than spermicide used alone or in combination
o Will provide prolonged (12h protection)
Use
o Wash hands before use
o Remove the sponge from the pouch
o Wet the sponge thoroughly with clean water (about 2 tablespoons), squeeze once
o With the dimple side of the sponge facing up, fold sponge upward and insert the sponge deep into the vagina
o The ribbon loop must be on the bottom for easy removal
o Wait at least 6 hours after the last intercourse before removing sponge
o Do not re-use the sponge
o The sponge can remain inserted for a maximum of 12 hours
o Do not use
§ Within the first 6 weeks after giving birth
§ If you have ever had toxic shock syndrome
§ During your menstrual period
o Douching after intercourse is not recommended; if choose to do so, wait for at least 6 hours after intercourse to avoid the removal of spermicid
o Less messy than spermicide used alone or in combination
o Will provide prolonged (12h protection)
Use
o Wash hands before use
o Remove the sponge from the pouch
o Wet the sponge thoroughly with clean water (about 2 tablespoons), squeeze once
o With the dimple side of the sponge facing up, fold sponge upward and insert the sponge deep into the vagina
o The ribbon loop must be on the bottom for easy removal
o Wait at least 6 hours after the last intercourse before removing sponge
o Do not re-use the sponge
o The sponge can remain inserted for a maximum of 12 hours
Do not use
§ Within the first 6 weeks after giving birth
§ If you have ever had toxic shock syndrome
§ During your menstrual period
o Douching after intercourse is not recommended; if choose to do so, wait for at least 6 hours after intercourse to avoid the removal of spermicide
Potential side effects
o Increased risk of toxic shock syndrome but this risk is still very small (2 to 3 cases per 100 000 women)
o Toxic shock syndrome symptoms; fever, rash, vomiting, profuse diarrhea, dizziness and/or faintness
§ If patient experiences these symptoms, remove sponge immediately and seek immediate medical attention
o Hypersensitivity to the sponge may be common; allergies or sensitivity to spermicide or polyurethane
o May increase HIV transmission by damaging the vaginal mucosa
Contraindications
o Should not be used by women who have:
§ an allergy to spermicide
§ abnormalities in vaginal anatomy that interfere with satisfactory or stable placement of the sponge
§ an inability to learn correct insertion technique
§ a history of toxic shock syndrome
§ repeated urinary tract infections
§ a need for protection from HIV infection
§ had a full-term delivery within the past 6 weeks, a recent spontaneous or induced abortion, or abnormal vaginal bleeding