Experience with the "Today Sponge"?

[SmilinAngel]

My husband and I have been thinking about trying the "Today Sponge" now that it's back on the market. I was just curious if there is anyone willing to share their experiences with the sponge. My main questions are:

1) Is it uncomfortable - for me or him?
2) How do you know how high to go? Is it like a tampon and it just sort of "fits" in a particular spot?
3) Is it difficult to remove?

These are just the main questions that I have, but any shared experiences would be appreciated.

Thank You!

 

[Just_4_Giggles]

Here's my experience (back in 1988)

Used sponge beginning April 1988.

Missed period May of 1988. Nuff 'said.

Comfort - you won't even know it's there.
Ease of use - like a tampon, easy to insert and remove.
Efficacy - 40% chance of pregnancy if given birth before - geography all different, sponge doesn't fit right to provide barrier (got this off a website when I was re-examining birth control issues about 6 months ago.)

 

[boston_bbw]

In small print on the package it should read WARNING ! Do not attempt to insert with long nails! I put my fingernail right thru it 3 times just trying to get it in. They come 3 to a box so that was the end of my trial.

 

[SmilinAngel]

Wow ... not looking too good ... my husband isn't going to be happy ... he's stuck still using condoms!

 

[Tele2047]

Well you could couple it with spermicidal foam or one of those spermicidal films that dissolves (never tried it, but apparently it provides protection for up to 3 hours).

The advantage imo of the today sponge is it stays active for 24 hours.

 

[Dan76]

We've used sea sponge on top of the pill when she was on the rag. Awesome.

 

[Mysty61]

I used it for about 8 months in late 80's before I got pregnant at a time when a baby was definately not in my plans. It was great, but did not do the job. So based on that I sure would not recomment it. I have heard it is now much more reliable, but I would not want to try it again. If you are unable to go on the pill check with your doctor, or go to Planned Parenthood there is a wide choice of contraceptives available - the condom does not have to be your only choice.

 

[SweetErika]

I'm glad you asked this, SA. I've seen the Today Sponge in a lot of ads recently, and this has prompted me to check it out more thoroughly. We're using condoms too, and while neither of us minds, it's always nice to have some other options.

I used it for about 8 months in late 80's before I got pregnant at a time when a baby was definately not in my plans. It was great, but did not do the job. So based on that I sure would not recomment it. I have heard it is now much more reliable, but I would not want to try it again. If you are unable to go on the pill check with your doctor, or go to Planned Parenthood there is a wide choice of contraceptives available - the condom does not have to be your only choice.

Ouch. I know they're saying it's reliable, but 89-91% for women who haven't given birth vaginally (according to the manufacturer, other sources say it's lower) doesn't make me feel all that safe. Plus, at least with condoms, we know if there might be a problem (coming off, breaking) right away, and have the option of the Morning After Pill or something.

 

[Arden]

I love them! I used them many years ago and couldn't wait untill they came back on the market again. Anyway, they're so comfortable that you can't even tell they are there. Being able to leave them in for 24 hours is great... Other products require re-application.

Why not use some spermacide on the side that sits against your cervix, and double your protection without the loss of comfort?

Downside: No local merchants carry them, I have to buy online and pay shipping.

 

[SweetErika]

Why not use some spermacide on the side that sits against your cervix, and double your protection without the loss of comfort?

I was just reading the manufacturer's FAQ , and saw this:

"Can I use other spermicides with the Today® Sponge to increase its effectiveness?

It is not necessary or recommended to use additional spermicides with the Today® Sponge. The Today® Sponge has sufficient spermicide to provide contraceptive protection over 24 hours, even with multiple acts of intercourse."

 

[apeman51]

sponge auto-immune reaction

We tried them in the late eighties, inflammed my penis and made it feel "weird."
Also, they taste just awful.

 

[Suzins]

I used this method for a few months. Never had any problems with it. For the most part I would have to say it was a positive experience.

One thing we did notice that was during oral sex, his tongue would go numb. I actually emailed the company and asked about it, they said that they had no experience with that, but had heard from other users that it had been reported before. Possibly something in the spermicide. But wasn't harmful to be ingested orally.

Good luck!

 

[Just_4_Giggles]

Efficacy. . .

Hmmm - efficacy is still only 89-91%? Don't like those odds *at all* - basically, if you are fertile 3 days out of the month and have intercourse each of those three days for three months, guess what statistically can happen?

 

[Tele2047]

The numbness/weird feeling/bad taste are because of the spermicide. Some people are sensitive to certain spermicides.

 

[SmilinAngel]

I think I forgot to mention that I am on the pill, but we like to have a second safety net as I'm not so good at remembering to take it ... even though I've been on it for like 5 years Oh well ...

So, I bought some online, and we tried one a couple of nights ago, I slept in it (as it says to leave it in for 8 hours after) ... and I couldn't get it out in the morning!!! Yeah ... that sucked ... it was flipped around and I couldn't find the string. I had to sit there forever with two fingers up my vagina prying around ... and NOT in a good way!!!

But, he really liked it, and I didn't feel it (until that morning). So we're gonna try this box (did I mention that he insisted on getting the 12-pack?!) and then decide how we feel about it ... I just hope that it's as effective as the manufacter says it is ...