What are the effectiveness percentages of the Today Sponge Vaginal Contraceptive ?
The Today vaginal contraceptive sponge is a non-prescription barrier contraceptive which, after rigorous testing, was recently approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and marketed nationally. It is a cup-shaped white polyurethane sponge six cm in diameter and 1.5 cm thick, with a removal loop. The hydrophilic sponge is impregnated with spermicide. The user-inserted sponge can remain in place for multiple coital acts during a 24-hour period, and must remain in place for six hours after the last ejaculation for a maximum of 30 hours. It acts by spermicidal action, absorption of sperm and as a mechanical barrier. Effectiveness is comparable to other vaginal contraceptives: 84 percent use and 89-91 percent theoretical use effectiveness. The FDA determined that the sponge does not pose a greater risk of toxic shock syndrome (TSS) than tampon use. Concerns regarding carcinogens were refuted. Spermicide teratogenicity, while under continued study, has not been supported. Advantages
