Vaginal Sponges

Vaginal sponges, or “Safe-T” as they are marketed here in Israel, are a barrier contraceptive method in the form of a sponge. Each sponge contains spermicide and is to be inserted like a tampon. You can buy them over the counter at the local pharmacist, and it costs 58 NIS for 3 single-use sponges.

The sponge has many advantages:

1. Easy to use (feels like a soft tampon)

2. You can insert it up to 6 hours before sexual activity and use it for up to 12 hours (!), compared to the VCF that needs to be inserted 15 minutes prior and it is effective for only 3 hours.

3. They are easy to obtain (yet a bit expensive)

4. Both partners don’t feel or see the sponge during sex

5. From my experience, the VCF tends to be drying, whereas the sponge lubricates (it excretes a tiny bit of spermicide).

It also has disadvantages:

1. Does not protect against STDs

2. The success rates are uncertain, so for me it’s more about using it as an extra barrier method together with a condom, pull-out method, or fertility awareness.

3. A crucial disadvantage that can be learnt only from experience:

I used the T-Sponge only once. Initially, I was very pleased with it. I inserted the sponge easily, before I went out that night, and didn’t feel anything. During sex my partner didn’t notice anything, and as I mentioned, I think it also helped lubricate the area. I didn’t have to ‘fiddle’ with anything during the sex or after we were finished. I fell asleep with it still inside because I knew I had up to 12 hours with it. The next morning, when I wanted to take out the sponge, I was surprised to find out that it was not like taking out a tampon nor a diaphragm. The sponge, that isn’t firm and made of plastic, but soft and flexible, is much harder to get a proper hold of. I spent about an hour trying to fish it out, but I just couldn’t go it. It was quite awful. I finally gave up and called my gynecologist, was lucky to find she was free to see me, and dashed to her clinic. While she took it out (which took exactly 2 seconds), she told me that this happens all the time, and that she gets a visit like this about once a week.

I cannot deny that ultimately, I was disappointed. I can’t use a contraceptive that I can’t get out, so I personally am opting for the VCF because it dissolves and doesn’t need extracting. It may very well be that I didn’t put the sponge in correctly, or that with repeated use I will eventually manage to get it out more easily. But in the meantime, I don’t want to risk having to clear my morning to rush to the gynecologist.

I’d be happy to hear from women who’ve had a different experience with the sponges. Is it really that challenging to take out, or did I have bad luck? In any event, I hope this post sheds some light on this unspoken drawback of the contraceptive sponge and helps you make a more educated decision regarding using it. Or, if you do go for the sponge – you won’t feel as silly as I did if you have trouble getting it out.

Have a pleasant lockdown, and stay safe (T)

;)