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Step 1
Are you monogamous? Do you only have one sexual partner? The contraceptive sponge does not prevent or reduce the risk of transmitting a sexually transmitted disease. If you are not in a monogamous relationship, but sexually active, make sure that condoms are a part of your birth control plan. Also, consider if you trust your partner to be completely monogamous.
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Step 2
Are you comfortable touching your own body? Properly using a contraceptive sponge requires that you are comfortable inserting and removing the sponge. Some women find using the sponge or diaphragm to be too much "contact" with their private parts. Try out a sponge in private to evaluate how you feel about the entire process.
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Step 3
How spontaneously do you like to engage in sexual activity? The sponge must be inserted before intercourse, every single time, to protect against an unwanted pregnancy. Some sponges require that the user hold the sponge under running water prior to insertion. Consequently, the sponge is not necessarily the most convenient method of birth control a camping trip, for example.
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Step 4
Are you prone to allergies, yeast infections or urinary tract infections? The contraceptive sponge contains a spermicide which can cause these reactions in some users.
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Step 5
How disciplined are you? Unlike hormone shots, you must consciously plan to use the contraceptive sponge every single time that you engage in sexual intercourse.
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Step 6
How comfortable are you with the possibility of an unplanned pregnancy? The efficacy rate of the contraceptive sponge has been widely debated. Estimates vary from between 74 to 99 percent. Obviously no form of birth control is perfectly reliable and 99 percent is a great statistic; however, 74 percent is not an acceptable risk for most users.
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Step 7
What is your doctor's opinion? Share your concerns with your physician when considering birth control options. Your doctor might also have insight regarding combining forms of birth control.
