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using a contraceptive sponge during your period - 2/9/2010 8:39:07 PM

lucylucy

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I know you're not supposed to use a contraceptive sponge during your period, but I'm wondering if that's because of the prolonged period you're supposed to leave the sponge in after sex. I'm wondering if I could use one only for the duration of sex (say two hours at the longest) to keep sex during my period from being so messy. I wouldn't be using it for contraception as I already have an IUD.

Has anyone done this? Are there health risks?

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RE: using a contraceptive sponge during your period - 2/10/2010 3:01:13 AM

Elizabeth666

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Can I get Toxic Shock Syndrome from using the Today Sponge?
Some cases of Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS) have been reported in women using barrier contraceptives, including the sponge (1 case per 100,000 estimated sponge users). TSS is a rare, but serious disease that may cause death. Warning signs of TSS include fever, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, muscle pain, dizziness, faintness or a sunburn-like rash on face or body. If you have any of these signs, remove the sponge and get medical help right away.

Can I use Today Sponge during my menstrual period?
Today Sponge should not be used during the menstrual period. Some cases of Toxic Shock Syndrome have been reported in women using the sponge during their menstrual period.

That's an actual brand of sponge, so I don't know if this applies to all of them

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RE: using a contraceptive sponge during your period - 2/10/2010 3:37:01 AM

RumpusParable

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If you don't need it for BC then it's better to use sea sponges or even cosmetic sponges. Many females do and they can work quite well from what those I've spoken to have said, and you wouldn't have to worry about the issues of the bc sponges.

Another option is to use an Instead cup, though I'm not personally a fan of them.

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RE: using a contraceptive sponge during your period - 2/10/2010 5:37:02 AM

DesFIP

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Try the Instead cup. They dislodged whenever I sneezed but that was admittedly when they were first on the market. You might find they work for you.

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RE: using a contraceptive sponge during your period - 2/10/2010 6:04:38 AM

lucylucy

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Elizabeth666, I know about those warnings, but I was wondering if the TSS risk was connected to the length of time you have to leave the sponge in for contraception. If I only leave it in for two hours (less time than a tampon might be in), I'm wondering if the TSS risk plummets further.

RP and DesFIP, I will try an Instead cup--never even heard of it before--and hope I don't sneeze. :)

Thanks!

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RE: using a contraceptive sponge during your period - 2/10/2010 1:05:50 PM

Elizabeth666

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quote:

Elizabeth666, I know about those warnings, but I was wondering if the TSS risk was connected to the length of time you have to leave the sponge in for contraception. If I only leave it in for two hours (less time than a tampon might be in), I'm wondering if the TSS risk plummets further.

I was trying to look for that specific information but couldn't find any, unfortunately.

I would imagine it's like a tampon, the longer it's in, the higher the risk.

Maybe talk to a doctor? They could probably tell you all you need to know :)

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RE: using a contraceptive sponge during your period - 2/10/2010 4:29:35 PM

lucylucy

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quote:

ORIGINAL: Elizabeth666
Maybe talk to a doctor? They could probably tell you all you need to know :)

Yeah, that's good advice.

I did find Instead cups, but the box has a warning against using them if you have an IUD (which I do).

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RE: using a contraceptive sponge during your period - 2/10/2010 11:47:03 PM

LafayetteLady

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Yes, the TSS risk is directly related to the length of time it is in. That risk would exist whether it was the Today Sponge (I'm unaware of any other brands) or a sea sponge or cosmetic sponge. It is the point of having something inserted for a long period of time, so about the only advantage to a BC sponge and cosmetic ones would be cost. Although the Today Sponge when moistened (which is done prior to insertion) does make it much easier to insert than simply moistening a cosmetic sponge.

I remember reading something years ago (before the sponge came out) that sex workers used to use a diaphragm when working during their period. The would douche first, insert the diaphragm, and then douche again after removal. This was also before the recommendation of douching not being a good thing was also known.

Since you don't need it for birth control, I dont' see much harm in trying it. It should create a sufficient barrier to lessen the mess. I will say this though....I did try it years ago, (for birth control, not a barrier) and I had a hell of a time getting it back out. I thought I was going to have to make an visit to the ER or try to get in to see my gyno. Now, admittedly I have pretty short fingers, but just something to think about while making your decision, because when I later mentioned it to my gyno, he told me that it was a rather common occurance.

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RE: using a contraceptive sponge during your period - 2/12/2010 4:27:45 PM

lucylucy

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I did use the Today sponges many years ago--when they first came out--and remember them being a bitch to remove. I did some research and found that lots of people with IUDs use the Instead cups without problems. I think I'll give them a try.

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RE: using a contraceptive sponge during your period - 2/12/2010 5:18:04 PM

Tantriqu

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Remember for toxic shock, it's not just whether or not you use tampons, it's whether you or your partner carry the Staph. bacteria, which for women is highest during the period, and higher still for women using contraceptive sponges and diaphragms. There are lots of horrible things like other bacteria and fungi in natural sponges since they're not disinfected properly, so don't even think about those!

Still, toxic shock is very rare, but of course STD's are very common, and both are more easily transmitted during the period. To help cut down on both, especially if a new partner AND with an IUD, make sure he wears a condom each and every time, and of course, no anal sex then vaginal sex or tongue in anus then vagina before both of you shower or otherwise clean up.

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RE: using a contraceptive sponge during your period - 2/12/2010 8:06:59 PM

lusciouslips19

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quote:

ORIGINAL: lucylucy

I did use the Today sponges many years ago--when they first came out--and remember them being a bitch to remove. I did some research and found that lots of people with IUDs use the Instead cups without problems. I think I'll give them a try.

I used the Instead cup once during sex. He didnt like it. He kept banging into the edge of it. SO he felt it.

I did use a diaphram during my period years ago. It worked great. Though it did stain it.

< Message edited by lusciouslips19 -- 2/12/2010 8:07:52 PM >

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RE: using a contraceptive sponge during your period - 2/13/2010 1:32:36 PM

maybemaybenot

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quote:

ORIGINAL: LafayetteLady

I remember reading something years ago (before the sponge came out) that sex workers used to use a diaphragm when working during their period. The would douche first, insert the diaphragm, and then douche again after removal. This was also before the recommendation of douching not being a good thing was also known.

Yep, my method of birth control was a diaphgram and I inserted it before sex and shortly after sex went took a shower and removed it. Depending on your flow, it can be a bit messy when removing, that's why I did it in the shower. I never did the douche part, tho.

mbmbn

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RE: using a contraceptive sponge during your period - 2/14/2010 2:07:26 PM

whis31

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http://www.mooncupsandkeepers.com/index.html

Not tried these but have heard good things.

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RE: using a contraceptive sponge during your period - 2/14/2010 2:15:44 PM

DomImus

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quote:

ORIGINAL: lucylucy
I know you're not supposed to use a contraceptive sponge during your period.

Just out of curiosity, isn't a woman's monthly period the one time a month when she would not conceive therefore precluding the need for a contraceptive of any sort?

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RE: using a contraceptive sponge during your period - 2/14/2010 2:19:58 PM

lucylucy

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DomImus, yes, but in my original post, I said I wasn't using it for contraception anyway. (Also, I think it is technically possible to get pregnant during you period.)

Luscious, I did wonder if it could be felt. Hmmm.

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“There are those who give with joy, & that joy is their reward.” Gibran / "Those who are willing to be vulnerable move among mysteries." Roethke / "Let the beauty we love be what we do. There are hundreds of ways to kneel & kiss the ground." Rumi

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RE: using a contraceptive sponge during your period - 2/14/2010 2:21:27 PM

lucylucy

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quote:

ORIGINAL: whis31
http://www.mooncupsandkeepers.com/index.html
Not tried these but have heard good things.

These look like they would definitely impede good sex, though.

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“There are those who give with joy, & that joy is their reward.” Gibran / "Those who are willing to be vulnerable move among mysteries." Roethke / "Let the beauty we love be what we do. There are hundreds of ways to kneel & kiss the ground." Rumi

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RE: using a contraceptive sponge during your period - 2/14/2010 5:09:18 PM

DomImus

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quote:

ORIGINAL: lucylucy
DomImus, yes, but in my original post, I said I wasn't using it for contraception anyway. (Also, I think it is technically possible to get pregnant during you period.)

Oops. You're right.

But now I have this image of Elaine Bennis from Seinfeld stuck in my head.

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RE: using a contraceptive sponge during your period - 2/14/2010 7:57:01 PM

texangael

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quote:

But now I have this image of Elaine Bennis from Seinfeld stuck in my head.

Was wondering how long it would take "spongeworthy" to creep into this thread.....

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