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Longterm use of the Today contraceptive sponge
Advances in Contraception : the Official Journal of the Society for the Advancement of Contraception
|December 1, 1986
Summary
The Today contraceptive sponge showed no serious side effects in its second year of use. Pregnancy rates decreased significantly with continued use, indicating improved effectiveness over time for users.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Health
- Contraception
- Clinical Trials
Background:
- The Today contraceptive sponge is a widely used barrier method.
- Previous studies have established its efficacy and safety profile.
- Long-term user experience and its impact on effectiveness require further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the safety and effectiveness of the Today contraceptive sponge during its second year of use.
- To compare the pregnancy rates of sponge users with diaphragm users.
- To assess the influence of user experience on contraceptive effectiveness.
Main Methods:
- A prospective follow-up study of users from a comparative trial of the sponge and diaphragm.
- Life-table analysis was used to calculate pregnancy rates.
- Data collected over two years of contraceptive sponge use.
Main Results:
- No serious adverse effects were attributed to contraceptive sponge use in the second year.
- A statistically significant decrease (p < 0.05) in the life-table pregnancy rate was observed in the second year of sponge use compared to the first year.
- Initial pregnancy rates for first-time sponge and diaphragm users were comparable (p > 0.10).
- Both contraceptive methods demonstrated improved effectiveness with increased user experience.
Conclusions:
- The Today contraceptive sponge is safe for continued use into the second year.
- Contraceptive sponge effectiveness improves with user experience.
- The contraceptive sponge offers a viable and effective birth control option, with efficacy enhancing over time.