Over-the-counter birth control

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VAGINAL SPONGE

• Vaginal contraceptive sponges are soft artificial sponges covered with a spermicide. Before intercourse, the sponge is moistened, inserted into the vagina, and placed over the cervix. After intercourse, the sponge is left in place for 6 - 8 hours.
• The sponge is similar to the diaphragm (which you must get from a doctor) as a barrier protection method.
• About 18 - 28 pregnancies occur out of every 100 women using this method over 1 year. The sponge may be more effective in women who have not already given birth to a baby.

• Risks include irritation, allergic reaction, trouble removing the sponge. In rare cases, toxic shock syndrome may occur.

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EMERGENCY ("MORNING AFTER") BIRTH CONTROL

• The "morning after" pill consists of two doses of hormone pills taken within 72 hours after unprotected intercourse.
• The emergency contraceptive pill is available as either single pill (Plan B One-Step) or as two pills (Plan B, Next Choice). See: Emergency contraception

Review Date: 03/30/2010
Reviewed By: David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc., and Susan Storck, MD, FACOG, Chief, Eastside Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Group Health Cooperative of Puget Sound, Redmond, Washington; Clinical Teaching Faculty, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Washington School of Medicine.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org).