Relay-Version: version B 2.10 5/3/83; site utzoo.UUCP Posting-Version: Notesfiles; site hp-sdd.UUCP Path: utzoo!watmath!clyde!cbosgd!ihnp4!mhuxn!mhuxj!mhuxr!ulysses!allegra!mit-eddie!genrad!decvax!tektronix!hplabs!hpisla!hp-sdd!andrea From: andrea@hp-sdd.UUCP (andrea) Newsgroups: net.med Subject: Re: request for contraceptive sponge inf Message-ID: <8000013@hp-sdd.UUCP> Date: Sat, 23-Feb-85 03:13:00 EST Article-I.D.: hp-sdd.8000013 Posted: Sat Feb 23 03:13:00 1985 Date-Received: Mon, 4-Mar-85 04:38:38 EST References: <305@mb2c.UUCP> Organization: HP San Diego Division Lines: 35 So far, the drawbacks I have heard of are: (1) danger of Toxic Shock Syndrome, the same as with tampons. Likelihood unknown, possibility reduced by not leaving it in any longer than the minimum recommended. (2) possibilty of allergic reaction or local irritation (male or female) to the sperimicide used; apparently it is at a much higher concentration than in the foams or jellies used with diaphragms. However, I have always reacted to foams and had no reaction to the sponge, so this is probably very individual. (3) providing a fertile growing ground for low-key invisible infections already present to escalate into something bothersome. Again, don't leave it in all day even though the package insert says you can. Taking preventive action (acidophilus, vinegar douche, etc) after removing it also helps. (4) because of needing to insert one's fingers deeply into the vagina to ensure proper placement, there is risk of scratching or picking up an infection (depending on length and cleanliness of fingernails!). This is easy to eliminate, unless you are prone to fits of passion while gardening! :-) I always hate to be a human guinea-pig for things that are poorly tested, but it's so hard to find a really good method of contraception that is safe, healthful, quick and easy to use, and doesn't interfere with your love life! Andrea Frankel, Hewlett-Packard (San Diego Division) (619) 487-4100 x4664 net: {allegra|ihnp4|decvax|ucbvax}!hplabs!hp-sdd!andrea ...searchlights casting for faults in the clouds of delusion