The Today® Sponge is one of the most studied over-the-counter methods of female contraception on the market.1 First available in 1983, it was the first product to combine a barrier contraceptive and spermicide in one easy-to-use product. At Mayer Laboratories Inc., we are committed to providing you with the information you need to make informed decisions about our products.
What "Effectiveness" means: % of women in the study that did not get pregnant during the first year of use.
Stated Effectiveness Based on U.S Trials
The Today Sponge efficacy rates are well documented. With proper use during every act of intercourse, the efficacy rate of the Today Sponge is 89% to 91%.2 Proper use means thoroughly wetting the Today Sponge with tap water before insertion, leaving it in place for six hours after the last act of intercourse, and having it in place every time intercourse occurs. Without proper and consistent use, women can expect a use-effectiveness rate of 84% to 87%.2,3
Additional Information Based on All Clinical Trials
Below is a summary of the clinical efficacy studies as sited in recognized, peer reviewed health journals.
Effectiveness Beyond The First Year of Use Based on All Clinical Trials
Noted researchers who have published data report that at the end of the second year, there was an increase in efficacy for a subset of patients in U.S. clinics to 96.6%, corresponding to a pregnancy rate of 3.4 per 100 women.2,3 This suggests that increasing familiarity with the Today Sponge increases success with it.3
Effectiveness Among Women With Children Based on All Clinical Trials
Because the Today Sponge is made in one size, questions have been raised concerning whether its efficacy in parous women (woman who have borne a child) versus nulliparous women (women who have not borne a child) due to possible enlargement of the vagina after childbirth. In fact, the combined data from all centers — U.S. and International — participating in the clinical trials, show no significant difference.2,4
Nulliparous: Women who have not borne a child
91%Nulliparous Efficacy
Among 915 nulliparous women studied, the Today Sponge had an efficacy rate of 91.0%.2
Parous: Women who have borne a child
89.8%Parous Efficacy
Among 939 parous women studied, the Today Sponge had an efficacy rate of 89.8%.2
References
- 1. Data on file. Mayer Laboratories, Inc.
- 2. McClure DA, Edelman DA. "Worldwide method effectiveness of the Today vaginal contraceptive sponge." Adv Contracept 1985; 1:305-311.
- 3. North BB, Vorhauer BW. "Use of the Today® contraceptive sponge in the United States." Int J Fertil 1985; 30:81-84.
- 4. Edelman DA, North BB. "Updated Pregnancy rates for Today Contraceptive Sponge." Am J Obstet Gynecol 1987; 157:1164-1165.