Dental Dam:
A dental dam is a square of rubber which is placed over the labia or anus during oral-vaginal or oral-anal sex. It has not shown to be as effective as condoms for reducing STD transmission in heterosexual relationships.
Cervical Cap:
The cap is a soft rubber cup with a round rim, sized by a health professional to fit snugly around the cervix. It is available by prescription only and, like the diaphragm, is used with spermicide. It protects for 48 hours and for multiple acts of intercourse within this time. Wearing it for more than 48 hours is not recommended because of the risk, though low, of toxic shock syndrome. Also, with prolonged use of two or more days, the cap may cause an unpleasant vaginal odor or discharge in some women. Women must be aware of the relatively high failure rate before choosing the cervical cap.
Sponge:
The sponge, a donut-shaped polyurethane device containing the spermicide nonoxynol-9, is inserted into the vagina to cover the cervix. A woven polyester loop is designed to ease removal. The sponge protects for up to 24 hours and for multiple acts of intercourse within this time. It should be left in place for at least six hours after intercourse but should be removed no more than 30 hours after insertion because of the risk, though low, of toxic shock syndrome. The sponge is not the most effective birth control method and women must be aware of the failure rate before choosing the sponge as their only method of birth control.
Contraceptives Resource Center
Return to Birth Control FAQs Index
Adapted from the United States Office on Women's Health in the Department of Health and Human Services
