Early experience with the Collatex Sponge: a new barrier contraceptive.

While a preliminary report on a study of the Collatex Sponge a new barrier contraceptive indicates there were no failures the continuation rate was disappointing and it is felt that longer follow-up will be necessary to evalaute the effectiveness. The Collatex Sponge is circular in shape and is composed of a polymer containing 1.5 mg of Nonoxyl 9 a spermicide. Its contraceptive action is 3-fold: 1) mechanical blockage of the cervical os; 2) physical trapping of sperm within its meshes; and 3) spermicidal action. The obvious advantage of the Colatex Sponge over the diaphragm is that it does not require a doctor to fit it and it could therefore be distributed by nonclinical or paramedical personnel. From November 1978 to January 1979 the Collatex Sponge was provided to 30 sexually active women at risk of pregnancy at the Baroda Medical College Hospital in Baroda India. Only 17 study subjects reported complete satisfaction after using the Collatex Sponge for 1 month. Reactions of the women included: 1) satisfied (17); 2) bad odor (16); 3) difficulty in coitus (9); 4) husband not satisfied (3); 5) not comfortable (1); and 6) fear of breakage (1). The use of the method was discontinued by 4 subjects and 1 woman was lost to follow-up. So far no pregnancy has been reported. However the continuation rate was disappointing. The present study is being continued to include more subjects with longer follow-up to determine the use-effectiveness and acceptability of the Collatex Sponge.