ciaraldi@rochester.UUCP (Mike Ciaraldi) (11/30/83)
From: Mike Ciaraldi <ciaraldi> Does anyone have information or experience with the new contraceptive sponges? Here's what I have found out so far: They are sponges soaked with a spermicide. After being moistened they are inserted like a diaphragm. Unlike a diaphragm they are non-prescription and do not have to be fitted or sized. The manufacturer claims their effectiveness rate is about equal to the foam/condom combination. These sponges were test marketed in Toledo earlier this year (and posssibly other cities). They are no longer available there but are now being fully marketed on the West Coast, with Midwest distribution sometime before the end of the year and national distribution soon afterward. This info is from an ad in the November "Redbook". In the same ad, there is a number to call for more info: 1-800-223-2329. The manufacturer is the VLI Corporation. They are marketed under the tradename "Today". You can also get 3 sample sponges by sending $2.15 to Today Sample, P.O. Box 17305, Dept. RB-1183, Irvine CA 92713. I have absolutley no connection with this company, but thought this info would be of interest.