menstrual sponges question

[boltedshut.livejournal.com]

just a quick question for anyone who's used sponges... i've recently tried using them and am wondering, the only way i can get them inside my vaginal canal is if i wet them, but then i'm thinking, isn't this going to give me a yeast infection?
any thoughts?

Comments

[paraxeni.livejournal.com]

Are you talking about sea sponge? If so you have to moisten them before use. I don't even want to think about what dry sponge in the vag is like, poor you if you've tried that!

Can't do links on here but I heartily endorse Google for researching best practice usage guides for any device/product before using it. I found several helpful sites about sponges/sea pearls and how to use them as menstrual protection, and read them avidly before trying the actual article out. I hate to think how I would've buggered up my poor mimsy if I hadn't!

If I recall correctly tea tree oil is the anti-fungal of choice to ensure that the sponge doesn't lead to yeast. Happy Googling!

[fireaphid.livejournal.com]

Why do you think a slightly dampened sponge would cause a yeast infection? The way sponges (or tampons) work is by sitting in the vagina absorbing fluid, and that doesn't generally lead to a yeast infection. . . I'm just not really sure where the worry is coming from.

[the-bone-doctor.livejournal.com]

I don't think you need to worry, unless you are incredibly prone to yeast infections. I used sea sponges for several years and was very very happy with them. You do need to dampen them before use. When they have absorbed all the blood they can and you need a change, just take it out, rinse it in the sink, and reinsert. Easy as pie.

I heard about the tea tree oil trick after I had stopped using the sponge. I just boiled them. No problems here. Good luck!

[cuteapple.livejournal.com]

Maybe if you used some good bread batter to get them wet. =) Sea sponges are a great form of internal protection and aren't any more likey to give you a yeastie than any other kind of protection. I rinse mine to get the junk out and then soak them in hydrogen peroxide. I try to dry them in the sun. I've heard soaking them in HP might not be the best thing for longevity, but I'm really lucky as I live near a sponge dock so I get them very cheaply.

[boltedshut.livejournal.com]

ha ha ha! yes, bread batter and beer!
that'd make for one tasty sea sponge!

[cuteapple.livejournal.com]

My boyfriend would love a beer-flavored vagina! Good thing he doesn't read VP. (We scare him!) =)

[boltedshut.livejournal.com]

ha ha ha! bread and beer flavored vaginas for all!

[boltedshut.livejournal.com]

my concern is rooted in that we're often told not to keep anything wet near our vagina (think- bathing suits causing yeasties)... i've used them a few times and no yeast yet, i was just wondering...

[atalanta0jess.livejournal.com]

I think that's mostly related to keeping your vulva dry. Your vagina is wet inside *anyway* - it would be uncomfortable if it wasn't, so adding a bit of water isn't a big deal.

[tornattheelbo.livejournal.com]

I agree with this comment, I use sponges monthly and i've never had an issue with yeast infections afterward. I think this refers more to the vulva-area rather than inside the vagina.

[coco1040.livejournal.com]

yes, sponges MUST be moistened before insertion. I always, actually, moisten them, and then blot as much moisture OUT before insertion, since if I don't I just end up coughing out clear fluid. I am yeast infection prone and haven't had troubles since I began using the sponges.