In 1995, many women were crestfallen when a popular over-thecounter contraceptive choice and an FDA-approved product, Today’s sponge, was taken off the market. After an FDA inspection raised concern over the air and water quality in the plant that manufactured the sponge, there were some questions over the potential for an abundance of bacteria, an exposure the FDA felt could have compromised the safety of the product and women who used it. As a result, despite the fact that the product itself still met all FDA standards, the manufacturer halted production due to the prohibitive cost of upgrading the plant in order to pass inspection.
Now under different ownership, Allendale pharmaceutical company has addressed the environmental issues of the plant and plans once again to stock the shelves with, today’s sponge. The product will be no different than its last configuration. It has retained its donutshape and continues to be coated in nonoxynol-9 spermicide. Its ease of use requires simply inserting it into the vagina and pushing it up to cover the cervix. Removal is equally simple; just pull on the loop, This device can be inserted up to 24 hours before intercourse and does not require repeat applications for repeated intercourse.
The demise of the sponge in 1995 became part of contemporary folklore when it was parodied on the popular television comedy, Seinfeld. When one of the characters, “Elaine,” found herself hoarding the limited supply of sponges still on the shelves, she also began to use it as a basis for rating the romantic potential of men she met. A relationship that had potential was considered to be spongeworthy, which meant Elaine might be willing to dip into her precious supply of sponges at some point. As in many cases, pop culture served as a fair barometer of contemporary society as the show reflected the feelings of many women around the country who felt a real loss when the sponge was no longer produced, Soon there will be no need for anymore hoarding.
Tags:contemporary society, fda standards, limited supply, nonoxynol 9, pharmaceutical company television comedy