The Protectaid® contraceptive sponge is a unique barrier device made of polyurethane foam impregnated with F-5 Gel®. The individually wrapped disposable sponge is ready to use and designed with die-cut slots for easy insertion and removal. The sponge provides protection for a 12 hour period and a new sponge is not required if multiple acts of intercourse occur during this period. The sponge is to be left in for a minimum of 6 hours after intercourse. In clinical tests, the overall efficiency rate was 90 percent. It is our most popular item. The sponge is a very convenient form of contraception. There is no prescription or fitting required and insertion does not interrupt foreplay. It cannot be felt by either partner and there is no leakage after ejaculation because the sponge absorbs semen. Studies on Protectaid® confirm contraceptive efficacy, high tolerability with no symptomatic irritation,'' said Dr. Ernesto Guerrero, consulting physician for Family Health International and the World Health Organization (WHO), and a principal investigator for studies on Protectaid®. "The new Protectaid® sponge really constitutes the ideal vaginal barrier method, it is effective, safe, readily available and easy-to-use,'' said Dr. Marion Powell, consulting physician with the Regional Women's Health Centre at Women's College Hospital in Toronto. "Furthermore, it may well provide an essential characteristic for the barrier method of the future, which is to provide protection against STDs,'' she addedF-5 Gel® This spermicide is an innovative product in that it contains three agents; Nonoxynol-9 (NX9), Benzalkonium Chloride (BKC), and Sodium Cholate (NACOL). These are used in low concentrations, thereby minimizing the risk of cervical and vaginal irritation and irritation to the penis. Studies with Protectaid® have shown an absence of significant colposcopic irritation after 6-12 hour use periods.The F-5 Gel® was also shown to exert its spermicidal activity in vitro even when diluted. Preliminary studies indicate that the Protectaid® sponge can also help prevent STDs, including HIV. Though still to be confirmed in clinical studies, it is already well established that at least two of the active ingredients -- Nonoxynol-9 (NX9) and Benzalkonium Chloride (BKC) -- have strong virucidal, fungicidal and bactericidal activities. In vitro studies conducted by Axcan Ltd. demonstrated that the F-5 Gel® destroys a large number of pathenogenic microorganisms including HIV, Chlamydia and the bacteria responsible for gonorrhea.