according to the manufacturer's information vaginal contraceptive film (vcf) is reputed to be 94% effective. this is comparable to the diaphragm's effectiveness with normal use (e. g. occasional errors). i have personally not used the vcf but i have heard that it does not drip like other spermicides. i have used both the diaphragm and the today sponge (90% effective according to its manufacturer). like other non-hormonal methods they rely on spermicide for effectiveness. the sponge has 1 gram of nonoxyol 9 (much more than the amount used in a diaphragm jelly spermicide). consequently the sponge can be used for more than one ejaculation (unlike a diaphragm where one is supposed to add more spermicide using a plunger like those designed for vaginal yeast cream). personal opinion? the sponge was easier than the diaphragm for camping and it absorbed all the ejaculate so no mess. sponge was more expensive. diaphragm required planning and even i occasionally did not follow instructions (e. g. did not use more spermicide). diaphragm can be drippy after removal. bottom line consider trying both the vcf and the sponge. see how they work for you. if you are accustomed to the effectiveness rate of hormonal forms of birth control you could consider using condoms as an additional protection. one other non-hormonal form which has the highest effectiveness rate is the copper t or paragard iud.
what are the differences between the vcf (vaginal contraceptive film) and the today sponge forms of birth control?