The Ultimate Guide to Sea Sponge Tampons (Plus How to Make Your Own!)

The Ultimate Guide to Sea Sponge Tampons (Plus How to Make Your Own!)

Question 1:  What are sea sponges, and how are they being used as tampons?

Question 2:  I purchased Sea Clouds™ sea sponge tampons and loved them!  I'll never use anything else.  Can you tell me how I can get a hold of more?   

Question 3:  How can I make my own sea sponge tampons to save money?

Question 4:  Is it true that sea sponges can be used as a barrier contraceptive aid?

Question 5:  Can sea sponge tampons be used in public, while swimming, or while doing sports?

Former owner of The Sea Sponge Company Inc. and producer of the popular Sea Clouds™ sea sponge tampons, I'm here to answer your questions, and then some!

Since The Sea Sponge Company discontinued production of Sea Clouds™ sea sponge tampons, I have received dozens of emails daily from women wanting to know how they can get a hold of quality sponges or if the Sea Clouds will ever be available again.  

Many are past customers who tried them and fell in love, and others are just learning about sea sponge tampons and eager to see how they'll work for them.

The truth is, I don't know if the Sea Clouds will ever return - considering how laborious they are to produce, how difficult it can be to get consistent quality from sponge divers, and the fact that it's always been impossible for us to keep up with the high demand for a product so delicately hand-processed as these sponges are.

But I do know there are ladies like yourself determined to figure out how to use sea sponges for their periods.  I also know there are bloggers out there advocating that their followers buy sea sponges from craft supply stores and use those as tampons.  Additionally, there are companies out there selling "sea sponge tampons" that have not been thoroughly cleaned and inspected.

Ladies, let me say from the start that sea sponges can be amazing, but they can also be dangerous!  For your health and safety, do not buy sponges - from anywhere - and insert them into your vagina.  At least, not without reading the entirety of this post first.  Okay?  You promise?  Good!

See, sea sponge tampons have been a life-changing solution for women with endometriosis, an effective alternative for green-loving ladies (I'm talkin' green earth and green money here!), and just a downright comfortable and healthy solution for any girl or woman that bleeds.  Don't believe me?  Just read a few of the glowing testimonials below:

Sea sponge tampons were a game changer for me!! I have tried everything including cups, traditional methods, period underwear and the list goes on... I will NEVER go back!!  This is so much less messy then the cup and TONS more comfortable! I literally can not express how obsessed I am! Give them a try, I guarantee you will be waxing poetic, just like me! :)

I have painful periods due to endometriosis and absolutely everything I have used caused pain and irritation, even other reusable products like cloth pads.  But these sponges have changed my life!  I will never use anything else!  I can't use anything else!  They've officially become a medical necessity and my gynecologist recommends I stick with them for the long haul.

I've been so surprised by how clean and simple sea sponge tampons are to use!  I honestly expected it to be a bloody mess, but it wasn't at all.  I love them so much! 

Fantastic! My cramps mostly disappeared (something I was not expecting) and they were extremely comfortable. I'll never go back to tampons again.

One of the most amazing products ever! So easy to use and effective!

But there's definitely a dirty side to sea sponges, and the worst thing in the world would be for you to get gung-ho about trying them and get sick or hurt because you didn't know how to properly clean them or use them safely.  They do come from the bottom of the ocean, after all!

All of this is why I decided to create a post spilling the beans on absolutely everything you want to know about sea sponge tampons along with how to make your own premium Sea Clouds™ and use them safely and effectively.  

So get comfy, maybe grab a cup of hormone-balance red raspberry leaf tea, and let's dive in!

WHAT ARE SEA SPONGES?

Sea sponges are plant-like organisms that grow on the ocean floor.  In their natural, unharvested state, they have a hard outer shell and basically look like rock or coral.  The sponges are rooted permanently to one spot their entire lives and survive by taking in nutrients from the gallons of water that flow through their numerous pores every day.  Once harvested, the hard outer shell is removed and the soft sponge inside the shell is generally cleaned and cut before being sold to the public.

What kind of sponges are used as tampons?

There are over 5,000 varieties of sea sponges in the world, but less than 15 are harvested and sold for personal care use.  Of those different varieties, only 2 have ever been used as tampons due to their density, texture, and absorbency – Atlantic Silk sea sponges (harvested from the Gulf of Mexico) and Mediterranean Silk sea sponges (harvested from the Mediterranean Sea).  

Mediterranean Silk are considered the best of the two options due to their exceptional softness and superior absorbency, whereas the Atlantic Silk can be abrasive to delicate vaginal tissues.  As a quality-focused company, this is why The Sea Sponge Company chose to offer and recommend only the Mediterranean Silk sea sponges for vaginal use -including period care, prolapse support, contraception, or vaginal treatments with natural remedies.

Is harvesting and using sea sponges kind to the sea? 

People have asked us in the past if the sea sponges being sold are living sponges and if it hurts them or the ocean to harvest them.  

In short, when sea sponges are harvested, their top portion is cut off, processed, and sold to the public, and that portion ceases to function as a living organism.  Because they have no nervous system, but are much like other ocean plants in structure, the don't feel this at all.  And the bottom portion of the sea sponge that is still rooted firmly in the ocean floor continues to live and can actually regrow even fuller and healthier than before.

Additionally, spores are released from each sponge upon harvesting that settle and grow into all new sponges.  We like to think of the act of harvesting sea sponges as similar to a gardener pruning his tree or a bee pollinating the flowers.  When done properly, it doesn’t hurt the sea sponge, but in fact promotes growth and new life, making sea sponges a very sustainable and renewable resource.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF USING SEA SPONGES AS TAMPONS?

♡  Natural ♡  Hypoallergenic ♡  Ultra Comfortable ♡  Easy to Use

  Convenient ♡  Cost-Saving ♡  Earth Friendly ♡  Renewable Resource

In recent years, scientific studies have revealed various health risks associated with conventional tampons and pads.  These mainline products contain harsh synthetic fibers like rayon, cotton sprayed with pesticides, and chemicals such as Dioxin – a byproduct of the chlorine used to process cotton.  The unintended consequence of introducing these foreign chemicals to a part of your body that rapidly soaks them in is a greater risk for ovarian cancer, low fertility, and Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS), to name a few.  Additionally, the synthetic fibers and chemicals left behind put male partners at a greater risk for low sperm count, prostate problems, and testicular cancer. 

Sea sponge tampons can be a healthier and safer alternative, containing no synthetic fibers, pesticides, or chlorine.  They are completely natural sponges harvested by hand from the Mediterranean Sea, are exceptionally absorbent on their own, and even contain naturally occurring enzymes that inhibit odors and the growth of bacteria.

Sea sponge tampons are also incredibly comfortable and convenient.  Once moistened, they are silky soft and conform to the vaginal wall, thus preventing skin irritation otherwise caused by rough, synthetic materials.  Sea sponges are easy to insert and remove, and you won’t even know they’re there. 

One of my favorite things about sea sponge tampons is that they can be worn safely and comfortably during intercourse to stay mess-free while on your period.  Be sure to use a large sponge for this, though, as small sponges will get pushed back and can be hard to reach afterwards!  Many women even choose to use sea sponges with or without a spermicide of choice as an optional contraceptive aid...more about this below.

Finally, sea sponge tampons are super earth friendly and economical.  Did you know that the average woman uses about 17,000 disposable pads and tampons throughout her lifetime?  But because sea sponges are reusable and biodegradable, we don't have to worry about filling up our own trash cans, sewer systems, and the world with used feminine hygiene products.  And because sea sponges can be reused for three to six months or more, you get to save your hard-earned dollars that would normally be spent on monthly disposable pads and tampons. 

Other healthy alternatives to disposables include reusable menstrual cups and comfy cloth pads, which are offered by Femallay here!

HOW TO MAKE YOUR OWN SEA SPONGE TAMPONS

Before using your own sea sponge tampons, you'll need to make sure they've been properly cleaned and shaped.  

Because sea sponges are a natural, raw product from the bottom of the sea, they can contain bacteria, sand, sharp shells, hard coral, and even the dead bits of other marine animals. 

To clean your sponges for the first time, you're going to need:

  1. A bright light
  2. Needle nose pliers (like these)
  3. Sharp scissors
  4. A pot for boiling water
  5. Baking soda or sea sponge cleaner
  6. Some Mediterranean Silk sea sponges
  7. A mesh sponge drying bag

Once you've gathered the supplies, follow these step-by-step instructions to make your own sea sponge tampons:

Step 1:  Soak Your Sponge

Sea sponges are stiff when dry and get very soft and squishy when wet.  Squeeze your sponge several times in warm water to get every part of it soaked and pliable. 

A quality sea sponge tampon should bounce back to shape easily when you squeeze and then release it while wet.  If you wet your sponge, squeeze it, and it stays flat, that means its structure is weak, and it will tear easily in addition to not being very absorbent.  I recommend getting a few sponges and throwing away any that are weak (or very dirty).

Step 2:  Trim to Size

Now that the sponge is nice and soft, get trimming!  Use the sizing recommendations below to decide the approximate size of sponge you'll need (you might want to have a small sponge for the beginning and end of your period and a larger sponge for the heaviest flow days). Trim around the edges and bottom to make a round, smooth sponge.  Be sure to trim away any loose pieces that could easily tear off.

By the way, I recommend starting with a sponge that's slightly bigger than you think you'll need.  You can always cut more off if necessary, but you can't get it back once you've trimmed it down.  See the image above for an example of the following sizes lined up side-by-side.

Teeny Sea Sponge Tampons

Teeny sponges are 1" - 1.5" wide / long and about 0.5" - 1" thick. They're great for teens and those with spotting.

Mini Sea Sponge Tampons

Mini sponges are 1.5" - 2" wide / long and about 0.5" - 1" thick. Minis are also great for teens and those with very light flow.  Think your period might be coming soon?  Use a mini or light to make sure you don't get caught off guard.

Light Sea Sponge Tampons

Light sponges are 2" - 2.5" wide / long and about 0.75" - 1" thick. They work well for light flow for pretty much all ages, whether you're a virgin or have given birth multiple times. Additionally, both Minis and Lights work perfectly for vaginal treatments, such as with the Femallay Health & Hygiene Suppositories with Tea Tree & Coconut Oil, or soaked in yogurt or kefir to restore healthy vaginal flora.

Regular Sea Sponge Tampons

Regular sponges are 2.5" - 3" wide / long and about 1" - 1.25" thick. Use Regular for moderate flow as well as during intercourse.

Super Sea Sponge Tampons

Super sponges are 3" - 3.5" wide / long and about 1" - 1.5" thick. This size is preferred for heavy flow and is ideal for use during intercourse as it will be easiest to reach.  Women also use this sponge size, or even slightly larger up to 4" wide, as a prolapse support alternative to the pessary.

Please note that the above sizing designations were created for Sea Clouds™ sea sponge tampons, but other companies may use different names and measurements for their sponges.

Step 3:  Pinch Check

Using your fingertips, begin your cleaning session by pinching EVERY. SINGLE. BIT. of your soaking wet sponge.  Pinch the middle. Pinch the edges.  Pinch at different angles.  If you feel anything hard or sharp, you know to start there when you begin cleaning.

Step 4:  Clean Under Water & Clean with a Light Backdrop

When we used to clean our Sea Clouds™ sponges, we always cleaned the sponge submerged in a bowl of water first and then with a light backdrop to make sure nothing was missed.  Different angles, lighting, and wetness variations can reveal different things inside the sponge.

Place your sponge in a white or clear container filled with warm water.  Why warm?  Because you can feel more than with cold, which tends to desensitize the nerves in your fingertips.  You'll notice you can see into the pores of the sponge much better when it's sitting in a bowl of water than when it's outside of the water.  

Now pick up the needle nose pliers, which are ideal for reaching into the sponge's tiny pores and grabbing any sea debris you find.  Remove everything you can see and feel until only the soft, clean sponge is left.

Have a bright light by your sink or container of water.  We always used super bright studio photography lamps, but any bright light will do as long as it's directly behind the sponge.  

With the sponge still completely soaked, hold it up in front of the light.  You'll be surprised how much you can see through it to catch any sea debris you might have missed!  Turn it around slowly to be sure to check every angle and pore, removing anything you can see or feel with your needle nose pliers.

By the time your sponge is clean of all sea debris, it will probably have a few torn pieces from the pliers picking away at it.  Use your scissors to trim away the loose pieces and rough edges until it's smooth and round again.  Not only will this make the sponge more comfortable to use, but keeping it smooth will also help it to last longer - hopefully for several cycles!

Step 5:  Sanitize Before Use

Now that your sponge is clean and smooth, it's time to sanitize!  Bring a pot of clean drinking water to boil.  Carefully add your sponge to the pot of boiling water and boil for 2 minutes. This will effectively kill any bacteria that could be in the sponge.  Do not boil for more than 2 minutes, as this could cause the sponge to shrink and harden.

While the sponge is boiling (or after), add 1 teaspoon of baking soda or special sea sponge cleaner to 1 cup of clean drinking water.  Mix well.  

Once the sponge has finished boiling, place it in the baking soda soak (squeezing the sponge in the solution to ensure it gets into all the pores) and leave for 15-30 minutes.  Baking soda (or a sponge cleaner which contains baking soda) works to neutralize any pollutants that could have been in the water where the sponge was harvested and also helps to strengthen the sponge so that it lasts longer.  It also works well to sanitize the sponge between uses.   

Step 6:  Hang to Dry

Finally, dry your clean sponge in a hanging mesh bag.  Fast drying sea sponges in this way helps the sponges to stay clean and last longer (because being wet for extended periods of time can actually weaken the sponge).   Once the excess water has been squeezed out of your sea sponge, the remaining moisture will evaporate without dripping, so you can hang and store anywhere you like.

HOW TO USE SEA SPONGE TAMPONS

Using sea sponges as tampons is really very simple - much simpler than getting them clean and shaped!  

Again, make sure you've sanitized your sea sponge tampon before the first use.  Like regular cotton tampons, sea sponges are not considered “sterile," but they will be as clean or cleaner than disposables.

Step-By-Step Instructions for Using Your Sea Sponge Tampons:

1) Before inserting vaginally as your choice of tampon, wash your hands thoroughly.

2) Then wet your sponge with warm water to soften it, and squeeze to remove excess water.

3) Squish the sponge with your fingers, and carefully push it upwards into your vagina until it feels secure and comfortable.

Most women will find the sponges easy and comfortable going in, but if a bit more help with insertion is needed, you can put a small drop of any organic oil (like grapeseed oil or coconut oil) on the sponge to act as a lubricant.

If you sit down and it feels like you’re sitting on a lump, your sponge is probably not in far enough. Try pushing it upwards a little more. If the sponge still feels large or uncomfortable after being properly inserted, remove it and trim around the perimeter to create a smaller, more custom fit.  

4) Generally, sea sponge tampons should be removed whenever they feel full. or at least every 6-8 hours, to rinse and then reinsert. 

To remove your sponge, simply feel for the perimeter and tug gently.  Rinse thoroughly with warm water, squeeze out the excess water, and push it back in.  

A sea sponge may be left in place safely overnight.  For days when bleeding is heavier, two sponges may be safely and comfortably used at the same time. 

How Often to Clean Your Sea Sponge Tampons

Sea sponges are reusable and do not need to be cleaned every time they are removed, rinsed, and reinserted.  It’s best to sanitize your sponge before the first use, once a day during use, and before storing it away at the end of your period.

How to Regularly Sanitize Your Sea Sponge Tampon

You can sanitize your sea sponge tampon using a very mild, natural soap or by soaking it for 15 minutes in 1 cup of warm water plus your choice of:

a) 1 teaspoon baking soda or sea sponge cleaner
b) ¼ cup hydrogen peroxide,
c) ¼ cup apple cider vinegar or white vinegar,
d) 4-6 drops tea tree essential oil, or
e) 1 teaspoon colloidal silver.

Hydrogen peroxide will both clean and perfectly whiten a sea sponge tampon that has become discolored overtime from use, but it's not considered all-natural and I don't recommend using it as your regular cleaner.  Some people can actually be highly allergic to hydrogen peroxide.  

Be sure to rinse the sponge out thoroughly after soaking in a cleaning solution. 

If you shower daily while on your period, that can be a great time to remove and soak your sponge in a cleaner. 

Important to Note:  For regular cleaning, it's best to avoid boiling sponges or placing them in the microwave or the dryer, which will harden your sponge.  Never use strong bleach.  This will weaken your sponge.  Squeeze but do not twist or pull apart your sponge.  Silk sponges are reusable, but must be treated gently to get the most use out of them.

How to Store Your Sea Sponge Tampons

You can store your sponges between uses in a natural, breathable cotton bag.  Remember to clean your sponge and allow it to dry completely before storing in a cotton bag.

Or another option, as mentioned above, is to use a mesh bag to both dry and store your sea sponge tampons.  A mesh bag allows your sponges to quickly air dry without touching counter tops or other places that could have bacteria on them.

A FEW MORE FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT SEA SPONGE TAMPONS

So you know how to make them and use them, but perhaps you have more questions or have tried them out already and ran into trouble.  Here's a few questions I've received in the past and my answers to them.  I hope you find these helpful, but feel free to reach out if there's anything that didn't get addressed!

How do I retrieve a sponge that's been pushed back out of reach?

Sometimes, particularly during intercourse, sponges can get pushed back out of reach. First of all, please remember there’s no need to worry, as your sponge has nowhere to go and will not get lost.  

Try squatting or lying on your back with your knees to your chest to reach the sponge.  Or get a warm bath or use a very gentle douche to fill the sponge with water, which will make it heavy and travel back downward.  

To prevent difficulty with reaching your sponge, you can thread waxed dental floss (non-flavored) through the center of the sponge, tie a loop at the end, and gently pull on that until you can reach the sponge with your fingers.

My sponge seems to be leaking, but it's not full of blood.  Any thoughts?

Most likely, that leaking is urine.  Lovely, I know.  If you don't push your sponge in far enough, you may end up spraying pee on it when you use the bathroom.  Then, when you start to move around, the sponge gets squeezed because it's towards the outside of your vagina, and the urine leaks out.  

Avoid this problem by pushing the sponge in as far as you can while still being able to reach it!  Also, leaning forward while peeing can help you to avoid "spraying" yourself. 

Can I use sea sponge tampons for swimming and water sports?

Sure!  Sea sponge tampons can be effectively worn while swimming just like regular tampons, but be sure to disinfect them after swimming in natural bodies of water like rivers and lakes.

How can I make insertion and removal of sea sponge tampons more comfortable?

Inserting and removing a sea sponge tampon will be very easy and smooth for most users, but if you're having trouble, here are a few things you might want to check for:

Is my sea sponge tampon fully softened?  You'll probably need to squeeze your sponge a few times under running water to get it completely soft.  There should be NO parts of it that feel hard and stiff once it's been moistened.  

Is my sea sponge tampon too large?  If your sponge is uncomfortable going in, it could be that it's too large for you.  You can try a smaller sponge or trim around the perimeter (as per instructions above) to make a more comfortable fit.

Am I too dry?  Some women have plenty of natural vaginal lubrication, while others are naturally very dry.  If you are on the dry side, you can put a few drops of oil on your sponge (or put some oil in the palm of your hand and rub it on the sponge) to give it a little extra lubrication.  This not only helps your sponge to glide in easier, but many oils also have beneficial vitamins, anti-aging, and anti-bacterial properties.  Coconut oil, avocado oil, sweet almond oil, grapeseed oil, jojoba oil, and Vitamin E oil are all great options!  Bear in mind that overusing oils can reduce the absorbency of a sea sponge tampon, so try not to use more than you need.

    What can I do to ensure my sponges last as long as possible?

    There are a few things you can do to get the most life out of your sea sponge tampons.  Sea sponges are durable but must be treated gently.  

    Never pull on them except to remove them.  Squeeze to rinse.  

    Try not to over-clean by soaking your sponges longer than 15 minutes per day.  Soaking for too long can cause sponges to deteriorate more quickly.  And be sure to avoid strong cleaners like bleach!  Fast dry sponges with a hanging mesh bag. 

    Finally, use scissors to trim off any ragged pieces you start to notice on the sponge rather than ripping them off.  

    Follow these tips, and you should get a good 6 months or more out of your sponges!

    How do I use sea sponge tampons when I'm out in public?

    For working women or anyone concerned about what to do with their reusable sea sponge tampons while they’re out and about, there are two easy solutions to using your sponge.

    Option 1:  The Water Bottle  

    Many users like to have a water bottle handy in their purse for rinsing their sea sponge when in a public restroom.  Remove the sponge, rinse with water from the bottle directly over the toilet, squeeze out the excess water as you would at home, and reinsert.

    Option 2:  The Wet Bag

    Another option for those that don’t want to rinse their sponges in public is to have a wet bag ready to store the sea sponges.  Once the sponge is full, remove and place into a small, sealable wet bag.  Then insert a fresh, clean sea sponge.  Once you’re back in the comfort of your own home, you can sanitize your sea sponges and wipe out the waterproof interior of your wet bag.  

    Here's a handy wet/dry bag you can use to store sea sponges, cloth pads, and menstrual cups when on the go!

    What about toxic shock syndrome or other infections?

    Toxic shock syndrome is a risk for any menstruating woman.  Believe it or not, even men can get it, though this is rare.  It can happen whether you're using a tampon or not, although the highest incidence of TSS has been seen in women using disposable cotton tampons.

    For women who don't like using cloth pads, the sea sponge tampon (as well as the menstrual cup) has some key advantages over traditional tampons that make it a more popular choice for women that are concerned about TSS and other health issues.  

    Experts believe that the cause of TSS in tampon users is likely linked to the fact that traditional cotton tampons contain toxic chemicals and, upon insertion, cause microscopic tears to delicate vaginal tissue and thus allow chemicals and bacteria to get into the blood stream more easily.  The reason the traditional tampons cause these microscopic tears in the first place is because they are stiff and dry when inserted and contain abrasive synthetic materials like rayon to artificially make them more absorbent than cotton alone would be.

    Sea sponges, however, are much gentler on the body.

    They’re naturally incredibly absorbent; no need for abrasive synthetic materials.  And once moistened, a Mediterranean Silk sea sponge will become soft, smooth, and squishy, textured much like the vaginal wall itself.  The softness and pre-moistened nature of the sea sponge helps to prevent injury to delicate skin.

    Sea sponge tampons also contain no chlorine, dioxin, or pesticide residue.

    Chemicals exposed to a sensitive part of the body like the vagina will rapidly soak into the blood stream and increase the potential for TSS, cancer, fertility issues, PMS, cramps, heavier blood flow, and more.  Instead of chemicals and synthetic materials, sea sponges contain healthy sea minerals like iron, magnesium, and zinc that your body actually needs and gets drained of during menstruation.  Many women notice a lightening of their flow and cramps after a few months of switching to sea sponge tampons. 

    And the final advantage of sea sponge tampons over disposables is that you can sanitize them.

    Traditional tampons are not considered sterile.  While they’re usually bleached and sanitized with chlorine, this process is done in a factory that is not sterile and then they’re placed in plastic wrapping that is also not sterile.  You can only imagine what kind of bacteria or other germs could be in the air, on the machines, or on the plastic wrapping when traditional tampons are being packaged.  And you can’t do anything about it! 

    However, with sea sponge tampons, you can sanitize them before use to eliminate all foreign bacteria and other germs that could possibly be on them.  And then you can continue to sanitize them as often you like between uses.  As long as your hands are clean when removing and reinserting, the concern of introducing foreign bacteria is limited, making sea sponge tampons actually the cleaner tampon choice.

    Even though sea sponges are arguably healthier and safer (when properly cleaned) than disposable tampons, you should be aware that there is always still a chance of developing TSS or other infection.   Be on the lookout for symptoms of infection, including fever, nausea, vaginal itching and burning.  You can boost vaginal wellness by using tea tree oil suppositories or a sponge soaked in coconut oil or plain yogurt during your period or at the first sign that something may be off.

    If you are especially concerned, you may want to opt for a reusable menstrual cup or cloth pad, which historically have the lowest risk for contributing to infections.

    How do I use sea sponges as a natural contraceptive aid?

    Some women enjoy using sea sponges as a natural barrier contraceptive to prevent pregnancy.  While no studies have been done proving the efficacy of a sea sponge as a contraceptive aid and there's no way to guarantee the efficacy, there are users who swear by this method:

    1)  Moisten a medium or large size sponge with warm water and squeeze out the excess water to soften the sponge.  Small sponges will be hard to reach afterwards and less effective.

    2)  You may then apply a small amount of your spermicide of choice to the sponge.

    3)  Insert and go have fun!

    4)  Be sure to leave the sponge in place for 6-8 hours after intercourse for optimal protection.

        You can even make your own natural and effective spermicide to use with the sea sponge.  Lab tests performed by Roger Short, Scott G. McCoombe, Clare Maslin, Eman Naim and Suzanne Crowe in 2002 titled “Lemon and Lime Juice as Potent Natural Microbicides” showed diluted fresh lemon juice to be as effective as the common chemical spermicide Nonoxynol-9 at immobilizing sperm.  And it’s less irritating to the skin too.  Sex with a twist!

        Recipe for Homemade Spermicide

        1.   1 tablespoon of pure aloe vera gel
        2.   4 drops of fresh squeezed lemon juice

        Mix well, and store homemade spermicide for up to 2 weeks in the refrigerator or 6 months in the freezer.

        If you have other questions about sea sponge tampons, feel free to leave a comment below or contact me!

        If sea sponge tampons seem a bit too "out there" for you (totally understandable), but you'd like to try something healthier, more effective, more earth friendly, and more economical than mainline period products, go here to explore some of Femallay's simple-to-use and healthy reusable menstrual care:

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