Abstract: A method and apparatus for contraception wherein an applicator houses a fluid-expansible, hydrophilic, tampon material in its unactivated, compressed state separate from a reservoir of spermicide or medicament. The applicator preferably includes a manually frangible portion of the spermicide reservoir or a fluid communication passage to bring the spermicide into contact with the fluid-expansible tampon material upon command prior to use. After activating by moistening, the spermicide-impregnated, expanded tampon can be readily inserted into a vagina by use of the applicator. Preferably, the tampon is made from a body of purposefully-compressed, memory-retentive, hydrophilic material having a resilience and a high coefficient of expansion when moistened to act as a barrier to the os uteri, to fill the vaginal fornices and absorb ejaculate. Various shapes of the tampon are disclosed, as are methods of making and using the invention.

Abstract: An apparatus for moistening a tampon with a spermicidal, bactericidal and/or virucidal fluid and expelling the tampon includes an open ended tampon storing member for storing the tampon in an unactivated state and a reservoir member for storing the fluid. The reservoir member has a closed inner end slidably received in the tampon storing member and a closed outer end extending out of the tampon storing member. In several embodiments, the reservoir member includes an elongated element to effect fluid flow through a dispensing opening in the inner end and through a vent opening in the outer end. In another embodiment, the inner end of the reservoir member is closed by a wall which is fragible under radially applied pressure to form a dispensing opening and the other end is closed by a wall having an element which is frangible to form a vent opening.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for contraception wherein an applicator houses a fluid-expansible, hydrophilic, tampon material in its unactivated, compressed state separate from a reservoir of spermicide or medicament. The applicator preferably includes a manually frangible portion of the spermicide reservoir or a fluid communication passage to bring the spermicide into contact with the fluid-expansible tampon material upon command prior to use. After activating by moistening, the spermicide-impregnated, expanded tampon can be readily inserted into a vagina by use of the applicator. Preferably, the tampon is made from a body of purposefully-compressed, memory-retentive, hydrophilic material having a resilience and a high coefficient of expansion when moistened to act as a barrier to the os uteri, to fill the vaginal fornices and absorb ejaculate. Various shapes of the tampon are disclosed, as are methods of making and using the invention.