Do sponges offer protection against sexually transmitted infections (STIs)?

Sponges do not offer protection against sexually transmitted infections (STIs) because they are not designed to act as a barrier to pathogens that cause these infections. While sponges may provide some level of physical obstruction to sperm during intercourse, they do not prevent the transmission of viruses and bacteria that can be exchanged during sexual activity. For effective protection against STIs, barrier methods such as condoms are necessary, as they are specifically intended to block the transmission of infectious agents. Therefore, the answer that reveals this lack of protective capability aligns with understanding the role and limitations of sponges in sexual health.