I have recently run into more than one provider that just cranks a sponge in when she's on her period and carries on solider with her appointments and does not tell her client...

Is this a common practice that you guys are aware of?

Personally - I am not down with it at all as I think it exponentially increases the risks compared with a non-menstruating gal...

Just don't stick it in raw, and then the risk factor is removed.