​​​​What is the sponge?

• The sponge is a form of birth control. It is a disposable piece of soft foam filled with a chemical that kills sperm (spermicide).
• It is put in the vagina to cover the opening to the uterus (cervix) and helps prevent sperm from entering.

How well does the sponge work?

• There’s about an 85% chance of getting pregnant after 1 year of having unprotected sex.
• The sponge doesn’t work as well for people who’ve had a baby.
• With typical use (this means not following the exact directions and you may not use the sponge the right way) the sponge is 88% effective for people who’ve never given birth, and 76% effective for people who’ve given birth.
• With perfect use (this means you follow the exact directions all the time) the sponge is 91% effective for people who’ve never given birth and 80% effective for people who’ve given birth.
• The sponge doesn’t protect you from sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and HIV.
• Use a condom every time you have sex (vaginal, oral, anal) to lower your risk of STIs and HIV.

How do I use the sponge?

• You can buy the sponge at a drugstore without a prescription.
• Carefully follow the manufacturer’s directions for use that come with the product.
• Before you put the sponge in your vagina, wet it with 2 Tbsp. of water and squeeze it once to activate the spermicide.
• The sponge has to be put in before the penis enters the vagina.
• Put the sponge in with the dimpled side facing toward the cervix.
• Leave the sponge in for at least 6 hours after your last act of sex and then remove it by pulling on the loop.
• Don’t keep the sponge in longer than 24 hours, as there is a small risk of getting a very bad infection called toxic shock syndrome.

What are the benefits of the sponge?

• You can put the sponge in up to 24 hours before you have sex. You’re protected from pregnancy right away and it lasts for 24 hours as long as the sponge stays in.
• You can have sex more than once if you leave the sponge in place for at least 6 hours after your last intercourse.
• The sponge doesn’t have hormones and it doesn’t affect a person’s natural hormones. It’s a choice for people who can’t use birth control methods with hormones.

What are the disadvantages of the sponge?

• Vaginal spermicides can irritate you or your partner’s genitals (e.g. itchiness, redness, or pain). This irritation increases your chance of getting STIs and HIV. If you have any genital irritation, don’t use the sponge.
• Using spermicides may increase your risk of getting bladder infections.
• If you leave the sponge in longer than the manufacturer recommends, there is a risk of a very bad infection called toxic shock syndrome.
• Some people might have an allergy to the chemicals in the sponge.
• Don’t use the sponge in the first 6 weeks after having a baby, a miscarriage or an abortion.
• Don’t use the sponge if you have an allergy to nonoxynol-9, are at risk for or being treated for HIV, or have a history of toxic shock syndrome.

Did You Know

• You have the right to make the decision to have sex or not.
• Plan ahead and decide to protect yourself to lower your risk of pregnancy, STIs, and HIV.
• It is important to talk with your partner about how you can protect each other.
• Many sexual health clinics offer some types of birth control for no cost for people who qualify.
• Think about emergency contraception to help prevent pregnancy if your sponge moved out of place while you had sex or you have had unprotected sex.

For More Information

• Health Link – Health Advice 24/7: 811