Birth Control Sponge

What is a birth control sponge?

The birth control sponge is a soft, round, piece of foam with a sperm-killing chemical (spermicide) in it. It is put into the vagina before sex and used by women as a barrier method of birth control.

The sponge is about 2 inches (5.5 cm) in diameter. The only brand available in the US is the Today Sponge.

How does it work?

The birth control sponge covers the cervix and blocks sperm from going into the uterus and reaching an egg. (The cervix is the opening of the uterus into the vagina.) Also, the spermicide kills sperm.

How do I use it?

Insertion

The steps for putting the sponge into the vagina are:

1. With clean hands, remove the sponge from its package.
2. Hold the sponge in one hand with the dimple (concave) side facing up and the loop dangling down.
3. Wet the sponge thoroughly with clean tap water. Gently squeeze the sponge until you see suds. This activates the spermicide and makes it easier to insert the sponge.
4. With the dimple side facing up and the nylon loop hanging down, fold the sudsy sponge in half and insert it as far back into the vagina as you can reach.
5. After it is inserted, slide your finger around the edge of the sponge to check that it is covering the cervix. You should also be able to feel the loop on the bottom of the sponge.

Don’t keep the sponge in the vagina for more than 30 hours in a row. During this time you can have intercourse again without replacing the sponge or adding more spermicide.

Do not reuse sponges. If a sponge accidentally falls out, do not put it back in. Use a new sponge.

Do not use any other medicines in your vagina (such as douches or medicines for vaginal yeast infections) while the sponge is in the vagina.

Removal

1. Wait at least 6 hours after intercourse before removing the sponge.
2. Wash your hands with soap and water.
3. Relax.
4. Put a finger into the vagina and reach upward to find the nylon loop. Grasp the string loop or the sponge with your fingers and slowly and gently pull the sponge out from the vagina. If it seems stuck, wait a few minutes, then try again. If it is still hard to get the sponge out, tighten your vaginal muscles and hold for 10 seconds. Then relax and let go. Repeat. While relaxing, breathe out slowly. Then try to remove the sponge again.
5. Discard the sponge in a waste container. Do not put it into the toilet.

If you have trouble removing a sponge, or it breaks up into pieces before you get it all out, see your healthcare provider right away.

Store unused sponges at room temperature. Keep the container tightly closed. Protect sponges from heat, high humidity, and bright light.

What are the benefits?

The benefits of the birth control sponge are:

• This method of birth control is 68 to 91% effective. It works better to prevent pregnancy if you have never given birth and if your partner also uses a latex condom during sex.
• There are practically no side effects from the use of the sponge. It is a very safe method of birth control.
• You don’t need to see your health care provider or get a prescription to buy birth control sponges. You can get them in drug and grocery stores.
• Sponges give immediate protection against pregnancy when used properly. Hormonal methods of birth control, like birth control pills, don’t protect against pregnancy until you have been using them for at least 1 menstrual cycle.
• The sponges don’t affect a woman’s natural hormones.
• Using this method of birth control does not have to interrupt love-making because the sponge can be put into the vagina up to 24 hours before sex. While the sponge is in the vagina, you can have sex more than once during a 24-hour period without adding more spermicide.
• The sponges can be carried in a purse or pocket, and they are disposable.
• Sponges can be used during breast-feeding.

What are the disadvantages?

The disadvantages of sponges include:

• They are not as effective in preventing pregnancy as some other forms of birth control. This is especially true if they are used without any other form of birth control, such as a condom, during intercourse.
• Sponges are a fairly costly method of birth control.
• They may rarely be uncomfortable for one or both partners.
• They may cause some drying of the vagina.
• It takes practice to get comfortable with inserting and removing the sponge.
• Sponges should not be used during menstrual periods.
• Some women have adverse reactions to the spermicide, such as a rash, itching, or irritation, after using the sponge. If you or your partner get burning, itching, or a rash or other irritation of the vagina or penis, use a different method of birth control and contact your healthcare provider.
• The sponge does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV/AIDS.
• This spermicide may irritate the skin around the vagina, penis, or rectum. This may increase your risk of getting HIV/AIDS if your partner is infected.

Before using this form of birth control, talk with your healthcare provider if you have ever had:

• an allergic reaction to any medicine
• toxic shock syndrome
• any vaginal or uterine problems

Also talk to your provider about using this form of birth control if you have given birth or if you had an abortion or miscarriage less than 6 weeks ago.