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The sponge is soft round foam sponge made of polyurethane (plastic) that has a polyester loop that you can use to take it out. It works by blocking sperm from entering the uterus. It also contains spermicide which kills sperm. The brand name for the sponge is Today Sponge®

The sponge does NOT prevent sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Male and female condoms are the only forms of birth control that also offer protection against STIs.

Check the expiration date. If it’s expired, get another one!
Wash hands with soap and water.
Remove the sponge from the package. Wet the sponge with about two tablespoons of water. Squeeze it once.
To insert the sponge, hold it with the loop facing down. Fold the opposite sides of the edge of the sponge so that the edge folds together.
Gently insert the folded sponge into the vagina.
Push the sponge backwards until it reaches the back wall of the vagina until it rests against the cervix. The loop should face away from the cervix.
After sex, the sponge must be left in place for at least 6 hours, but no more than 30 hours.
To remove the sponge, grasp the loop with a finger and pull it gently out of the vagina.
Throw the sponge away. Never flush a sponge.

Common side effects are vaginal dryness, itchiness, and irritation. The sponge contains spermicide which can cause vaginal irritation (which can put women at higher risk for STIs). Spermicides may cause vaginal and urinary infections in some women. If the sponge is left in too long the risk for Toxic Shock Syndrome, a rare but serious disorder, increases.

This is a great option for women who prefer not to or can’t use hormonal forms of birth controls. But some women don’t like the fact that they have to put it in before having sex and/or they have to put something into their vagina. Some women find the sponge difficult to insert and remove. Also, some women have allergic reactions to spermicide.

It’s important to know that the sponge shouldn’t be used when a women has her period because it will block the flow of her period.

You don’t need a prescription to buy the sponge. You can buy the sponge at the drug store, grocery store, or family planning clinic.

Around $2.50 to $3 per sponge. They are often sold in packs of three or twelve. Contact a family planning clinic for more information.

If a woman has had a baby and gave birth vaginally (the baby came through the vagina) the sponge will be less effective. This is because there is some stretching that happens around the cervix that can cause the sponge not to fit as well. If she has given birth vaginally the sponge will be 68% - 80% effective, but if she hasn’t, it will be 84% - 91% effective.