Though there are a number of pros associated with the use of the sponge, it does have its disadvantages:

Is usually unnoticed by either partner (and even those who can feel it don’t usually mind since the sponge feels soft and squishy, similar to the vagina itself).

Is instantly reversible - if users decide they no longer want protection from pregnancy, they can simply take out the sponge and be immediately fertile again.

Isn't as messy as other contraceptive methods that use spermicidal creams, foams, or gels (though it may be messier than other non-spermicidal methods such as condoms or oral contraceptive pills).

Is available over-the-counter (OTC) - no prescription necessary.

Doesn't need to be fitted by a health care provider - it’s one-size-fits-all!.

Can be used for multiple rounds of sex within a 24-hour period without any decrease in safety or effectiveness.Allows for spontaneous sex since it can be inserted up to 24 hours before.For example, some of the advantages of the sponge include: In choosing a form of contraception, the effectiveness rate isn’t the only factor to consider. Sponges are disposable and are only intended for one-time use. Additionally, the sponge can’t be safely used during menstrual bleeding, so people who have period sex might want to consider alternative contraceptive options during that time. This results in a poorer fit between the sponge and the cervix and making it easier for sperm to get through.

The sponge is also less effective for people who have previously given birth since that experience stretches the vagina and cervix. Some errors that could compromise the effectiveness of the sponge include not wetting the sponge well enough or squeezing it dry before insertion, removing the sponge too soon, not inserting the sponge until after penetrative sex has already begun, and not using the sponge every time a person has sex. The sponge is left in place for at least six hours after sex.The sponge completely covers the cervix (this can be checked by tracing the edge of the sponge with a finger).It's inserted as far back into the vagina as fingers will allow, with the dimple directly on the opening of the cervix (facing towards the stomach) and the loop on the back (facing towards the spine).It's squeezed several times until it becomes sudsy (it needs to be sudsy during insertion).

The sponge is thoroughly wet with clean tap water to activate the spermicide.

Seems simple enough, right? Before concluding your information-gathering journey, you might also want to learn more about factors influencing effectiveness and the pros and cons of use.Īs far as effectiveness is concerned, correct use of the contraceptive sponge means a number of things: Upon insertion, it acts as a physical barrier over the cervix so sperm can’t move from the vagina into the uterus to fertilize an egg, and it also contains spermicide (nonoxynol-9), which is a chemical that impedes sperm movement. This method of birth control is used by inserting it into the vagina to cover the cervix before sex. This round, polyurethane sponge is about two-and-a-quarter inches across and three-quarters of an inch thick with an indentation or 'dimple' in the center. People who have previously given birth experience lower rates of effectiveness with the sponge, around 80 percent with perfect use and 73 to 76 percent with imperfect use. If use isn't correct or used inconsistently, effectiveness is estimated at 88 percent (more on the difference between the two rates in a bit). To answer your question, the contraceptive sponge is 91 percent effective at preventing unintended pregnancy if used correctly and consistently by people who have never given birth. Thanks for stopping by the site as you make your way through your contraceptive information expedition.

Birth control sponge