Sponge

The sponge works better for people who have never given birth. For people who have never given vaginal birth: With perfect use, 9 out of 100 people who use the sponge will get pregnant over a year. With typical use, 14 out of 100 people will get pregnant over a year.

For people who have given vaginal birth: With perfect use, 20 out of 100 people will get pregnant over a year. With typical use, 24 out of 100 people will get pregnant over a year.

You can also use another birth control method at the time of sex. We call this a Method Boost because it prevents pregnancy better than the sponge alone. Method Boost options include outer condom (penile), pull out, or the vaginal gel (Phexxi).

The sponge covers the cervix (the opening to the uterus) and blocks sperm. It also has spermicide, which kills sperm.

Wet the sponge with water and squeeze it gently. Use your fingers to slip the sponge in your vagina and over your cervix. Leave the sponge in for at least 6 hours after sex. Do not leave the sponge in for more than 30 hours. You can have sex as many times as you want while it is in place.

The only birth control sponge sold in the United States is Today Sponge. Unlike the diaphragm or cervical cap, the Today Sponge does not need to be fitted.

The sponge will not affect your periods.

The sponge has no hormones. It is easy to buy from a drugstore or online. You don't need a prescription or a fitting from a health care provider.

Some might find it hard to put the sponge in correctly. The sponge should not be used during your period.

The sponge is very safe. For some, it can irritate the vagina. Very rarely, there can be a serious infection if the sponge is left in too long. The sponge should be taken out within 30 hours.

No. However, correct use of condoms can prevent HIV and STIs.

The sponge is about $15 for a pack of 3. You can buy the sponge from most drugstores or online.