Skip to content

We are currently in beta

Please enjoy the existing content while we continue to fix and enhance your experience.

We would love to receive any feedback or comments that you'd like to share.

You can contact us here

Journeys of Life StoryMD Health Communities

Why StoryMD
Our Story
Point of Care
Newsletter
Contact Us
Help Center

Privacy Policy
Terms of Service
Accessibility

Find us on facebook
Find us on instagram
Find us on linkedin
Find us on pinterest
Find us on twitter
Find us on youtube

© 2024 StoryMD Inc. All rights reserved.

Contraceptive Sponge

Table of Contents

Contraceptive Sponge

Birth Control Sponge; "The Sponge"

A contraceptive sponge is a soft, disposable, spermicide-filled foam sponge that is inserted into the woman's vagina before intercourse. The sponge should be left in place for at least 6 hours after intercourse and then removed within 30 hours after intercourse.

Cream and Eggs Spermicides

Image by Ceridwen~commonswiki (talk | contribs)

Contraceptive Sponge Contains Spermicide

Contraceptive Sponge

Image by Ceridwen~commonswiki (talk | contribs)

Contraceptive Sponge

Contraceptive sponge. Protectaid sponge, in its plastic tray. It is removed from the tray before use.

Image by Ceridwen~commonswiki (talk | contribs)

Contraceptive Sponge Contains Spermicide

Diaphragm or cervical cap—Before sexual intercourse, the diaphragm or cap is inserted in the vagina with spermicide to block or kill sperm. These methods are prescribed by a health care provider. Typical use failure rate for the diaphragm: 17%. 1 Typical use failure rate for the cervical cap: 22%.

Sponge—The contraceptive sponge contains spermicide and is placed in the vagina where it fits over the cervix. The sponge works for up to 24 hours and must be left in the vagina for at least 6 hours after the last act of intercourse, at which time it is removed and discarded. Typical use failure rate: 17%.

Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

Additional Materials (4)

Contraceptive sponge, United Kingdom, 1901-1930

Sponges were widely used as contraception in the early 1900s. This contraceptive sponge is made of rubber. Sponges were one of a range of contraceptives promoted by the Society for Constructive Birth Control. The organisation was founded by Dr Marie Stopes (1880-1958). Stopes founded the first of her birth control clinics in Holloway, North London in 1921. She is best remembered as a feminist and a birth control pioneer. This object was donated by the Marie Stopes Memorial Foundation. The contraceptive sponge is in its original aluminium box. It was manufactured in Britain by Elarco.

Image by Wellcome Images, Wellcome Trust

Different Types of Contraceptives

Different types of contraceptives including birth control pills, intrauterine devices, contraceptive patch, contraceptive ring, contraceptive sponge, and contraceptive diaphragm

Image by TheVisualMD

The Sponge as a Form of Birth Control - Planned Parenthood

Video by Planned Parenthood/YouTube

What Is a Birth Control Sponge? | Birth Control

Video by Howcast/YouTube

Contraceptive sponge, United Kingdom, 1901-1930

Wellcome Images, Wellcome Trust

Different Types of Contraceptives

TheVisualMD

1:27

The Sponge as a Form of Birth Control - Planned Parenthood

Planned Parenthood/YouTube

1:08

What Is a Birth Control Sponge? | Birth Control

Howcast/YouTube

Sponge with Spermicide

Contraceptive Sponge

Image by TheVisualMD

Contraceptive Sponge

Anterior view of contraceptive sponge. A contraceptive sponge is a female mechanical contraceptive that blocks the cervix so sperm cannot enter the uterus; it is also a chemical contraceptive, as it contains spermicide to kill sperm. The contraceptive sponge is available without a prescription. When used correctly, it has a failure rate of 14 - 18%. The contraceptive sponge offers no protection against STDs.

Image by TheVisualMD

Sponge with Spermicide

Spermicides containing N9 (nonoxynol-9) can irritate the vagina and rectum. It may increase the risk of getting HIV (the virus that causes AIDS) from an infected partner.

What is it?

A disk-shaped polyurethane sponge-like device with the spermicide N9 (nonoxynol-9) in it.

How do I use it?

Put it into the vagina before you have sex.
Protects for up to 24 hours.
You do not need to use more spermicide each time you have sex.
You must leave the sponge in place for at least 6 hours after last having sex.
You must take the sponge out within 30 hours after you put it in. Throw it away after you use it.

How do I get it?

You do not need a prescription.
You can buy it over-the-counter.

Chance of getting pregnant with typical use (Number of pregnancies expected per 100 women who use this method for one year)

Out of 100 women who use this method, 12 may get pregnant.
It may not work as well for women who have given birth. Childbirth stretches the vagina and cervix and the sponge may not fit as well. Out of 100 women who use this method who gave birth, 24 may get pregnant.

Some Side Effects

Irritation

Some Less Common Risks

If you keep it in place longer than 24-30 hours, there is a risk of toxic shock syndrome. Toxic shock syndrome is a rare but serious infection.

Does it protect me from sexually transmitted infections (STIs)? No.

Source: FDA Consumer Health Information

Additional Materials (1)

Female Pelvis Showing Contraceptive Sponge on Cervix

Three-dimensional visualization reconstructed from scanned human data. Anteriolateral view of female pelvis and reproductive organs, showing proper placement of contraceptive sponge covering the cervix. A contraceptive sponge is a female mechanical contraceptive that blocks the cervix so sperm cannot enter the uterus; it is also a chemical contraceptive, as it contains spermicide to kill sperm. The contraceptive sponge is available without a prescription. When used correctly, it has a failure rate of 14 - 18%. The contraceptive sponge offers no protection against STDs.

Image by TheVisualMD

Female Pelvis Showing Contraceptive Sponge on Cervix

TheVisualMD

Spermicide Alone

Different Types of Contraceptives

Image by TheVisualMD

Different Types of Contraceptives

Different types of contraceptives including birth control pills, intrauterine devices, contraceptive patch, contraceptive ring, contraceptive sponge, and contraceptive diaphragm

Image by TheVisualMD

Spermicide Alone

Spermicides containing N9 (nonoxynol-9) can irritate the vagina and rectum. It may increase the risk of getting HIV (the virus that causes AIDS) from an infected partner.

What is it?

A foam, cream, jelly, film, or tablet that you put into the vagina.

How do I use it?

You need to put spermicide into the vagina 5 to 90 minutes before you have sex.
You usually need to leave it in place at least 6 to 8 hours after sex; do not douche or rinse the vagina for at least 6 hours after sex.
Instructions can be different for each type of spermicide. Read the label carefully before you use a spermicide.
For better pregnancy protection, a spermicide may be used with a condom, diaphragm or cervical cap.

How do I get it?

You do not need a prescription.
You can buy it over-the-counter.

Chance of getting pregnant with typical use (Number of pregnancies expected per 100 women who use this method for one year)

Out of 100 women who use this method, about 28 may get pregnant.
Different studies show different rates of effectiveness.

Some Risks

Irritation
Allergic reactions
Urinary tract infection
If you are also using a medicine for a vaginal yeast infection, the spermicide might not work as well.

Does it protect me from sexually transmitted infections (STIs)? No.

Source: FDA Consumer Health Information

Additional Materials (1)

Spermicide in Suppository Form

Superior view of spermicide in suppository form. Spermicide is a female chemical and mechanical contraceptive that is inserted into the vagina that blocks entry into the uterus as well as killing sperm. There are many different kinds of spermicide, including foam, cream, film, jelly, and suppositories. Spermicides are available without a prescription. When used correctly, they have a failure rate of 20 - 50%. Spermicides offer minimal protection against STDs.

Image by TheVisualMD

Spermicide in Suppository Form

TheVisualMD

Related HealthJournals

Emergency Contraception

Emergency contraception can help prevent pregnancy in women who had sex without using birth control, whose birth control method failed, and who were sexually assaulted. Emergency contraceptives prevent pregnancy by stopping release of the egg from the ovary and by blocking sperm's access to the egg. Read more about emergency contraception.

Contraception

Contraception, or birth control, is the use of medicines, devices, or surgery to prevent pregnancy. There are many different types. Some are reversible, while others are permanent. Some types can also help prevent sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Read about the different options, and their risks and benefits.

Teen Sexual Health

Sexual development is a normal part of the teen years. Your teens needs your help in understanding their feelings, peer pressure, and how to say no if they do not want to have sex. If your teens start having sex, they need to know how to prevent pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases. Learn ways parents can help their teen avoid sexual risk behaviors.

Hormonal Methods of Birth Control

Contraceptive methods that utilize HORMONAL CONTRACEPTIVE AGENTS.

Tubal Ligation

Tubal ligation, sometimes called "tying the tubes", is done to prevent pregnancy. It can be done using laparoscopic surgery. The surgeon seals off each fallopian tube. This keeps sperm from being able to reach and fertilize an egg. Learn more about this permanent form of birth control.

Reproductive Health and the Workplace

Some jobs can affect your reproductive health, fertility, and ability to have healthy children. Reproductive hazards affect both men and women. Learn more about reproductive risks in the workplace that both women and men face.

Vasectomy

Vasectomy is a surgery that is a permanent form of birth control in men. The surgery usually takes no more than 30 minutes and it involves cutting the tubes that carry sperm from the testicles. Read about how it's done and its effectiveness in preventing pregnancy.

Sexual Abstinence

Sexual abstinence is the choice not to have sex, including vaginal, oral, and anal. This method is 100% effective in preventing pregnancy and infection as long as all sexual contact is avoided. At any point in your life you may decide not to have sex. Learn what abstinence means.

Breastfeeding as Birth Control

Breastfeeding suppresses a woman's fertility in the early months after delivery. The Lactational Amenorrhea Method (LAM) is a type of birth control which allows women to safely rely on breastfeeding as a family planning method.

Male Condom

A male condom is a thin sheath that covers the penis to collect sperm and prevent it from entering the woman's body. They can also help protect against sexually transmitted diseases. Male condoms are generally made of latex or polyurethane, but a natural alternative is lambskin (made from the intestinal membrane of lambs). Get the facts on male condoms.

Female Condom

The female condom is a thin, soft, loose-fitting pouch (or sheath) with a flexible soft ring on each end. One end of the female condom fits inside of the vagina to keep it in place, and the other stays outside of the vagina. Learn more about female condoms and how to use it the right way.

Fertility Awareness as Birth Control

Fertility awareness-based methods for birth control, sometimes known as natural family planning or the rhythm method, are a way of finding out the days you are most likely to get pregnant and then not having sex on those days. It means paying close attention to your menstrual cycle to track when your body releases an egg. Learn how it works.

Men's Reproductive Health

Reproductive health is an important component of men's overall health and well-being. Learn how you can protect your reproductive health by ensuring effective contraception, avoiding sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), and preserving fertility.

Contraceptive Diaphragm and Cervical Cap

Diaphragm and cervical caps are silicone cups that are used with a special gel or cream called spermicide (a substance that kills sperm). It is used by women of child-bearing age who desire a barrier device to prevent or postpone pregnancy.

Unplanned Pregnancy

Unplanned pregnancy is common. About 1 in 2 pregnancies in America are unplanned. Ideally, a woman who is surprised by an unplanned pregnancy is in good preconception health and is ready and able to care for a new child. But this sometimes isn't the case. Know your options.

Intrauterine Contraceptive Device

An intrauterine device, or IUD, is a small T-shaped type of birth control. It is placed in the uterus to prevent pregnancy. There are two types of IUDs: copper IUDs (Paragard) and hormonal IUDs (Mirena, Kyleena, Liletta, and Skyla).

Share and discuss

Share your story, discuss an issue or get
advice from the community

Create conversation

Sign up here for full access to StoryMD

Get free access to in-depth articles and track your personal health.

Create Free Account Sign In

Share with others

Send this HealthJournal to your friends or across your social medias.

Contraceptive Sponge

A contraceptive sponge is a soft, disposable, spermicide-filled foam sponge that is inserted into the woman's vagina before intercourse. The sponge should be left in place for at least 6 hours after intercourse and then removed within 30 hours after intercourse.

Copy Link