Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Effectiveness
Product Comparisons
Timing
Removal
Availability
Alternatives
Abirth controlsponge is a nonhormonal contraception containingspermicide. The sponge-like product is inserted into the vagina to cover thecervix. It’s more effective at protecting against pregnancy in some people than others.
Birth control sponges are typically available at most drugstores without a prescription, but the only brand sold in the United States (Today Sponge) has been out of stock for some time.
This article discusses the birth control sponge’s effectiveness, potential side effects, and instructions for use.
Robert Gauthier/ Getty Images
Today Birth Control Sponge: How Effective Is It?
The birth control sponge is a type of barrier method contraceptive, which includes other forms of birth control likecondomsand cervical cups. Barrier method contraceptives are less effective at preventingpregnancythan hormonal contraception, such as birth control pills or theDepo-Provera shot.
Using the sponge will still make it much less likely that you’ll become pregnant than if you didn’t use any contraceptive at all.
Here’s how the birth control sponge stacks up with efficacy:
To increase the effectiveness of the sponge, experts encourage following the manufacturer’s instructions closely. Because the sponge doesn’t protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs), condoms are highly recommended as added protection. A male condom and a sponge will help protect against pregnancy even more.
After Previous Pregnancy
The birth control sponge is not as effective in people who have been pregnant before. Pregnancy alters the shape and size of the cervix, which affects how well the sponge can cover that area. The sponge is one-size-fits-all, not a custom fit.
Data show that for people who have experienced aprevious pregnancy, the sponge is roughly 80% effective in protecting against pregnancy if used correctly every time.
If you want to use the birth control sponge after pregnancy, experts recommend waiting about six weeks after giving birth. At this time, theuterusandcervixwill have typically returned to their normal sizes.
The Sponge Compared to Other Types of Birth Control
There are many types of effective birth control options. It’s a personal decision that requires weighing the pros and cons andchoosing an optionthat works best for you.
The benefits of the birth control sponge include:
Keep these facts in mind regarding the birth control sponge:
The birth control sponge isn’t the right option for everyone. It’s not recommended if you:
Birth Control Sponge Timing: Before and After Sex
There are some important timing considerations when it comes to using the sponge. You can insert the birth control sponge immediately before sex or 24 hours before intercourse.You do have to wait at least six hours after having sex to remove it, though. And never leave the sponge in for more than 30 hours.
How to Put the Birth Control Sponge In
From there, insertion steps include:
How to Pull Birth Control Sponge Out
To remove the sponge, wash your hands first. Reach into the vagina, grab onto the loop, and slowly pull. You can grab onto the sponge’s edge if you can’t find the loop. It may make it easier to bear down with your vaginal muscles, like you’re going to the bathroom, when reaching for the loop.
Some removal tips to remember:
Where to Find the Birth Control Sponge
The birth control sponge, branded as the Today Sponge, hit shelves in 1983. It was voluntarily removed in 1995 after the manufacturer chose to stop production rather than make federally regulated changes to their manufacturing equipment. It became available again in 1998 after a new manufacturer bought the production patents.
The Today Sponge is the only brand of birth control sponge made available in the United States, but it’s out of stock. It was once available at drugstores and online retail sites. Now, however, the manufacturer’s website doesn’t provide an expected return date for the product.
Birth Control Sponge Alternatives
The birth control sponge acts as a barrier to keep sperm from reaching the egg. There are a couple of other barrier methods available as an alternative to the sponge, including:
Summary
The birth control sponge is a soft, round sponge that contains spermicide and protects against pregnancy. It’s placed over the cervix to block sperm from entering. The sponge is a nonhormonal form of birth control that’s more effective in people who haven’t been previously pregnant. It doesn’t protect against STIs.
Typically, the sponge can be purchased at drugstores without a prescription, but the only brand available in the United States (Today Sponge) has been out of stock until further notice.
9 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.MedlinePlus.Birth control and family planning.American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.Barrier methods of birth control: Spermicide, condom, sponge, diaphragm, and cervical cap.MedlinePlus.Vaginal sponge and spermicides.American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.Effectiveness of birth control methods.Planned Parenthood.What is the effectiveness of the birth control sponge?.American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.Postpartum birth control.Planned Parenthood.How safe is the sponge?.National Institutes of Health.TODAY® vaginal contraceptive pponge.Planned Parenthood.How do I use the sponge?.
9 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.MedlinePlus.Birth control and family planning.American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.Barrier methods of birth control: Spermicide, condom, sponge, diaphragm, and cervical cap.MedlinePlus.Vaginal sponge and spermicides.American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.Effectiveness of birth control methods.Planned Parenthood.What is the effectiveness of the birth control sponge?.American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.Postpartum birth control.Planned Parenthood.How safe is the sponge?.National Institutes of Health.TODAY® vaginal contraceptive pponge.Planned Parenthood.How do I use the sponge?.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
MedlinePlus.Birth control and family planning.American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.Barrier methods of birth control: Spermicide, condom, sponge, diaphragm, and cervical cap.MedlinePlus.Vaginal sponge and spermicides.American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.Effectiveness of birth control methods.Planned Parenthood.What is the effectiveness of the birth control sponge?.American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.Postpartum birth control.Planned Parenthood.How safe is the sponge?.National Institutes of Health.TODAY® vaginal contraceptive pponge.Planned Parenthood.How do I use the sponge?.
MedlinePlus.Birth control and family planning.
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.Barrier methods of birth control: Spermicide, condom, sponge, diaphragm, and cervical cap.
MedlinePlus.Vaginal sponge and spermicides.
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.Effectiveness of birth control methods.
Planned Parenthood.What is the effectiveness of the birth control sponge?.
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.Postpartum birth control.
Planned Parenthood.How safe is the sponge?.
National Institutes of Health.TODAY® vaginal contraceptive pponge.
Planned Parenthood.How do I use the sponge?.
Meet Our Medical Expert Board
Share Feedback
Was this page helpful?Thanks for your feedback!What is your feedback?OtherHelpfulReport an ErrorSubmit
Was this page helpful?
Thanks for your feedback!
What is your feedback?OtherHelpfulReport an ErrorSubmit
What is your feedback?
