We include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission. A birth control sponge is a nonhormonal birth control method that a person inserts into their vagina. While a birth control sponge can protect against pregnancy, it cannot prevent the transmission of sexually transmitted infections STIs. The birth control sponge may not be suitable for people who have vaginal infections, a history of toxic shock syndrome TSS , or an allergy to spermicides and polyurethane.
At the time of publishing, there is only one brand of birth control sponge, the Today Sponge, available to buy in the United States. This article explores what the birth control sponge is, where to buy it, and how it compares to other contraceptive methods. The birth control sponge is a nonhormonal birth control method.
It is round, is made from polyurethane foam, and contains spermicide. A person inserts it into their vagina before sexual activity to prevent pregnancy. They can use the attached fabric loop to take out the sponge after sex. Learn more about nonhormonal birth control. The birth control sponge is suitable for most people who do not want to use hormonal birth control.
However, unlike other barrier birth control methods, such as internal and external condoms , the birth control sponge does not protect against STIs. People may consider using a condom in addition to the sponge to prevent pregnancy and STIs. Additionally, people may prefer to use a different form of contraception if they :.
People should discuss any relevant medical history with a healthcare professional before using a birth control sponge. Additionally, people should not use the sponge when they are menstruating or experiencing vaginal bleeding. Doing so can increase the risk of TSS. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists ACOG states that barrier birth control, such as condoms, spermicide, and sponges, is not as effective as hormonal contraception.
Also, the birth control sponge does not protect against the transmission of STIs. A person will have to use a condom to protect against any STIs. Every year, up to 28 out of females will become pregnant while using barrier birth control. A person can use the sponge alongside condoms to increase protection against unintended pregnancy and the transmission of STIs. If any method of barrier birth control becomes misplaced during sexual activity, people may wish to consider using emergency contraception.
Additionally, Planned Parenthood states that the birth control sponge is more effective for those who have never given birth. A person can keep the birth control sponge in their vagina for up to 30 hours. They can insert the sponge up to 24 hours before having sex and must leave the sponge in for 6 hours after sex. To remove the sponge, a person should squat or place one leg on a raised surface, hold onto the fabric loop, and gently pull it out.
If a person finds it difficult to reach the sponge, they can bear down with their vaginal muscles while reaching for it. The birth control sponge is not reusable. We continue to be out-of-stock and out of production. We are unable to advise when or if this situation will change. We are deeply sorry for all the inconvenience this causes you and the thousands of women that have come to rely on Today Sponge as their birth control method of choice.
Answer for New Users. The Today Sponge is a safe, hormone-free birth control alternative for couples that provides 24hr protection. Today Sponge provides effective birth control without "pill" side effects. It is a proven contraceptive with over million sponges sold and is available over-the-counter at major retailers and online.
Vaginal Health: 3 things you need to know. Contraceptive sponge placement Before sex, you put some water on the contraceptive sponge, gently squeeze it to activate its spermicide, and then insert it into the vagina.
Share on: Facebook Twitter. Show references Birth control. Food and Drug Administration. Accessed March 4, FAQs: Barrier methods of birth control: Spermicide, condom, sponge, diaphragm and cervical cap. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.
Accessed March 3, Bartz DA. Pericoital contraception: Diaphragm, cervical cap, spermicides, and sponge. Hatcher RA, et al. Vaginal barriers and spermicides. In: Contraceptive Technology. Ayer Company Publishers; Today vaginal contraceptive sponge prescribing information. Mayer Laboratories Inc. Related Contraceptive sponge Contraceptive sponge placement.
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