HEALTH SERVICES

The sponge

What is it?
It is inserted deep into the vagina before intercourse. The sponge is made of solid polyurethane foam and contains spermicide. It is soft, round, and about two inches in diameter. It has a nylon loop attached to the bottom for removal.

The sponge is first moistened with water and then inserted into the vagina before intercourse. It covers the cervix and blocks sperm from entering the uterus. It also continuously releases a spermicide that immobilizes sperm, preventing it from joining an egg.

How effective is it?
68-91%

Upside

• Easy to buy in drugstores, supermarkets, etc.

• Does not interrupt sex play — can be inserted hours ahead of time and can be worn for up to 30 hours after insertion. During that time, intercourse may be repeated without additional preparation during the first 24 hours.

• Generally cannot be felt by either partner

• Can be used during breast-feeding

Downside

• It may be difficult for some women to insert or remove the sponge. If the sponge cannot be removed, or if it breaks into pieces and you cannot remove all of them, see your clinician immediately to have it removed.

• Some women may notice vaginal irritation while using the sponge.

• Does not protect against sexually transmitted infections

• Use of the spermicide nonoxynol-9 many times a day by people at risk for HIV, or for anal sex, may irritate tissue and increase the risk of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections.