Description

The sponge is a soft, round piece of foam, impregnated with spermicide, which creates a barrier in front of the cervix. To facilitate easy removal the sponge has foam handles around it. The contraceptive sponge works by absorbing and trapping sperm (like a sponge), killing the sperm with spermicide, and creating a barrier in front of the cervix so sperm cannot get to the uterus.

Effectiveness

When used alone its effectiveness is, on average, 82.5%.

Directions

Read and follow the instructions that come with the sponge if you are unsure. Also, you can consult a physician or nurse about any form of contraceptive device and how to properly use it. Here is a general description of use: Put the sponge in up to 6 hours before you have sex. You can have sex as many times as you want within 12 hours of the first time without requiring to change the sponge. Leave the sponge in for 6-8 hours after you last had sex, to properly kill all of the sperm.

Do not use the sponge when you have your period.

Drawbacks

The sponge can increase your risk of Toxic Shock Syndrome if you use it during your period or have an irregular PAP test. If you are having sex a lot the sponge can be a very expensive form of birth control. Some women find it hard to put it in or take it out. You cannot use it if you or your partner(s) are allergic to spermicides or the actual sponge material itself.

It provides no protection against STDs.