2021 Guide to the Birth Control Sponge: Is It Effective?

Finding the right type of birth control is a lot like finding the right kind of shoe; you’re going to have to go through many until you find the one. Despite hormonal contraception being the most popular choice, there are many other options out there, one being the birth control sponge. 

This article details how the sponge works, whether or not it’s effective, and if it could be the right choice for you. 

Key Takeaways

• The vaginal sponge is a non-hormonal method of contraception.
• It prevents pregnancy 77-83% of the time.
• The sponge is available over the counter from planned parenthood clinics, pharmacies, and drug stores.
• You can use it to block sperm from the uterus for 24 hours without removing it. 
• It does not protect against STDs.

What Is the Birth Control Sponge?

The contraceptive sponge is a non-hormonal birth control method. It acts as a barrier in the form of a disk-shaped polyurethane foam sponge inserted into the vagina. The sponge works to prevent pregnancy by blocking the path of sperm to the uterus.

How Effective Is the Birth Control Sponge?

Physical barrier methods, like all contraceptive technology, are not 100% effective. Hormonal forms of contraception tend to prevent pregnancy more effectively [1]. 

Typically, the sponge is 77-83% effective, although this depends on whether or not a woman has gone through vaginal childbirth [2]. 

Giving birth to a child vaginally stretches the cervix and vagina, making the sponge far less effective [3].

A birth control sponge is more effective when used by a woman who hasn’t been pregnant before, though the contraceptive pill is still more successful

Vaginal Sponge and Spermicides

The contraceptive sponge contains a spermicide known as nonoxynol-9 that is gradually released over 24 hours and kills sperm before it reaches the egg [4]. 

Despite the spermicide inside, the sponge remains a relatively unreliable form of contraception and prevents pregnancy more effectively when combined with other birth control methods like the male condom.

Birth Control Sponge Advantages and Disadvantages

Below are the main pros and cons of the birth control sponge. 

Advantages

• Non-hormonal method of birth control: Avoids side effects of hormonal methods, such as weight gain, breakthrough bleeding, and nausea [5]
• It does not require a doctor’s prescription
• You only have to use it during sexual intercourse
• Safe to use while breastfeeding
• Won’t interfere with your menstrual cycle

Disadvantages

• It does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)
• You cannot use it during your period
• Not reusable

How Do I Use the Sponge?

You must insert the contraceptive sponge into the vagina prior to sex. The sponge covers your cervix and blocks the path into your uterus, held in place by your vaginal muscles. It is essential to insert the sponge according to instructions. If you use the sponge incorrectly, it will dramatically reduce its effectiveness.

How Do I Insert the Sponge?

Before inserting the sponge, remove it from its packaging and wet it with about two tablespoons of clean water to activate the spermicide. 

To insert the sponge, position yourself with your legs slightly apart. Fold the sides of the sponge upward, and slide it folded side up, string side down, as far up into your vagina as it will go. Then, release it so that the edges unfold and cover your cervix.

When Can I Put the Sponge In?

It is essential to insert the contraceptive sponge before intercourse, even if it requires you to interrupt sex or foreplay to do so.

How Long Do I Leave the Sponge In?

To ensure maximum effectiveness, you must leave the sponge in for at least six hours after sex. However, you must remove it within 24-30 hours after insertion as leaving it in longer causes an increased risk of toxic shock syndrome.

How Do I Take the Sponge Out?

Most contraceptive sponges have a string attached to them to enable easy removal. Once you’re ready to remove the sponge, gently pull the string, or if you can’t find it, draw on the sponge itself. 

Bear down and try gently removing the sponge. If it is still held in place by your vaginal muscles, wait a while to allow them to relax and try again. 

Discard the used sponge after you’ve removed it.

Birth Control Sponge Side Effects

As with all contraceptive methods, there are possible side effects, including:

• Allergic reaction: The spermicide released by the sponge can cause itching, sores, or a rash inside the vagina or on your partner’s penis [6].
• Higher risk of toxic shock syndrome, causing fever, vomiting, diarrhea, and rashes, when misused [7]
• Vaginal dryness or irritation [8]

FAQ

We’re answering the most frequently asked questions about the birth control sponge below.

Is the Sponge Birth Control Still Available?

Yes, the contraceptive sponge is still available. However, the only brand currently on the market is the Today sponge, which is available over the counter at pharmacies, drug stores, family planning clinics, and planned parenthood centers. 

If you’re not sure how to get birth control, our article can help you find the best way for you.

Is the Birth Control Sponge Safe?

The contraceptive sponge is a safe barrier method when used according to its instructions. However, using it incorrectly could result in a greater chance of becoming pregnant or developing toxic shock syndrome.

Why Was the Birth Control Sponge Discontinued?

The vaginal sponge was mainly discontinued due to the development of the diaphragm, which was significantly more effective [9].  

The Today contraceptive sponge was temporarily taken off the market in 1994 due to bacterial contamination in the factories where it was manufactured. At the time, the company found the upgrades necessary for it to meet FDA approval would not be financially viable. 

The company was eventually taken over, and later the new, FDA-approved contraceptive sponge and spermicide barrier returned to the market and planned parenthood centers.

Can a Man Feel the Sponge?

No, you shouldn’t worry that your sex partner may feel the sponge. The material it is made of is soft and mimics the feel of the vaginal wall.

If you are unsure about using the sponge, there are various other methods of contraception, including birth control for men.

Conclusion

The birth control sponge is a non-hormonal form of contraception that you can use to prevent pregnancy for up to 24 hours. Despite it not being as effective as the diaphragm or cervical cap, using it combined with other forms of birth control prevents pregnancy up to 99% of the time. 

If you’re looking for an easy-to-use, barrier contraception method, the vaginal sponge could be the right choice for you.

References:

1. K;, Mansour D;Inki P;Gemzell-Danielsson. “Efficacy of Contraceptive Methods: A Review of the Literature.” The European Journal of Contraception & Reproductive Health Care : the Official Journal of the European Society of Contraception, U.S. National Library of Medicine, pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20136566/.
2. Commissioner, Office of the. “Birth Control.” U.S. Food and Drug Administration, FDA, www.fda.gov/consumers/free-publications-women/birth-control#BarrierMethods. 
3. B;, Trussell J;Strickler J;Vaughan. “Contraceptive Efficacy of the Diaphragm, the Sponge and the Cervical Cap.” Family Planning Perspectives, U.S. National Library of Medicine, pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8354373/.
4. E;, Harrison C;Chantler. “The Effect of Nonoxynol-9 and Chlorhexidine on HIV and Sperm in Vitro.” International Journal of STD & AIDS, U.S. National Library of Medicine, pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9506374/.
5. K;, Dawson. “Side Effects of Oral Contraceptives.” The Nurse Practitioner, U.S. National Library of Medicine, pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/503375/#:~:text=Some%20of%20the%20side%20effects,cancer%3B%20and%2C%20hepatic%20effects.
6. van Ulsen J;Stolz E;van Joost T;Geursen-Reitsma AM; “Allergy to Spermicidal Lubricant in a Contraceptive.” Contact Dermatitis, U.S. National Library of Medicine, pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/3652700/.
7. ; “Toxic-Shock Syndrome and the Vaginal Contraceptive Sponge.” MMWR. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, U.S. National Library of Medicine, pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/6318070/.
8. SM;, Beckman LJ;Murray J;Harvey. “The Contraceptive Sponge: Factors in Initiation and Discontinuation of Use.” Contraception, U.S. National Library of Medicine, pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/2582772/.
9. B;, Trussell J;Strickler J;Vaughan. “Contraceptive Efficacy of the Diaphragm, the Sponge and the Cervical Cap.” Family Planning Perspectives, U.S. National Library of Medicine, pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8354373/.