The irritation is likely from the spermicide—and since there’s no way to separate the two, you’re probably out of luck.
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The sponge is a round piece of white plastic foam with a little dimple on one side and a nylon loop across the top that looks like shoelace material. It’s pretty small—just two inches across—and you insert it way up in your vagina before you have sex. The sponge works in two ways: It blocks your cervix to keep sperm from getting into your uterus, and it continuously releases spermicide. Think of it like a bouncer at the nightclub door to your uterus.
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You wouldn’t mind getting pregnant
The “typical use” failure rate for the sponge can range from 14-27%, which is pretty high. So if getting pregnant would be disastrous for you, think about another method.
You’re comfortable with your body
If you’re not okay with putting your fingers inside yourself, the sponge probably isn’t for you. It’s a lot like putting in a tampon, though: If you can do that, you can probably manage the sponge.
It takes discipline
You’ve got to remember to insert the sponge each and every time you have sex, so it takes a bit of self-discipline and planning. But at least you can carry it with you if you want.
Wanna go again?
Once the sponge is in, you can have sex as many times as you want within a 24-hour period. Just remember to leave it in for at least 6 hours after the last time you have sex and don’t leave it in for more than 30 hours total.
Allergy issues
If you’re allergic to sulfa drugs, polyurethane, or spermicide, you shouldn’t use the sponge.
The pregnancy question
You’ll be able to get pregnant as soon as you stop using the sponge. So protect yourself with another method right away.
Don’t take our word for it. Check out the videos above to hear people talk about their experiences with the sponge.
The Sponge may seem pricier than most methods, but there’s a catch: three sponges come in one pack, and one sponge can last you up to 24 hours (no matter how many times you do it).
Payment assistance: Check with the your local family planning clinics and find out if they offer free or low cost birth control (most do).
In-Store Vendors
- CVS: $5.50 - $6.50
- Target: $4.90 - $5.40
- Walgreens: $5.00 - $6.10
- Walmart: $3.50 - $3.80
Note: These ranges are averaged from a survey of select vendors as of June 2016. Prices may change over time.
Online Vendors
- Amazon.com: $3.50 - $4.40
- CVS.com: $6.10
- Target.com: $5.00 - $5.40
- Walmart.com: $3.70 - $4.00
Note: These prices are averaged—including taxes and standard shipping costs—from a survey of select online vendors as of June 2016. Prices may change over time.
Here’s the handy thing about the sponge—you can insert it up to 24 hours before you get busy. So there’s no need to fumble in the dark right before the big moment. But it does take a bit of practice getting it in, so follow these instructions.
How to put it in
- Wash your hands with soap and water.
- Wet the sponge with at least two tablespoons of water before you put it in.
- Give the sponge a gentle squeeze. (That’ll activate the spermicide.)
- With the dimple side facing up, fold the sponge in half upward, so that it winds up looking like a pouty little mouth.
- Slide the sponge as far into your vagina as your fingers will reach.
- The sponge will unfold on its own and cover your cervix when you let go.
- Slide your finger around the edge of the sponge to make sure it’s in place. You should be able to feel the nylon loop on the bottom of the sponge.
- You should only insert the sponge once (no repeat uses), but when it’s in, you can have sex as many times as you want.
- Badda-bing, you’re good to go.
How to take it out
- Wait at least six hours after sex to remove the sponge.
- Wash your hands with soap and water.
- Put a finger inside your vagina and feel for the loop.
- Once you’ve got the loop, pull the sponge out slowly and gently.
- Throw the sponge away in the trash. Don’t flush it!
There are positive and negative things to say about each and every method. And everyone’s different—so what you experience may not be the same as what your friend experiences.
The Positive
The Negative
- You can put the sponge in up to 24 hours in advance
- You can have sex as many times as you like while it’s in
- Neither you nor your partner should be able to feel the sponge
- Doesn’t affect your hormones
- No prescription necessary
- Can be used while breastfeeding
- Some women have a hard time inserting it
- Can cause vaginal irritation
- May make sex messier, or even dryer
- Some women are allergic to sulfa drugs, polyurethane, or spermicide and shouldn’t use the sponge
- Hard to remember to use if you’re drunk
Also, failure rates vary wildly with the sponge. It all depends on whether or not you’ve had a kid. For women who haven’t given birth, the failure rate is 9% for perfect use, and 16% for real world use. For women who’ve already had kids, the failure rate is way higher—20% for perfect use and 32% for real world use.
We’re here to get this method working better for you. And if it still doesn’t feel right, we’ve got ideas for other methods. Just remember: If you change methods, make sure you’re protected while you switch.
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...The sponge is irritating me.
Still not working?
Think about trying a method that doesn’t require any spermicide.
If you want to keep using a barrier method, consider using male condoms or female condoms.
You might also consider using a method you don’t have to think about each time you have sex, like an IUD, the shot, the implant, the ring, the patch, or the pill.
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...The sponge keeps falling out.
Try this: Check to see if you’ve got the sponge inserted deep enough, up against your cervix. (That’s the number one reason for it falling out.)
Still not working?
If you’re still having trouble, and you’re committed to using a barrier method, you may want to switch to male condoms, female condoms or a diaphragm.
Or, if you’d like to try something you won’t have to insert or use every time you have sex, check out the IUD, the shot, the implant, the patch, or the pill.
Including 10 legitimate non-hormonal BC methods
They’re hormone-free, prevent sperm from meeting egg, and work best if you use ‘em right.
A few clicks and presto...birth control shipped right to your door.
Your questions answered
Crib? Check. Lamaze classes? Check. Postpartum birth control plan? Make sure that’s on your checklist too.
quick facts /
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No hormones, no prescription, and can be inserted up to 24 hours before sex.
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The sponge isn’t the most effective method—especially if you’ve already had a kid.
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Usually no side effects, but you could experience some irritation.
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Have to put it in every time you have sex (but could be done hours ahead of time).
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Available online and in stores.
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From $0—$15 for 3 sponges. Read more about the possible range in costs.
SPONGE
Among women who have never given birth /
Perfect use: 80-91% effective
Of those who use the sponge exactly as directed, between 9 and 20 in 100 will experience an accidental pregnancy during the first year of using this method.
Typical use: 88% effective
Of those who do not use the sponge exactly as directed, about 14 to 27 in 100 will experience an accidental pregnancy during the first year of using this method.
Among women who have given birth /
Perfect use: 80% effective
Of those women who use the sponge exactly as directed, about 20 in 100 will experience an accidental pregnancy during the first year of using this method.
Typical use: 76% effective
Of those women who do not use the sponge exactly as directed, about 24 in 100 will experience an accidental pregnancy during the first year of using this method.