Go to Content Go to Navigation Go to Navigation Go to Site Search Homepage

What is the sponge?

The birth control sponge (aka the contraceptive sponge or “the sponge” for short), is a small, round sponge made from soft, squishy plastic. You put it deep inside your vagina before sex. The sponge covers your cervix and contains spermicide to help prevent pregnancy. Each sponge has a fabric loop attached to it to make it easier to take out.

The only brand of sponge sold in the U.S. is the Today Sponge.

How does the sponge work?

The sponge prevents pregnancy two ways: It fits snugly against your cervix, blocking the entrance to your uterus so sperm can’t get to your egg. The sponge also contains spermicide, which slows sperm down so it can’t reach your egg.

The sponge can be used by itself, or with condoms. Using the sponge plus a condom gives you extra protection from pregnancy (bonus: condoms prevent the spread of STDs, too).

Was this page helpful?
You’re the best! Thanks for your feedback.
Thanks for your feedback.

Sponge

  • 78 or 86% effective

  • Costs up to $15 for 3

  • No prescription required

  • Put it in before sex

The sponge doesn’t protect you from STDs. Use a condom with your sponge to help stop pregnancy and STDs.
See All Methods

Track Your Period With Our Spot On App

Download

We and our third partners use cookies and other tools to collect, store, monitor, and analyze information about your interaction with our site to improve performance, analyze your use of our sites and assist in our marketing efforts. You may opt out of the use of these cookies and other tools at any time by visiting Cookie Settings. By clicking “Allow All Cookies” you consent to our collection and use of such data, and our Terms of Use. For more information, see our Privacy Notice.

Cookie Settings

We, and our third-party partners, use cookies, pixels, and other tracking technologies to collect, store, monitor, and process certain information about you when you access and use our services, read our emails, or otherwise engage with us. The information collected might relate to you, your preferences, or your device. We use that information to make the site work, analyze performance and traffic on our website, to provide a more personalized web experience, and assist in our marketing efforts. We also share information with our social media, advertising, and analytics partners. You can change your default settings according to your preference. You cannot opt-out of required cookies when utilizing our site; this includes necessary cookies that help our site to function (such as remembering your cookie preference settings). For more information, please see our Privacy Notice.

Marketing

On

We use online advertising to promote our mission and help constituents find our services. Marketing pixels help us measure the success of our campaigns.

User Feedback and Session Replay

On

We use qualitative data from LogRocket, UserZoom, Hotjar and AB Tasty to learn about your user experience and improve our products and services. LogRocket allows us to view session replays.