Contraceptive sponge - meaning and definition
Alsobirth control spongethe spongeToday spongesponge contraceptive
Not yet reviewed by a clinician. This health entry was written from the public-health sources listed below and is general information only. It is not medical advice.
Definition
A contraceptive sponge is a small, soft foam disc containing spermicide that is placed deep in the vagina before sex.
At a glance
- The sponge is a soft foam disc containing spermicide.
- It covers the cervix and can be inserted up to a day before sex.
- It must stay in for at least six hours afterwards and is used only once.
- It is less effective for people who have given birth than for those who have not.
- It does not protect against infections and is not sold in every country.
In detail
The sponge covers the cervix and releases spermicide. It can be inserted up to a day before sex, must stay in for at least six hours afterwards and is used only once.
It is one of the less effective methods. Figures from Planned Parenthood suggest about 88% effectiveness with typical use for people who have never given birth and around 76% for those who have. It does not protect against infections, and it is not sold in every country.
In a sentence
- She asked the pharmacist whether the contraceptive sponge was available here.
- The leaflet ranked the contraceptive sponge among the less effective methods.
Common questions
How effective is the contraceptive sponge?
It is one of the less effective methods. Planned Parenthood figures suggest about 88% effectiveness with typical use for people who have never given birth and around 76% for those who have.
Can the sponge be reused?
No. Each sponge is used once, left in for at least six hours after sex and then thrown away.