Copper IUD
vs
Sponge

A side-by-side comparison of two birth control methods — efficacy, cost, how they work, and who shouldn't use them.

Side-by-side comparison

Method
Copper IUD

Copper IUD

A small copper device placed in the uterus that works for up to 10 years and is over 99% effective.
Sponge

Sponge

A soft foam disc placed deep in the vagina before sex. It covers the cervix and contains spermicide.
Efficacy99.2% typical use

Most effective: over 99 out of 100 people successfully prevent pregnancy per year.

Least effective see details

Least effective: under 90 out of 100 people successfully prevent pregnancy per year.

Cost$0–$1,424

Insurance: Usually

$15–$20 /per package

Insurance: No

DurationUp to 10 yearsSingle use (can be left in place up to 24 hours and for multiple acts of sex)
ReversibilityReversibleReversible
STI ProtectionNoNo
How it works

Releases copper ions into the uterus that make the environment toxic to sperm and may prevent implantation if fertilization occurs.

A foam disc impregnated with spermicide is placed over the cervix before sex. The spermicide kills or disables sperm and the physical barrier blocks sperm from entering the uterus.

PrescriptionRequired Prescription requiredOTC No prescription / OTC
Available Products5 products1 product
Side effects
  • Heavier or longer periods (especially first few months)
  • Increased cramping
  • Spotting between periods
  • Small risk of uterine perforation at insertion
  • Vaginal irritation or dryness
  • Increased risk of urinary tract infection
  • Rare allergic reaction
Who shouldn't use this
  • Active pelvic infection or PID (FDA label Category 4)
  • Uterine anomaly preventing insertion (FDA label Category 4)
  • Wilson's disease (copper metabolism disorder) (FDA label Category 4)
  • Known copper allergy (FDA label Category 4)
  • Current pregnancy (FDA label Category 4)
  • Allergy to nonoxynol-9, benzalkonium chloride, or other spermicide ingredients
  • History of toxic shock syndrome
  • Active vaginal infection
  • Inability to insert or remove reliably
  • High risk of HIV exposure (frequent nonoxynol-9 use may increase vaginal irritation; CDC cautions)