Internal Condom
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
Internal Condom

Internal Condom

A soft pouch worn inside the vagina that blocks sperm and protects against STIs, available over the counter.
Sponge

Sponge

A soft foam disc placed deep in the vagina before sex. It covers the cervix and contains spermicide.
Efficacy79% typical use

Least effective: under 90 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$2–$4 /per unit

Insurance: Varies

$15–$20 /per package

Insurance: No

DurationSingle useSingle use (can be left in place up to 24 hours and for multiple acts of sex)
ReversibilityReversibleReversible
STI ProtectionYesNo
How it works

A soft, loose-fitting nitrile pouch lines the vagina and collects semen. The inner ring anchors it at the cervix and the outer ring stays outside the vaginal opening.

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.

PrescriptionOTC No prescription / OTCOTC No prescription / OTC
Available Products1 product1 product
Side effects
  • Mild irritation or discomfort
  • Noise during use if not positioned correctly
  • Slippage with incorrect insertion
  • Vaginal irritation or dryness
  • Increased risk of urinary tract infection
  • Rare allergic reaction
Who shouldn't use this
  • Sensitivity to nitrile (rare)
  • 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)