Pill
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 |  PillNo non-hormonal birth control pill is FDA-approved in the US. Ormeloxifene (centchroman) is approved and used in India. |  SpongeA soft foam disc placed deep in the vagina before sex. It covers the cervix and contains spermicide. |
|---|---|---|
| Efficacy | Limited evidence see details Limited evidence: no verifiable efficacy data available. | Least effective see details Least effective: under 90 out of 100 people successfully prevent pregnancy per year. |
| Cost | Contact provider Insurance: Varies | $15–$20 /per package Insurance: No |
| Duration | Weekly pill (ongoing) | Single use (can be left in place up to 24 hours and for multiple acts of sex) |
| Reversibility | Reversible | Reversible |
| STI Protection | No | No |
| How it works | Ormeloxifene (centchroman) is a selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM) that prevents pregnancy by inhibiting implantation of a fertilized egg in the endometrium. It does not suppress ovulation and does not contain estrogen or progestin. It is not FDA-approved in the US. | 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. |
| Prescription | Required Prescription required | OTC No prescription / OTC |
| Available Products | 1 product | 1 product |
| Side effects |
|
|
| Who shouldn't use this |
|
|