SpermicidevsSponge

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	Spermicide A chemical gel, foam, or film inserted into the vagina before sex to disable sperm, available over the counter.	Sponge A soft foam disc placed deep in the vagina before sex. It covers the cervix and contains spermicide.
Efficacy	79% 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	$1–$3 /per unit Insurance: Varies	$15–$20 /per package Insurance: No
Duration	Single use (effective for 1 hour; duration varies by formulation, check product label)	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	A chemical (usually nonoxynol-9) immobilizes or kills sperm on contact. Inserted into the vagina before sex.	A polyurethane 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	OTC Over-the-counter	OTC No prescription / OTC
Side effects	Vaginal or penile irritation Increased risk of UTI Allergic reaction (rare)	Vaginal irritation or dryness Increased risk of urinary tract infection Rare allergic reaction
Who shouldn't use this	Sensitivity to nonoxynol-9 Active vaginal irritation or infection High risk of HIV exposure (frequent use may increase transmission risk)	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)

Key differences

Spermicide duration: Single use (effective for 1 hour; duration varies by formulation, check product label). Sponge duration: Single use (can be left in place up to 24 hours and for multiple acts of sex). Spermicide: costs $1–$3 per unit. Sponge: costs $15–$20 per package.