FDA ApprovedBarrier MethodNot sold in the US

Sponge

A soft foam disc with spermicide that covers the cervix. FDA records list the US contraceptive sponge as discontinued.

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Last verified Updated Sources

Sponge (Barrier Method)

Method facts

Sponge
Effectiveness
Least effective
How long it lasts
Single use (protects for 24 hours, including repeated sex; remove within 30 hours)
Reversibility
Reversible
STI protection
No
How you get it
Not Available in the USPrescription: Not required
Cost
Contact providerInsurance coverage: Varies
Status
FDA Approved

How well it works

Least effective

Effectiveness varies by parity. Typical-use failure is about 14% per year for nulliparous users (86% effective) and about 27% for parous users (73% effective); perfect-use failure is about 9% (91% effective) for nulliparous users and 20% (80% effective) for parous users. Because parity matters, no single percentage captures the range.

Research source: Guttmacher Institute contraceptive effectiveness table (Trussell / Contraceptive Technology 21st ed.)

The details

What the evidence says

How well it works, what to watch for, who should avoid it, and the studies behind it.

How it works in the body

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

Side effects

  • Vaginal irritation (burning, itching, or rash)
  • Increased risk of urinary tract infection
  • Allergic reaction
  • Toxic shock syndrome risk (rare)

Who shouldn't use this

Talk to a clinician first if any of these apply

  • Allergy to nonoxynol-9 or sulfitesIrritation or allergy to spermicide chemicals such as nonoxynol-9
  • History of toxic shock syndromeHaving had toxic shock syndrome, a serious and potentially life-threatening illness caused by a bacterial toxin. It has been reported with contraceptive sponge and diaphragm use.
  • High risk of HIV exposure, or HIV in you or a partner (frequent nonoxynol-9 use can irritate the vagina)Repeated, high-dose use of the spermicide nonoxynol-9 is linked to genital lesions, which might increase the risk of HIV infection

Clinical guidelines

Cost and insurance

No current US price. FDA records list the US contraceptive sponge as discontinued.

Insurance coverageVaries

What to know about Sponge

What it is

The contraceptive sponge is a soft foam disc that is placed deep inside the vagina before sex. It contains spermicide and has a loop for removal. It works as a physical barrier over the cervix and releases spermicide to kill sperm.

How well it works

Effectiveness depends heavily on whether you have given birth vaginally. Typical-use failure is roughly 14% per year for people who have never given birth vaginally and about 27% for those who have. With perfect use, failure is lower, but the sponge is still one of the less effective methods.

How to use it

You wet the sponge with clean water until it is sudsy, then insert it deep into the vagina so it covers the cervix. Protection starts right away and lasts for 24 hours, even with repeated sex. You must leave it in place for at least 6 hours after the last act of sex, and you should not leave it in longer than 30 hours. Then pull it out by the loop.

Side effects and cautions

Vaginal irritation (burning, itching, or a rash) can occur. The US sponge contained nonoxynol-9. Frequent use of nonoxynol-9 spermicide can irritate vaginal tissue, which may increase the risk of HIV transmission if exposed. The CDC assigns nonoxynol-9 spermicide a higher risk category for people at high risk of HIV infection. Toxic shock syndrome has been reported with sponge use, so the label says not to use it during a period or if you have ever had toxic shock syndrome.

Where to get it

The contraceptive sponge is not currently sold in the US. The FDA drug database lists the US sponge (NDA 018683) as discontinued, and its DailyMed label shows its product code as inactivated. When it was sold, it was available over the counter without a prescription.

Frequently asked questions

Sources (5)
  1. Research source: Guttmacher Institute contraceptive effectiveness table (Trussell / Contraceptive Technology 21st ed.)
  2. Clinical guideline: CDC U.S. MEC barrier methods
  3. Research source: DailyMed — nonoxynol-9 vaginal contraceptive sponge label (NDC inactivated)
  4. Research source: Drugs@FDA — NDA 018683 (nonoxynol-9 vaginal sponge), marketing status
  5. Research source: CDC — Contraception, birth control methods (sponge)

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