4 Ways to Use Contraceptive Sponges for Birth Control

1. Use the Sponge as Birth Control

The sponge is a small foam device that fits over your cervix to block sperm from entering. Sponges also contain a spermicide to kill any sperm that tries to get through to the cervix. If you've never had children, the sponge is about 84 percent effective at stopping pregnancy. If you've had children, the effectiveness is slightly less. The sponge isn't effective at preventing STDs or HIV infection.

2. Insert the Sponge

Your sponge can stay in place for up 24 hours. You can insert it a few hours before sex or just before you're about to engage in sexual activity. However, it shouldn't stay in place for longer than 24 hours. To insert a sponge, moisten it with a few teaspoons of water. Squeeze it, fold it and insert it into the vagina. To insert it comfortably, you may need to squat or raise your foot onto a toilet or chair. The dimpled side of the sponge should face your cervix and the loop should face away. Make sure you don't poke your fingernail through it. It must completely cover the cervix, so feel to make sure it's in place. If you're not sure how to do that or what your cervix feels like, have your care provider show you.

3. Leave the Device Inside

Since sperm can remain viable in the body for at least a few hours, you'll have to leave the sponge in place for 6 hours after sex. You can continue to have sex for the next 24 hours without taking the sponge out. Since the sponge is soft, you and your sexual partner shouldn't feel the sponge during sex. If you can feel it, you probably didn't insert it correctly.

4. Evaluate the Risks With the Sponge

The biggest risk with using the sponge is pregnancy. It has a failure rate of about 16 percent. It also doesn't protect against STDs. While allergic reactions to the spermicide are rare, they do occur. If you notice any burning, itching, redness or a rash in the vaginal area after inserting a sponge, take it out and contact your care provider. There's also a slight risk of Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS). Symptoms of TSS include dizziness, diarrhea, rash, vomiting or a sudden, high fever.