What is it?
The sponge is a soft, disposable, polyurethane foam device soaked with spermicide. You can buy a sponge at a pharmacy and insert it yourself without having a pelvic exam by a health-care professional.
How does it work?
The sponge fits over the cervix to trap and absorb sperm, which are then impaired by the spermicide in the sponge.
Does it prevent sexually transmitted infections?
Remember that most birth control or contraceptive methods will not protect a person from sexually transmitted infections (STIs). To reduce the risk of STIs, including HIV, use a condom with another method of contraception. This is referred to as dual protection.
To be effective, birth control must be used correctly and consistently. If you want to prevent pregnancy, choose a method that you and your partner will use every time you have intercourse.
Talk to your health-care provider or visit a sexual health clinic to find out what might work best for you and your partner.
