What is it?

A contraceptive sponge is a disposable foam device that you insert into the vagina. You do not need to see a health-care provider for insertion, as you can insert the Sponge by yourself. The Sponge is available at pharmacies without a prescription.

How does it work?

• The Sponge fits over the cervix and creates a barrier to prevent sperm from entering.
• It contains spermicide, which can damage or destroy sperm.
• Once inserted, the Sponge begins working immediately.
• It should remain in the vagina for six hours after sex but no longer than 30 hours.
• Use the Sponge every time you have sex.

Is it effective?

The Sponge is among the least effective forms of birth control.

• The Sponge is approximately 86% effective in preventing pregnancy for people who have not given birth.
  • This means that 14 out of 100 sponge users who have not given birth will get pregnant in a year.
• It is 78 % effective in people who have given birth.
  • This means that 22 out of 100 sponge users who have given birth will get pregnant within a year.
• For more information, check out this infographic from Sex & U.

For a birth control method that provides the greatest protection against pregnancy, check out the IUD page.

Talk to your health-care provider or visit a sexual health clinic to find out what might work best for you.

Does it prevent sexually transmitted infections?

• The Sponge does not protect against sexually transmitted and blood-borne infections (STBBIs).
• To protect against pregnancy and STBBIs, use dual protection. This means using a condom and/or oral dam (dental dam) with another form of birth control each time you have sex.
• Talk to a health-care provider about birth control and STBBI prevention.

Services related to this information:

• Contact Planned Parenthood — NL Sexual Health Centre at 1-877 NO MYTHS (666-9847) or 709-579-1009
• Contact your Public Health Nurse.
• 811 HealthLine (Newfoundland & Labrador) – Call 811 or 1-888-709-2929 / TTY 1-888-709-3555
• Medicuro Virtual Health Clinic
  • Virtual health care offered by health-care providers in Newfoundland & Labrador.

Eastern-Urban:

• Contact the Sexual Health Clinic at sexualhealthclinic@easternhealth.ca.
• Contact the community walk-in clinic (Mundy Pond) at 709-777-1706.