The contraceptive sponge

The contraceptive sponge

The contraceptive sponge is a small, soft sponge made of plastic foam that is inserted into the vagina before sex in order to prevent pregnancy.

It contains spermicide, which is a substance that helps prevent pregnancy by stopping the man’s sperm from moving about and swimming towards your uterus, where it can fertilise an egg.

You can’t reuse the same sponge. But, once it’s in, you can use one sponge for a total of up to 24 hours. Just make sure you leave it in for at least 6 hours after the last time you have sex. 

You mustn't keep a sponge inside your vagina for more than 30 hours at a time.

Last reviewed: 12/12/2019 by Dr Clair Grainger