Sex?— A Healthy Sexuality Resource - Government of Nova Scotia

Preventing PregnancySPONGEThe sponge is made of soft polyurethane foam.It is about 5 cm (2 inches) across and containsspermicide. You insert the sponge into the vaginabefore sex. The sponge blocks the sperm, and thespermicide kills them.ProsYou can insert the sponge in advance. The sponge willwork for 12 hours and must be left in place for 6 hours afterintercourse. This means that you can insert the sponge up to6 hours before you have sex.You can have sex more than once after inserting asponge, but the sponge must stay in for 6 hours after the lasttime you have sex.ConsSome people are allergic to the spermicide in thesponge. If you or your partner notice any burning, itching,or swelling after using the sponge, try another method ofbirth control.A sponge can become dislodged during sex. Read thepackage directions carefully so you’ll know how to put itin correctly and how to check to be sure it stays in place.A sponge will not protect you from STIs. Your partnershould still use a condom.82