The sponge is a type of birth control device used to prevent pregnancy.
The sponge birth control device is a one-sized, disposable piece of polyurethane foam that's put in the vagina to cover the opening of the uterus (cervix).
The sponge is filled with nonoxynol-9, which is a chemical that kills sperm (spermicide).
A sponge is called a barrier method because it keeps the sperm and eggs apart.
The sponge also contains a spermicide, which kills the sperm or stops the sperm from moving.
You insert the sponge into your vagina. After you insert the sponge, you have protection for up to 24 hours.
If sponges are not used correctly, the risk of pregnancy is 20 to 25 for every 100 women each year.
Using sponges along with male condoms will reduce the chance of pregnancy even more.
Even by using a sponge alone, you are still much less likely to become pregnant than if you did not use any birth control at all.
The IUD is close to 100 percent effective.
Progestin containing IUDs and the arm implant are the most effective contraceptive
You should know: Side effects are different for the different IUDs.
Copper IUDs may cause more painful and heavy periods in some women.