The Today Sponge (which is often just called “the sponge”) is a hormone-free birth control method that does not require a prescription. The sponge acts like a barrier to prevent sperm from swimming into a girl’s cervix and the spermicide on the sponge kills sperm. It is a soft, white sponge with a small indentation on both sides.

The sponge is pre-soaked in spermicide, which is activated by water. It has a string attached so it can be removed easily. To use the sponge, a girl runs it under a light stream of water, then squishes it between her fingers until it gets sudsy. She then folds it in half and inserts it deep into the vagina until it rests against the cervix.

The sponge can be inserted into the vagina for 24 hours and must be left in place for at least six hours after intercourse. If it is not, sperm can still enter her cervix and fertilize an egg if one is present.

According to the manufacturer, the Today Sponge is effective between 89 and 91 percent of the time, if used perfectly. With typical or real-world use (meaning with occasional error), it is 84 to 87 percent effective. This means that the Sponge isn’t as effective as condoms (real-world effectiveness is 85 percent) or the Pill (real-world effectiveness is 92 percent). But if a couple uses a condom plus the sponge, they would be able to protect themselves from sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and unplanned pregnancy at a very high effectiveness rate. Like all birth control methods, the sponge has pros and cons:

Pros:

• Easy to use.
• Doesn’t require a doctor’s visit or prescription.
• Available in stores.
• Provides an option for couples who don’t want to use hormonal contraception.
• Used only when a girl actually has vaginal intercourse.

Cons:

• Not as effective as hormonal contraception (the Pill, Patch or Shot).
• Provides no protection from STDs,.
• Can be expensive if needed regularly (each sponge costs about three dollars).
• May be uncomfortable or difficult to use if she doesn’t like to touch her own vulva and vagina.

To get more detailed information about the sponge, check out the official Web site .

For information on other birth control methods, check out our FAQs or the story “An A to Z of Contraception.”