Sponge: Costs, How To Use

Here’s the handy thing about the sponge—you can insert it up to 24 hours before you get busy. So there’s no need to fumble in the dark right before the big moment. But it does take a bit of practice getting it in, so follow these instructions.

How to put it in

1. Wash your hands with soap and water.
2. Wet the sponge with at least two tablespoons of water before you put it in.
3. Give the sponge a gentle squeeze. (That’ll activate the spermicide.)
4. With the dimple side facing up, fold the sponge in half upward, so that it winds up looking like a pouty little mouth.
5. Slide the sponge as far into your vagina as your fingers will reach.
6. The sponge will unfold on its own and cover your cervix when you let go.
7. Slide your finger around the edge of the sponge to make sure it’s in place. You should be able to feel the nylon loop on the bottom of the sponge.
8. You should only insert the sponge once (no repeat uses), but when it’s in, you can have sex as many times as you want.
9. Badda-bing, you’re good to go.

How to take it out

1. Wait at least six hours after sex to remove the sponge.
2. Wash your hands with soap and water.
3. Put a finger inside your vagina and feel for the loop.
4. Once you’ve got the loop, pull the sponge out slowly and gently.
5. Throw the sponge away in the trash. Don’t flush it!