TODAY SPONGE

A small round sponge that’s filled with spermicide and used for birth control. You wet it with tap water and squeeze it until suds come out, then it’s placed in the vagina over the cervix. Can be inserted several hours before intercourse, must remain in a woman’s vagina for at least six hours after a man ejaculates, and can be left in place for up to 24 hours. Has a 27% typical use failure during the first year.