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How to Insert the Today Sponge

By , About.com Guide

Updated June 24, 2009

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Slide Up the Sponge
How to Insert the Today Sponge

Slide the Sponge Up

Photo Used with permission from Mayer Laboratories, Inc
Finally, you can use one or two fingers to gently push the sponge up into your vagina, as far as it will go. While doing this step, be extra careful not to push a fingernail through the sponge.

Then, check the position of the contraceptive sponge by sliding your finger around its edge to make sure that your cervix is not exposed. You should also be able to feel the string loop.

You will know that the Today Sponge is in the proper position if you have determined that your cervix is not exposed by sliding your finger around the edge of the sponge. If, for any reason, the sponge has come out of position, you can simply slide it back in place.

It is also unlikely that birth control sponge will fall out. It may be pushed down to the opening of the vagina (or perhaps fall out) during a bowel movement or other form of internal straining. If you think that this has happened, you can simply reinsert your finger into your vagina and gently push the sponge back. However, if the sponge happens to fall into the toilet (during a bowel movement), you must throw it away (in a garbage can – don’t keep it in the toilet), moisten a new sponge and insert it immediately.

You must also leave the sponge in place for at least 6 hours after your last act of intercourse, so don’t remove it before allowing the 6 hours to pass.

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