1. Remove the sponge from the airtight inner pouch and hold it in one hand with the “dimple” side up. The loop should dangle under the sponge. Wet the sponge thoroughly with clear tap water to activate the spermicide.
2. Squeeze the sponge gently several times until it becomes very sudsy; be sure you do not squeeze the sponge dry because the sponge should remain sudsy for insertion.
3. Fold the sides of the sponge upward with a finger along each side to support it. The sponge should look long and narrow. Be sure the string loop dangles underneath the sponge from one end of the fold to the other.
4. Bend your wrist and point the end of the folded sponge toward your vagina; be sure that you can see the fold when you look down at it and that the string loop dangles below.
5. Find a comfortable position — stand with one foot on a stool or a chair, or sit cross-legged or lie down; a semi squatting position works best for most women. From a standing position, squat down slightly and spread your legs apart. Use your free hand to spread apart the lips of the vagina. Slide the sponge into the opening of the vagina as far as your fingers will go. Let the sponge slide through your fingers deeper into the vagina. Now use two fingers to push the sponge gently up into your vagina as far as it will go. Be careful not to push a fingernail through the sponge.
6. Check the position of the sponge by sliding your finger around the edge of the sponge to make sure your cervix is not exposed. You should be able to feel the string loop.
7. After having sex, it is necessary to wait six hours before removing the sponge.
