Today Sponge, introduced in 1983, became the largest-selling over-the-counter (OTC) female contraceptive in the United States. It provides women with what they most often look for in a contraceptive: effectiveness, safety, convenience, and sexual spontaneity. Made of a soft, disposable polyurethane foam that feels like natural vaginal tissue, Today Sponge contains the widely used spermicide nonoxynol-9. After it is moistened with water and inserted into the vagina, Today Sponge becomes effective immediately and protects against pregnancy for the next 24 hours without the need to add spermicidal cream or jelly - even with repeated acts of intercourse.