What Is It?
A cervical cap is a small, thimble-shaped cup made of silicone,
latex, or rubber that fits over the cervix (the part of the uterus
that opens into the upper part of the vagina). It is considered one
of the barrier methods of birth control because it provides a
physical barrier between a male's sperm and a female's
egg.
How Does a Cervical Cap Work?
The cervical cap keeps sperm from entering the uterus by
covering the cervix. For added protection,
spermicide
is put into the cap before inserting the cap snugly over the
cervix.
The cap is inserted before having sex and can be left in place
for up to 48 hours. Once in place, spermicide should be added every
time a couple has sex. After sex, the cap must be left in place for
at least 6 hours.
Follow the manufacturer's instructions for removing the cap.
Removing a cervical cap involves placing a finger in the vagina to
pull the cap out. Because the cap has to be placed properly, women
who use one should be comfortable feeling for their cervix deep
inside the vagina.
After each time it is used, the cap must be washed, rinsed, and
dried, then stored in its case. It should not be dusted with baby
powder and should never be used with oil-based lubricants such as
mineral oil, petroleum jelly, or baby oil. These substances can
cause the material in the cap to become brittle and crack. Other
vaginal creams, such as medicines for yeast infection, also can
damage the cap.
How Well Does It Work?
Over the course of 1 year, 16 to 20 out of 100 typical couples
who rely on the cervical cap to prevent pregnancy will have an
accidental pregnancy. For women who have had a baby, the cervical
cap is less effective: 32 out of 100 typical couples who use the
cervical cap after the woman has had a baby will have an accidental
pregnancy. Of course, these are average figures and the chance of
getting pregnant depends on whether you use this method of birth
control correctly and every time you have sex.
In general, how well each type of birth control method works
depends on a lot of things. These include whether a person has any
health conditions or is taking any medications that might interfere
with its use. It also depends on whether the method chosen is
convenient - and whether the person remembers to use it correctly
every
time.
Protection Against STIs
The cervical cap does not protect against
sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
. Couples having sex must always use
condoms
along with the cervical cap to protect against STIs.
Abstinence (not having sex) is the only method that always
prevents pregnancy and STIs.
Possible Side Effects
Most females who use the cervical cap have no problems. The few
side effects some women do have include:
- Spermicides may irritate the vagina and surrounding
skin.
- Strong odors or vaginal discharge may appear if the cervical
cap is left in too long.
- The material in the cervical cap may cause an allergic
reaction (this is rare).
-
Toxic shock syndrome (TSS)
is a rare complication.
- The cap may lead to changes in the cervix because of
irritation.
Who Uses It?
The cervical cap is not usually recommended for most young women
since it can be very difficult to insert correctly. Inserting a
cervical cap involves reaching all the way to the cervix with your
fingers. It can sometimes also be knocked out of place during
intercourse, which can result in pregnancy. The cervical cap cannot
be used when a girl has her period.
A
diaphragm
works like the cervical cap, but many girls find the diaphragm
easier to use.
How Do You Get It?
A doctor must fit a girl for a cervical cap. During a pelvic
exam, the doctor will measure a girl's vagina and then
determine which size cap is right for her. The doctor or nurse will
then teach her how to insert and remove the cap.
How Much Does It Cost?
A cervical cap costs about $70 and should be replaced every
year. In addition, there is also the cost of the doctor's visit
and a fitting fee. Many health insurance plans cover these costs,
and family planning clinics (such as Planned Parenthood) charge
much less. In addition, the cost of spermicide is about $0.50 to
$1.50 per use.
Reviewed by:
Larissa Hirsch, MD
Date reviewed: April 2008
Note: All information is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice,
diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor.
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