Birth Control Method
Barrier
Description
Slightly smaller than a diaphragm, the cervical cap is a small, soft rubber cap that fits snugly over a woman's cervix, providing a physical barrier to semen trying to enter the uterus, and killing sperm before they can enter the uterus and fertilize an egg.
How It Works
Fill the cap with spermicidal jelly, foam or cream and then insert into your vagina, placing it over your cervix, which is the opening of your uterus or womb. Suction keeps the cap in place, blocking sperm from entering the uterus; the spermicide kills live sperm and prevents them from fertilizing an egg if they should happen to make it past the cap barrier.
You can have intercourse multiple times while wearing the cervical cap -- you don't need to reapply spermicide, but you should check to make sure the cap is still in place. The cap is effective for up to 48 hours, and must be left in place for at least six hours after intercourse.
Should You Use It?
Women who have intercourse infrequently, or whose fertility is low because of age, will find the cervical cap a good choice for contraception. Couples who have intercourse frequently (more than three times weekly) may find the cervical cap less effective than those who have sex sporadically, mostly due to inconsistent and incorrect use. The cervical cap is also very effective for women who have not had children, but higher failure rates apply for women who wait to begin using the cap until after they have given birth.
Effectiveness
With consistent and correct use, the cap is 91% effective; however, most couples will find the cap to be, on average, 75% effective at preventing pregnancy.
STI Protection
Barrier methods may provide considerable protection from sexually transmitted infections (STIs) such as gonorrhea, chlamydia and certain pre-cancerous conditions of the cervix; however the cap does not prevent the transmission of many other STIs, including herpes, HPV or HIV. Women who experience irritation and/or an allergic reaction to spermicides may be at increased risk for STIs, if exposed.
Advantages
- Small and portable.
- Can be inserted up to an hour before sex.
- Effective for 48 hours.
- Wearer can have intercourse an unlimited number of times with each wearing.
- Confidential -- your partner doesn't have to know you're using it.
- Teaches women more about their anatomy.
- Reliable form of contraception when used correctly and consistently.
- Caps can usually be used for up to a year before they need to be replaced.
Disadvantages
- Must be fitted by a clinician.
- Some women cannot be fitted for a cervical cap or cannot easily reach their cervix.
- Can be difficult to insert properly and can slip out of place during intercourse.
- May increase the risk for allergic reaction to latex or rubber, urinary tract infection, vaginal infection or inflammation of the cervix. Women who frequently use spermicides may experience disruption in the vaginal skin, increasing the risk of STIs and abnormal pap results.
- There is a risk of toxic shock syndrome, a rare but serious infection, if the cervical cap is kept in place longer than recommended.
- Must be left in for at least six to eight hours after intercourse, but no longer than 48 hours.
- Cannot be used with oils, lubricants or gels unless the product packaging specifically states it is safe to use with latex or rubber.
- A new fitting may be necessary after pregnancy, miscarriage, abortion or weight gain of over 15 pounds.
Where to Buy It
A clinician must fit you for a cervical cap; most health departments, family-planning clinics and gynecologists can help you. During your appointment, make sure you fully understand how to insert and remove the cap. If you have any questions, don't be afraid to ask! Once your doctor has fitted you, you can buy the cap and spermicide at most clinics, drugstores or pharmacies.
Follow Up
Because cervical caps can cause certain types of infections or inflammations in the vaginal area, you'll want to have a Pap test taken within a few months after you begin using this method, just to make sure you're still in good health. After each use, wash the cap thoroughly with hot water and mild soap, or as directed by your physician. Each time you use the cap, check it for cracks or tears and replace it if it shows any signs of deterioration. Have your cap's fit rechecked annually and after a pregnancy.
Email a Friend
