Birth Control Options: The Cervical Cap

WHAT IS A CERVICAL CAP?

The cervical cap is a thimble-shape latex rubber device. The woman puts a spermicide (which kills sperm) in the cap and then places it up into her vagina and onto her cervix (the opening of the womb). Suction keeps the cap in place so sperm cannot enter the uterus or womb. Caps come in four sizes. Among typical couples who use a cervical cap before having a child, about 20% will experience an accidental pregnancy in the first year. If the cervical cap is used consistently and correctly, about 9% will become pregnant. More pregnancies happen if the cervical cap is started after a woman has had a child. Complete information about this contraceptive is available from your clinician or from the package insert accompanying your cervical cap.

WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES?

• The cervical cap is small and easy to carry. It can be placed in the vagina up to 6 hours before intercourse and should remain at least 6 hours after the last ejaculation and no longer than 48 hours.
• It can remain in place for multiple acts of intercourse for up to 48 hours.
• It does not matter how many times you have sex as long as you leave it in at least 6-8 hours after the last time you have sex.
• Your partner doesn’t have to know you are using it.
• The cervical cap permits less messy sex during menstruation.
• In the process of learning how to use the cervical cap, a woman learns a lot about her own anatomy!
• It holds back menstrual blood during intercourse. This is not generally recommended because of the risk of toxic shock syndrome.

WHAT ARE THE DISADVANTAGES?

• You must be fitted for a cervical cap by a clinician.
• You should wash your hands with soap and water before putting your cap in.
• Inserting the cap may interrupt sex.
• Using the cap increases your risk for inflammation of the surface of the cervix.
• Some women do not like placing fingers or a foreign body into the vagina.
• It is difficult for some women to insert a cervical cap properly.
• If left in too long, the cap increases slightly your risk for a very serious infection called toxic shock syndrome. Don’t leave your cervical cap in for more than 48 hours.
• The cap might not be placed onto the cervix properly or it may slip out of place during sex.
• A new fitting may be necessary after having a baby, an abortion, miscarriage, or gaining 15 pounds.
• Latex (rubber) may cause irritation or a woman may be allergic to it.
• Odor may develop if the cervical cap is left in place too long, if not appropriately cleansed, or if used during bacterial vaginosis infection.
• Relatively high failure rate.
• Severe obesity may make it difficult for the patient to place cap correctly.

WHERE DO I GET CERVICAL CAP?

Some clinicians, health departments, and family planning clinics will fit you for a cervical cap.

WHAT IF I HAVE SEX AND DON’T USE BIRTH CONTROL?

Did you know that for 72 hours after sex, you can take emergency contraceptive pills to avoid becoming pregnant? AND for 5 to 7 days after sex, you can have an IUD put in, so you won’t become pregnant? Not all clinicians know about this. If you want more information or would like the phone numbers of clinicians near you that prescribe emergency birth control, call the toll-free number: (1-888) NOT-2-LATE or (1-800) 584-9911. Some of these sources of help are free. PLAN B is the emergency contraceptive pill that causes the least nausea, the least vomiting, and has the lowest failure rate.

The Pill | The Mini-Pill | Birth Control Shot | Abstinence  | Cervical Cap

Breastfeeding | Vasectomy | Female/Male Condom Choices

Contraceptive Film (VCF) | Natural Family Planning  |  IUD's

Emergency Contraceptive Pills (ECP) | Vaginal Spermicides

Tubal Sterilization | The Ring | The Patch

Wyoming Health Council

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