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Definition
The cervical cap is a contraceptive device that prevents sperm from entering the uterus. The cervical cap is a reusable, deep cup that fits tightly over the cervix. Before sex, the cervical cap is inserted into the vagina. The cervical cap is held in place by suction and has a strap to help with removal.
Only one cervical cap — FemCap — has Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval in the U.S. FemCap is made of silicone rubber. It must be fitted and prescribed by a doctor.
The cervical cap is effective at preventing pregnancy only when used with spermicide, which blocks or kills sperm. The cervical cap doesn't offer protection from sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Some women find the cervical cap difficult to insert.
Why it's done
When used with spermicide, the cervical cap helps prevent pregnancy. Among various benefits, the cervical cap:
- Can be used as a backup method of birth control
- Can be inserted hours before sex
- Doesn't require a partner's cooperation or an erect penis
- Doesn't pose a risk of side effects
The cervical cap isn't appropriate for everyone, however. Your health care provider may discourage use of the cervical cap if you:
- Have an allergy to spermicide or silicone
- Are experiencing vaginal bleeding or you have an infection in your vagina, cervix or pelvic area
- Have vaginal abnormalities that interfere with the fit, placement or retention of the cervical cap
- Have a history of pelvic inflammatory disease, toxic shock syndrome, cervical cancer, third-degree uterine prolapse, uterine tract infections, or vaginal or cervical tissue tears
- Are at high risk of pregnancy — you're younger than age 30, you have sex three or more times a week, you've had previous contraceptive failure with vaginal barrier methods or you're not likely to consistently use the cervical cap
- Recently gave birth or had a miscarriage or an abortion
- Recently had cervical surgery
- Are at high risk of contracting HIV or you have HIV or AIDS
Risks
It's possible to become pregnant when using a cervical cap, especially if:
- You don't use spermicide
- The cervical cap becomes dislodged from the cervix during sex
- You remove the cervical cap less than six hours after having sex
The cervical cap doesn't offer protection from sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
Spermicide applied to the cervical cap may damage the cells lining the vagina, causing:
- Vaginal irritation
- Urinary tract or vaginal infection
- An increased risk of contracting STIs
An estimated 14 out of 100 women who've never been pregnant or given birth vaginally and use the cervical cap for one year will get pregnant. An estimated 29 out of 100 women who've given birth vaginally and use the cervical cap for one year will get pregnant. This decrease in effectiveness is due to changes in the shape of the cervix after childbirth, making it more difficult for the cap to fit properly. The failure rate of the currently available second-generation model of FemCap may be lower, however.
Contact your health care provider if:
- The cervical cap slips out of place when you walk, sneeze, cough or strain
- You notice a foul odor when the cervical cap is in place or after you remove it
- You notice blood on the cervical cap after you remove it that isn't related to your period
- You or your partner experience pain during or following use of the cervical cap
- Your partner has abrasions on his penis following use of the cervical cap during sex
- You have signs or symptoms of toxic shock syndrome, such as sudden high fever, diarrhea, dizziness, vomiting, fainting or a rash that looks like sunburn
How you prepare
The cervical cap comes in different sizes. Your health care provider will fit you for the cervical cap and demonstrate how to insert and remove the cap. He or she may confirm that the cervical cap is in the correct position by doing a pelvic exam.
Make sure you regularly check your cervical cap for wear, holes or discoloration and replace your cervical cap each year. You may need to have your cervical cap refitted after childbirth or weight gain or loss. Always use the cervical cap with spermicidal cream, foam or gel. Don't wear the cervical cap during any kind of vaginal bleeding, including your period.
Use a backup method of contraception, such as a male condom or oral contraceptives, when you first use the cervical cap.
What you can expect
To use a cervical cap:
- Apply spermicide. Fill the cervical cap's bowl with 1/4 teaspoon (1.25 milliliters) of spermicide. Spread a thin layer of spermicide on the brim of the cervical cap that faces the cervix. Place 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 milliliters) of spermicide in the groove between the rim and the dome of the cervical cap. Don't use oil-based lubricants.
- Insert the cervical cap. Insert the cervical cap into your vagina before sexual arousal to ensure proper placement. Find a comfortable position, such as squatting. Separate your labia with one hand. With the other hand, hold the cervical cap with the bowl facing upward and squeeze the rim of the cervical cap between your thumb and index finger. Slide the cervical cap into your vagina — making sure the taller brim of the cervical cap enters your vagina first. Push the cervical cap along the rear wall of your vagina as far as it will go. Use your finger to locate your cervix and press the rim of the cervical cap around the cervix until you've completely covered it.
- Always check the cervical cap's position before sex. Squat, bear down, insert your finger into your vagina and press upward on the dome to make sure your cervix is covered. Sweep your finger around the cap rim to make sure you can't feel your cervix outside the cervical cap. Don't allow the cervical cap to become dislodged from the cervix.
- Gently remove the cervical cap. After sex, leave the cervical cap in place for at least six hours and up to two days. To remove the cervical cap, squat, bear down and rotate the cap. Relax your muscles and push up on the dome of the cervical cap to break the seal. Grasp the removal strap and gently pull. Be careful not to scratch your vagina. After removal, wash the cervical cap with mild soap and warm water and let it air dry. Store the cervical cap in its provided container.
Last Updated: 2010-01-23
