HowUKnow - Cervical Cap

REGIMEN

Less than 48 hours

EFFICACY TYPICAL USE

Like the diaphragm, the cervical cap works like a plug. Made of soft latex or silicone with a round rim, it is pushed up into the vagina until it covers the cervix so no sperm can enter the uterus. The cap is smaller than the diaphragm and only covers the cervix. It requires an initial fitting by your healthcare provider. The cervical cap should not be used alone; to keep yourself properly protected the cap should always be paired with a spermicide.

How To

With clean hands, start by filling the cap’s dome with spermicide. You will need to coat the cap’s edges and flipside as well. Now, squeeze the cap together, insert it into your vagina and push up until it’s sitting comfortably over your cervix. Make sure you can feel the handle as you will need it to remove the cap. You must leave the cap in place for at least 6 hours after having sex and you may leave the cap in for up to 48 hours. To remove the cap, squat down and press the dome to break the suction. Locate the handle and use it to gently pull it out.

Reference: http://www.fpa.org.uk/contraception-help/your-guide-contraception/

Reference: https://www.your-life.com/">https://www.your-life.com/
Accessed on September 6, 2016

PROS

Can be used on demand
They are easily carried with you
Not affected by other medications
Can be used when breastfeeding
Hormone-free

CONS

Can interfere with sexual spontaneity
Using it may take practice
Requires keeping track of the hours inserted
Not always suitable for women who have given birth
Requires initial fitting by healthcare provider
Needs to be paired with spermicides for its full efficacy rate
Low efficacy even when used as directed
May cause irritation or allergic reactions
If kept in place longer than 48 hours, there is a risk of toxic shock syndrome (TSS). TSS is a rare but serious infection
Does not protect against HIV infection (AIDS) and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs)