Barrier Method Cervical Cap

Q: What happens if I accidentally swallow some spermicide?

Most spermicides have an unpleasant taste but will not usually harm you or make you feel ill, however it is advisable to avoid swallowing excessive amounts. If you are concerned about feeling ill following swallowing some spermicide, you should seek the advice of a healthcare provider.

Q: How does a spermicide work?

You cannot see any change in the patch, or feel it working, but it is continuously releasing the hormones estrogen and progestin into the bloodstream. You just need to ensure you change the patch each week for three weeks, and remember to start the next cycle of patches after the fourth patch free week.

Q: Can the cervical cap be used during menstruation?

No, the cervical cap cannot be used during menstruation, as it would impede the natural flow of menstrual bleeding. To be protected against unintended pregancies during that period in time, you must use another contraceptive method, such as condoms, until your menstruation is finished.

Q: How is a cervical cap fitted?

The cervical cap comes in different size, ranging from 22 to 26 mm. A pelvic examination by your doctor or healthcare provider will determine which size you need based on your obstetrical history e.g. women who never have been pregnant will use a smaller size than women who have had delivered a baby. Smaller or larger sizes are then inserted until the correct fit is achieved. It should fit snugly into the upper half of the vagina. The woman should practice insertion under supervision and placement should be inspected to ensure that the fitting ring is correctly positioned in the vagina. The cervical cap may require resizing following a full-term pregnancy, pelvic surgery, or abortion, or if there is a major change in weight. It is recommended that the cervical cap gets replaced every year or even sooner if it shows any signs of deterioration.

Q: Can a cervical cap get lost or stuck inside my body?

There is no reason for the cervical cap to get lost or stuck inside your body. It will be specifically fitted by a healthcare provider to ensure it fits and can be used effectively by you. The cervical cap should also be checked frequently by a healthcare provider to make sure it still fits properly.

CERVICAL CAP
WHEN and HOW?

You must put the cap in the vagina before you have sex and this might feel a little tricky at first but practice, as always, makes you more familiar with the process. The cervical cap has an efficacy of 84% with typical use.

How to use the cervical cap?

First wash your hands, grab the cap and spermicide. Start by filling the cap’s dome with spermicide and spreading some around the edges too, then flip it over and do the same on the other side.
Now, putting it in place starts just like you’re putting in a tampon, squeeze the cap together, push it inside you and push up until it’s sitting snugly over your cervix and then you’re ready.
Don’t forget to make sure you can feel the handle, you’ll be needing that.
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, then find the handle and use it to pull gently out.

The cap should not be used alone though, to keep yourself properly protected the cap should always be used with spermicides.

The cervical cap comes in different size, ranging from 22 to 26 mm. A pelvic examination by your doctor or healthcare provider will determine which size you need based on your obstetrical history. Get more information here

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Pros / Cons

CERVICAL CAP PROS:

It can be used on demand
They are easily carried with you
It isn’t affected by other medications
It can be used when breastfeeding
Hormone free
Low cost

CERVICAL CAP CONS:

It can interfere with sexual spontaneity
Using it can take practice
It requires keeping track of the hours inserted
Not always suitable for women who have given birth
Requires initial fitting by healthcare provider
Effectiveness increases when used in combination with spermicides
Low efficacy even when used as directed
The cap may cause irritation or allergic reactions
If you keep it in place longer than 48 hours, there is a risk of toxic shock syndrome. Toxic shock is a rare but serious infection
Does not protect against HIV infection (AIDS) and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs)