What is a cervical cap?

The cervical cap is a birth control device for women. It is made of rigid latex rubber and is shaped like a small cup. It is designed to fit tightly over the cervix. (The cervix is the opening of the uterus.) The cap is smaller and more rigid than a diaphragm.

Before having sex, you fill the cap one-third full with a sperm-destroying jelly or cream (spermicide) and then place the cap over the cervix. The cap blocks sperm from entering the uterus and the spermicide destroys sperm, thus preventing pregnancy.

The cervical cap is available in several sizes. It is often used by women who cannot use a diaphragm.

It is important to have a well-fitted cap and to use it correctly. You need an appointment with your health care provider for a determination of the correct size for you. Your provider will also show you how to insert and remove the cervical cap.

How is it used?

Insert the cap no more than 24 hours before sexual intercourse. Each time before you use it, hold the cap up to a light and look closely for any tears, holes, or weak spots in the cap. (If you find any flaws, do not use the cap.) Fill the cap one-third full with spermicidal jelly or cream and push it up into the vagina so that it covers the cervix. Do not remove the cap for at least 6 to 8 hours after having intercourse.

The cap can be worn for up to 48 hours. During this time you can have sex more than once without removing the cap. If you are going to have sex again, you may want to put more spermicide in your vagina and make sure the cap is still properly in place. Do not leave the cap on the cervix longer than 48 hours. A vaginal discharge with an unpleasant odor may develop if the cervical cap is left on the cervix too long.

Clean the cap with mild soap and dry it after each use. Store it in a dry place, away from heat and light.

A cervical cap should be used only by women with normal Pap smears. Get a follow-up Pap smear after you have used a cervical cap for 3 months to make sure that the area around your cervix has not been changed.

Cervical caps that are used often may start to lose their shape. You will need a new cap after each year of use or if you notice any tears, holes, or weak spots.

What are the benefits?

The benefits of the cervical cap include:

• It is 90% to 92% effective in preventing pregnancy when properly used with a spermicide.

• It can be inserted up to 24 hours before intercourse and so does not have to interfere with love-making.

• It can be used for repeated intercourse during a 48-hour period.

• It is smaller and generally more comfortable than a diaphragm.

• It requires less spermicide than a diaphragm.

• It is inexpensive and reusable.

• The cap provides protection against some sexually transmitted diseases. However, it does not protect against sexual transmission of AIDS.

What are the disadvantages?

The risks and disadvantages of the cervical cap are:

• The cap may cause cervical changes.

• It takes some practice to become comfortable and skilled in using the cap.

• Bacteria may grow inside the cap and cause infection.

• A prescription is required from a medical professional, who determines the proper type and size after examining you.

• The cap may (rarely) cause discomfort and reduce pleasure during intercourse.

• You may have irritation or infection if you forget to remove the cap.

• It can be inconvenient to use, clean, and store.

• It does not protect against AIDS.