| |
 |
A Cervical Cover, also called a Cervical Cap is a device you insert into your vagina that fits over your cervix. Suction keeps it in place. It blocks sperm from entering the uterus and prevents fertilization. After intercourse, it should be left in place for 8 hours. Put spermicidal jellies or creams that kill sperm into the cap before inserting it into your body. Cervical covers are 84-91% effective at preventing pregnancy for women who have never given birth. They are 68-74% effective for women who have given birth. Femcap is the only cervical cap currently available in the USA. |
Use • Care • Refitting • Q & A
Advantages • Disadvantages • Your Cervix • Further Info • PDF
 |
|
Use
The effectiveness of a cervical cap depends on its fit. Cervical caps come in different sizes to fit different women. A fitting is done in a clinic. When you are first fitted, your medical practitioner will show you how to insert and remove it. A cervical cap can stay in place for 48 hours so that you can put it in far in advance of sexual activity. Practice inserting and removing your cervical cap before sex play with a partner. It becomes easy with practice. Cervical caps are not recommended during menstrual periods.
Insertion:
Prepare the cervical cap by filling it about one-third full with spermicide. Be careful not to spread spermicide on the rim. Too much spermicide may cause the cap to slip off your cervix. If you are having oral sex, you can wipe excess spermicide off your vulva to prevent one from tasting it.
To insert the cap, find a comfortable position. Try standing with one foot raised on a chair, sitting with knees apart, or lying down with knees bent. Use one hand to separate your lips. The other hand can squeeze the rim of your cervical cap and insert the cap far inside your vagina. Use a finger to push it over your cervix. You can run your finger around the cap’s rim to make sure the cervix is covered. Test the suction of your cap by gently pinching and pulling on it. You should feel some resistance.
Removal:
After intercourse, wait eight hours before removing your cervical cap. You can use one finger to release the suction at the rim then pull the cap out of your vagina. If you have trouble reaching the cap, try squatting and bearing down.
Awareness:
The highest risk of pregnancy occurs during the first few months women use cervical caps. To increase effectiveness during these months and every time you have a new partner, check the position of your cap before and after intercourse to make sure that it stays in place. If the cap moved during intercourse, consider using Emergency Contraception.
Care
Do not douche or use oil-based lubricants with the cervical cap in place. Douching weakens the spermicide; Oil-based lubricants (like Vaseline or edible oils) may damage the cap. After use, wash the cap with mild soap and warm water. You can prevent odors by soaking your cervical cap in diluted lemon juice and drying your cap between uses. To make sure the cap stays effective, regularly check the condition of the cap. You can hold it up to the light or fill it with water to check for holes.
Refitting
Giving birth or having an abortion can affect the way a cervical cap fits. After a birth or an abortion, it is recommended that women have a medical provider check the fit of their cervical cap.
| Advantages and Disadvantages |
|
Advantages
- Can be inserted many hours before sex play.
- Easy to carry around, comfortable.
- Does not alter the menstrual cycle.
- Does not affect future fertility.
- May help you better know your body.
Disadvantages
- Does not protect against HIV/AIDS.
- Requires a fitting in a clinic.
- Not able to fit with all women.
- Can be difficult to insert or remove.
- Can be dislodged during intercourse.
- Poses a danger of possible allergic reactions.
Your Health
Cervical caps are not recommended for women who have had Toxic Shock Syndrome.
Side Effects
Some women may experience allergic reactions to the rubber of the cervical cap or the spermicide they use. If this happens and your spermicide has nonoxynol-9, try a spermicide without this chemical.
Your Cervix
The cervix is the opening to the uterus where menstrual blood, babies, and sperm pass. It is also the opening through which abortions are performed. Barrier methods of birth control, including the female condom, diaphragm, and cervical cap, work by covering the cervix and preventing sperm from entering the uterus. Hormonal birth control, including oral contraceptive pills, Depo Provera shot, Implanon, Patch, and Ring affect the mucus around the cervix and make the opening more resistant to sperm.
Women’s bodies also naturally produce hormones that change the cervix during a menstrual cycle. You can learn more about your cervix using a speculum to perform a self-exam. For instructions and a speculum, ask your clinician or see the self-care section at www.fwhc.org. You may pick up a free speculum at Cedar River Clinics.
Learn more at: Questions and Answers about Cervical Caps
Emergency Contraception (The "Morning After" Pill - "Plan B" - "EC")
You can prevent pregnancy after unprotected intercourse by having a copper IUD inserted within one week of unprotected intercourse or by taking emergency contraception pills (the morning after pill). The pills work best in the first 24 to 48 hours but may work for several days. You can get one brand - Plan B - from your local pharmacy without a prescription if you are 17 years or older. If you are under 17 or if you want to use your insurance, you can get the prescription right at the pharmacy by talking with the pharmacist. Go to your local pharmacy to find out more, or call Cedar River Clinics at 800-572-4223 to get Plan B in Renton or Tacoma.
To find Emergency Contraception, see this website: ec.princeton.edu. If you already have birth control pills in your possession, this page explains how to use them as emergency contraception.
Some women are buying Plan B in advance so they will have it on hand if they need it.
Further Info
If you are uninsured and live in Washington State, you may qualify for FREE birth control under the State sponsored program called Take Charge. Teens do not need parent's permission. Call 800-770-4334 to find out if you qualify for Take Charge. Then you can apply for Take Charge at Cedar River Clinics.
Cedar River Clinics in Renton and Tacoma, WA make birth control and abortion accessible so that women may decide their futures.
www.CedarRiverClinics.org or 800-572-4223
www.Birth-Control-Comparison.info
www.facebook.com/CedarRiverClinics
June 16, 2011
|
