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A Cervical Cover 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. Ccervical 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. There are 2 brands available in the USA: Lea's Shield and Femcap.
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Use • Care • Refitting • Cautions • Side Effects • 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 for the cap, your medical practitioner will show you how to insert the cap. A cervical cap can stay in place for 48 hours. Practice inserting and removing your cervical cap before sex play with a partner. It can be awkward at first, but 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. Spermicides can have a bad taste.
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 8 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 and 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.
Cautions
Cervical caps are not recommended for women who have had Toxic Shock Syndrome.
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.
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.
- Some women cannot be fitted.
- Can be difficult to insert or remove.
- Can be dislodged during intercourse.
- Possible allergic reactions.
Other: Cervical caps may offer some limited protection against HIV/AIDS and against some, but not all, sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
Learn more at: Questions and Answers about Cervical Caps
Emergency Contraception (The "Morning After" Pill - "Plan B" - "EC")
You can prevent pregnancy after sexual intercourse by taking Emergency Contraception pills (Plan B). Plan B works by giving the body a short burst of synthetic hormones that disrupt the hormone patterns needed for a pregnancy to start. Emergency Contraception is most effective in the first 24-48 hours after unprotected intercourse, but it can work for several days.
To find Emergency Contraception, see ec.princeton.edu. If you already have birth control pills in your possession, this page explains how to use them as emergency contraception.
In Washington State, you can get Plan B directly from your pharmacy. Call ahead to make sure they have it in stock. Some women are buying Plan B in advance (it costs around $35-50) so they will have it on hand if they need it.
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 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.
Further Info
If you live in Washington State, you can apply for 12 months of Free Birth Control under the state-sponsored program called Take Charge. Teens do not need parent's permission. Apply at Cedar River Clinics in Renton, Tacoma or Yakima.
March 4, 2010
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