Cervical Cap

Brands

Femcap

How it Works

Femcap, a cervical cap, is a silicone cap that is inserted into the vagina and over the cervix. It prevents pregnancy by keeping the sperm from reaching and fertilizing the egg. It should be used with spermicide, which will stop the sperm from moving.

The cervical cap does not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs) or HIV (AIDS).

How to Use

You must see a healthcare provider to get Femcap. Your healthcare provider will explain and demonstrate how to use a cervical cap. With practice, it can be easy to use.

Put a quarter teaspoon of spermicide in the dome of the cervical cap and spread a thin layer on the brim. Additionally put one-half teaspoon in the folder area between the brim and the dome. Find a comfortable position, similar to the stance you’d take to insert a tampon. Put your index and middle fingers in your vagina to locate your cervix so you know where to put the cap. Use one hand to spread the labia and use the other to squeeze the rim of the cap together. Dome side down, slide the cervical cap into the vagina with the long brim entering first. Push down toward the anus and then up and onto the cervix.

Each time you have sexual intercourse, check that the cap is still covering the cervix. Leave the cervical cap in for at least six hours following intercourse. Do not leave it in place for more than 48 hours total.

To remove, squat down and grip the removal strap. Rotate the cervical cap and push on the dome with your finger to break the suction. Hook the removal strap and withdraw the cap.

Effectiveness

• When used correctly and every time sexual intercourse occurs, Femcap is 86% effective for women who have never been pregnant or given birth vaginally. When used correctly and every time sexual intercourse occurs, Femcap is 71% effective for women who have been pregnant or given birth vaginally.
• The cervical cap is more effective when used with spermicide.

Cost

Femcap costs an average of $60 to $75. Spermicide jelly or cream costs about eight dollars. Cervical caps can last about two years, so the average cost is relatively low.

Benefits

• With proper care and cleaning, your Femcap can last up to two years. On a monthly average, it is one of the least expensive birth control methods available.
• Cervical caps do not interrupt sexual play, as they can be inserted hours before sexual intercourse. In most cases, the cervical cap cannot be felt by the woman or her partner.
• Women like Femcap because it can be used while breastfeeding, it does not affect their natural hormones and it does not carry any of the side effects of hormonal birth controls.

Risks

• Cervical caps and spermicide do not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs) or HIV (AIDS).
• The Femcap is one of the more complex birth control methods to use correctly. It can be difficult for some women to insert. After insertion, it can be pushed out of place by some penis sizes, heavy thrusting and certain sexual positions. A slightly larger cap may be necessary after pregnancy. Femcap also cannot be used during menstruation.

Note: Femcap and diaphragms have many similarities. They are both placed over the cervix to prevent pregnancy by keeping sperm from reaching the cervix. However, there are a few differences. Femcon is made of silicone, so it is more appropriate for people with latex allergies. Diaphragms have a higher rate of effectiveness than cervical caps. Diaphragms can also be less expensive than cervical caps.