Cervical Cap

What is it?

A cervical cap is a soft, deep rubber cup with a firm round rim that fits snuggly around the base of the cervix. The cervical cap acts as a barrier to prevent sperm from entering the cervix and ultimately from reaching an egg.

How is it inserted and cared for?

A cervical cap comes in 4 different sizes and must be fitted for by a provider. To insert a cervical cap:

• Wash hands with soap and water.
• Fill 1/3 of the dome of the cap with spermicide.
• Find a comfortable position – stand with one foot on a chair, sit on the edge of a chair, lie down, or squat.
• Locate your cervix with index and middle fingers.
• Separate the labia with one hand and squeeze the cap rim together with the other.
• Hold the cap dome-side down, slide it into the vagina, and push it up and onto the cervix.
• Press the rim into place on the cervix, pinch the rounded end to create suction.
• Sweep a finger around the cap to make sure the cervix is completely covered and there are no gaps.
• Make sure there is a "dimple" in the dome of the inserted cap. This means there is enough suction.
• A new application of spermicide with each act of intercourse is optional.
• The cap must stay in place eight hours after the last intercourse.
• Do not leave the cap in place for more than 48 hours.
• To remove, wash hands with soap and water. Push the rim away from the cervix with one or two fingers to break the suction. Hook one finger under the rim and pull the cap out.
• Do not use during vaginal bleeding – including menstruation.

With proper care, caps may last about two years, but the FDA suggests that they be replaced every year.

• After removal, wash with mild soap and warm water.
• Allow to air dry.
• Do not use powders — they can cause infections.
• Never use oil-based lubricants — such as Vaseline® or cold cream. They damage latex.

Examine regularly for small holes or weak spots. Hold the cervical cap up to the light and stretch the latex gently between the fingers. Also fill the cap with water and look for leaks.

Cervical caps can still be used if the rubber becomes discolored. But if the rubber puckers – especially near the rim – it has become too thin.

How effective is it?

*Theoretical effectiveness rates are based on studies that have been done to determine how effective a method itself can be, apart from user behaviors.

**Actual effectiveness rates reflect what happens to the pregnancy rate in a group of people who do not use this method correctly some of the time and who do not use this method every time they have intercourse.

What are the possible advantages?

• no major health concerns
• can last for several years
• you do not have to rely on your partner for birth control
• do not alter hormone patterns or cause systemic side effects

What are the possible disadvantages?

• can be messy
• allergies to latex or spermicide
• should not be used during vaginal bleeding or infection
• difficult for some women to use
• only 4 sizes – difficult to fit
• can only be left in place for up to 48 hours
• does not protect against certain sexually transmitted diseases (STD's)

Availability

Not available at the Duke Student Health Center; check with Planned Parenthood and the Health Department

Sources:

Planned Parenthood

Robert A. Hatcher, et al. Contraceptive Technology, 17th ed. (New York: Irvington Publishers, Inc., 1998)