PLUGS, PLUMBING AND PREVENTING PREGNANCY
Like the diaphragm, the cervical cap works like a plug. Made of soft latex or silicone with a round rim, it is pushed up into the vagina until it covers the cervix so no sperm can enter the uterus. The cap is smaller than the diaphragm and only covers the cervix. It requires an initial fitting by your healthcare provider. The cervical cap should not be used alone; to keep yourself properly protected the cap should always be paired with a spermicides.
HOW TO
You must put the cap in the vagina before you have sex and this might feel a little tricky at first but practice, as always, makes you more familiar with the process. First wash your hands, grab the cap and spermicide. Start by filling the cap’s dome with spermicide and spreading some around the edges too, then flip it over and do the same on the other side.
Now, putting it in place starts just like you’re putting in a tampon, squeeze the cap together, push it inside you and push up until it’s sitting snugly over your cervix and then you’re ready. Don’t forget to make sure you can feel the handle, you’ll be needing that. You must leave the cap in place for at least 6 hours after having sex and you may leave the cap in for up to 48 hours. To remove the cap, squat down and press the dome to break the suction, then find the handle and use it to pull gently out.
PROS / CONS
- It can be used on demand
- They are easily carried with you
- It isn’t affected by other medications
- It can be used when breastfeeding
- Hormone free
- It can interfere with sexual spontaneity
- Using it can take practice
- It requires keeping track of the hours inserted
- Not always suitable for women who have given birth
- Requires initial fitting by healthcare provider
- Effectiveness increases when used in combination with spermicides
- Low efficacy even when used as directed
- The cap may cause irritation or allergic reactions
- If you keep it in place longer than 48 hours, there is a risk of toxic shock syndrome. Toxic shock is a rare but serious infection
- Does not protect against HIV infection (AIDS) and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Most spermicides have an unpleasant taste but will not usually harm you or make you feel ill, however it is advisable to avoid swallowing excessive amounts. If you are concerned about feeling ill following swallowing some spermicide, you should seek the advice of a healthcare provider.
You cannot see any change in the patch, or feel it working, but it is continuously releasing the hormones estrogen and progestin into the bloodstream. You just need to ensure you change the patch each week for three weeks, and remember to start the next cycle of patches after the fourth patch free week.
No, the cervical cap cannot be used during menstruation, as it would impede the natural flow of menstrual bleeding. To be protected against unintended pregancies during that period in time, you must use another contraceptive method, such as condoms, until your menstruation is finished.
The cervical cap comes in different size, ranging from 22 to 26 mm. A pelvic examination by your doctor or healthcare provider will determine which size you need based on your obstetrical history e.g. women who never have been pregnant will use a smaller size than women who have had delivered a baby. Smaller or larger sizes are then inserted until the correct fit is achieved. It should fit snugly into the upper half of the vagina. The woman should practice insertion under supervision and placement should be inspected to ensure that the fitting ring is correctly positioned in the vagina. The cervical cap may require resizing following a full-term pregnancy, pelvic surgery, or abortion, or if there is a major change in weight. It is recommended that the cervical cap gets replaced every year or even sooner if it shows any signs of deterioration.
There is no reason for the cervical cap to get lost or stuck inside your body. It will be specifically fitted by a healthcare provider to ensure it fits and can be used effectively by you. The cervical cap should also be checked frequently by a healthcare provider to make sure it still fits properly.
