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Cervical cap : What Is It? How do you put it on?

What is a cervical cap?

A cervical cup is a small cup made up of silicone that fits over the cervix (the part of the uterus that opens into the vagina ). It covers the cervix so sperm can't get in and fertilize an egg.





It is a barrier method to prevent pregnancy. The cervical cap is reusable dome shaped cap made from non-allergic silicone rubber that is inserted into the vagina.

The cervical cap is similar to the diaphragm . The only difference is it's slightly smaller and fits more tightly over the cervix.

How does the cervical cap work?
The cervical cap keeps sperm from entering the uterus and Fallopian tubes. If sperm cannot enter the Fallopian tubes to fertilize the egg , pregnancy can't occur.

The cervical cap must be used with spermicide for maximum effectiveness. it stops the sperm from moving , and is second line of defense against pregnancy.

How to use a cervical cap?
You must have a prescription to get a cervical cap. This is because the cervical cap needs to be fitted by your doctor:
To insert the cervical cap:
  1. Wash your hands.
  2. Put the spermicide in the dome of the cap and spread a thin layer on the rim of the cap.
  3. Put a small amount of spermicide in the folded area between the rim and the dome.
  4. Separate your labia with one hand.
  5. With the other hand , squeeze the brim of the cervical cap.
  6. Insert the cervical cap into your vagina, dome side down.
  7. Push the cap back toward the rectum and then up toward the cervix.
  8. Use your fingers to make certain the cervix is completely covered.
Before you have sex, make sure the cervical cap is still in place. If you have sex multiple times, you don't need to remove the cap. But you should insert more spermicide. You should also check to make sure the cap is still in position.

The cervical cap must stay in place for at least six hours following intercourse. Don't remove the cap before then. Doing so greatly lowers its effectiveness.

Keeping the cervical cap in place will give the spermicide time to kill any sperm before you uncover your cervix. But don't leave the cap in for more than 48 hours. it can increase your risk of bacterial infection.

To remove the cap:
  1. Wash your hands with soap and water.
  2. Squat down, and insert your fingers into your vagina.
  3. Grip the removal cap , and rotate the cap as you push the dome to release the suction.
  4. Pull the cap out.
  5. Wash the cap with soap and water.
  6. Let the cap air-dry.  
Cervical cap effectiveness:
The efficacy of the cervical cap depends on two things. The first is whether you use it correctly. The second is whether you've ever been pregnant.

According to planned parenthood , the failure rate for the cervical cap is 14 percent for women who have never been pregnant. There's a significant loss in the efficacy of cervical caps in women who have been pregnant.
The failure rate increases to 28 percent in women who have had a vaginal birth.

You can make the cap more effective by always using it exactly as prescribed. It's also important to regularly check your cap for small holes and other damage. A damage cap should be replaced immediately. Discoloration of the cap isn't a problem.

Benefits of the cervical cap :
Although it's not the most effectively form of birth control , the cervical cap is very convenient .
The benefits of the cup include:
  • Can be inserted in advance without interrupting intimacy
  • Can be used multiple times
  • Low cost
  • No side effects from hormones
Disadvantages of the cervical cap:
The cervical cap has a few disadvantages that include:
  • Not the most effective form of birth control
  • Doesn't protect against sexually transmitted infections(STIs)
  • Easy to use incorrectly
  • Can slide, or be uncomfortable for the woman or her sexual partner
  • Can't be used during menstruation
  • Requires the use of spermicide , which may cause irritation to either partner
The cap also requires a woman to insert her fingers into her vagina. A woman also needs to check that the cap is in place before sex.

Risk of using the cervical cap:
Most women find the cervical cap safe and easy to use. In rare case it can cause serious side effects.
They are:
  • Burning during urination
  • Pain while the cap is in place
  • Blood inside the cap when you remove it
  • Genital itching or irritation
  • redness or swelling
  • Unusual or foul smelling discharge
In addition , women are at high risk for STIs should consider another method of contraception.

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