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Definition

By Mayo Clinic staff

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Photo of a cervical cap Cervical cap

The cervical cap is a birth control (contraceptive) device that prevents sperm from entering the uterus. The cervical cap is a reusable, deep silicone cup that is inserted into the vagina and fits tightly over the cervix. The cervical cap is held in place by suction and has a strap to help with removal. The cervical cap is effective at preventing pregnancy only when used with spermicide.

Only one cervical cap — FemCap — has Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval in the U.S. It must be fitted and prescribed by a health care provider.

Why it's done
References
  1. Female-controlled barrier methods. In: Zieman M, et al. A Pocket Guide to Managing Contraception. Tiger, Ga.: Bridging the Gap Communications; 2010:82.
  2. Cervical cap fact sheet. Office of Population Affairs. http://www.hhs.gov/opa/reproductive-health/contraception/cervical-cap/. Accessed Nov. 15, 2011.
  3. Choosing a method of birth control. The Association of Reproductive Health Professionals. http://www.arhp.org/Publications-and-Resources/Quick-Reference-Guide-for-Clinicians/choosing/Cervical-Cap. Accessed Nov. 14, 2011.
  4. Yranski P. New options for barrier contraception. Journal of Obstetric, Gynecologic and Neonatal Nursing. 2008;37:384.
  5. Zieman M. Overview of contraception. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Nov. 11, 2011.
  6. FemCap. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfPMA/pma.cfm?id=16726. Accessed Nov. 15, 2011.
  7. The FemCap. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cder/drugsatfda/. Accessed Nov. 16, 2011.
  8. Barrier methods of contraception. American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. http://www.acog.org/publications/faq/faq022.cfm. Accessed Nov. 14, 2011.
  9. Cates W, et al. Vaginal barriers and spermicides. In: Hatcher RA, et al. Contraceptive Technology. 20th ed. New York, N.Y.: Ardent Media, Inc.; 2011.
  10. FemCap. http://www.femcap.com/about.html. Accessed Dec. 2, 2011.
MY00986 Jan. 21, 2012

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