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Why it's done
By Mayo Clinic staffWhen used with spermicide, the cervical cap helps prevent pregnancy. Among various benefits, the cervical cap:
- Allows prompt return to fertility
- Can be used while breast-feeding beginning six weeks after delivery
- Can be inserted hours before sex and remain in place for up to 48 hours
- Doesn't require a partner's cooperation
- Poses few if any side effects
The cervical cap isn't appropriate for everyone, however. Your health care provider may discourage use of the cervical cap if you:
- Are allergic to spermicide or silicone
- Are at high risk of or have HIV/AIDS
- Are at high risk of pregnancy — you're younger than age 30, you have sex three or more times a week, you've had previous contraceptive failure with vaginal barrier methods or you're not likely to consistently use the cervical cap
- Have vaginal or cervical abnormalities that interfere with the fit, placement or retention of the cervical cap
- Have vaginal bleeding or a vaginal, cervical or pelvic infection
- Have a history of pelvic inflammatory disease, toxic shock syndrome, cervical cancer, third-degree uterine prolapse, uterine tract infections, or vaginal or cervical tissue tears
- Recently gave birth or had a miscarriage or an abortion
- Recently had cervical surgery
References
- Female-controlled barrier methods. In: Zieman M, et al. A Pocket Guide to Managing Contraception. Tiger, Ga.: Bridging the Gap Communications; 2010:82.
- Cervical cap fact sheet. Office of Population Affairs. http://www.hhs.gov/opa/reproductive-health/contraception/cervical-cap/. Accessed Nov. 15, 2011.
- 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.
- Yranski P. New options for barrier contraception. Journal of Obstetric, Gynecologic and Neonatal Nursing. 2008;37:384.
- Zieman M. Overview of contraception. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Nov. 11, 2011.
- FemCap. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfPMA/pma.cfm?id=16726. Accessed Nov. 15, 2011.
- The FemCap. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cder/drugsatfda/. Accessed Nov. 16, 2011.
- Barrier methods of contraception. American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. http://www.acog.org/publications/faq/faq022.cfm. Accessed Nov. 14, 2011.
- 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.
- FemCap. http://www.femcap.com/about.html. Accessed Dec. 2, 2011.
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