Cervical Cap

What is the Cervical Cap?

The cervical cap is a latex, dome-shaped device designed to fit snugly over the cervix. It has a narrow groove around the inner surface of the rim that creates a seal when it is placed over the cervix.

How Does the Cap Work?

The cap is a barrier -- it blocks the passage of sperm from the vagina through the cervix into the uterus and tubes thereby preventing the fertilization of a ripened egg. It is designed to be used with a spermicidal jelly for maximum effectiveness.

How Effective Is It?

The cap has been found to range in effectiveness from 82% to 94% depending on consistency of use.

Directions For Use Of The Cap

• Fill the cap 1/3 - 1/2 full with spermicide.
• Lie down, squat, or raise one leg on a chair.
• Squeeze the rim together with thumb and forefinger and insert in the vagina.
• Using your forefinger and middle finger push the cap deeply into the vagina so that the opening covers the cervix.
• Push firmly into place and squeeze the dome to expel as much air as possible.
• Check for correct placement by running your finger around the rim; you should not feel any of the cervix outside the cap.
• Check the fit by wiggling and tugging firmly on the dome and then running your finger around the rim. If the cap remains in place, it is correctly inserted.
• Check the fit before and after each act of intercourse to detect a possible dislodgment. If the cap dislodges during intercourse, push it back in place and insert an applicator of spermicidal foam or jelly right away. Contact the clinic as soon as possible to discuss the possible use of the emergency contraceptive pill (Emergency Contraceptive Pill - Frequently Asked Questions), which may be prescribed in the first 72 hours after unprotected intercourse.
• Leave your cap in place for a minimum of eight hours following your last act of intercourse.
• The cap may be left in place for up to 48 hours at a time.
• To remove the cap, hook your finger under the rim to break the suction and pull down off the cervix.

Care of the Cap

• Clean the cap thoroughly after each use with mild, unperfumed soap and warm water. Turn the cap inside out and clean inside the rim with a soft toothbrush. Rinse thoroughly and dry carefully. Store in a cool dry place.
• If your cap develops an unpleasant odour, soak it for 20 minutes in a solution of one cup warm water to one tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar.
• Replace your cap after one year of regular use.

Precautions

• Do not use your cap during your period. To date, an association between cervical cap use and Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS) has not been established; however, it remains a possibility. Symptoms of TSS include sudden high fever, vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness, fainting or a rash that looks like sunburn. If you experience a high fever and one or more of these symptoms, remove your cap and contact a physician immediately.
• Use a back-up method of birth control such as a condom for the first eight to nine times you have intercourse or until you are confident of the insertion technique and have not experienced any dislodgments.
• Do not use oil-based lubricants or greasy substances such as cocoa butter, cold cream, petroleum jelly, mineral oil, vegetable oil or Vaseline, which may cause rapid deterioration of the rubber. If extra lubrication is desired during intercourse, K-Y jelly or a spermicidal jelly may be used.
• Have your cervical cap refitted after pregnancy, or with a weight change of +/- 10 lbs.
• You may occasionally notice small amounts of blood inside your cap upon removal. If this happens regularly or if there are large amounts, return to the clinic for a check-up.
• Return for a check-up if you experience discomfort after insertion of the cap or during intercourse, unpleasant vaginal odour or an irritating vaginal discharge.

Advantages of Cap Use

• an effective method when used consistently
• convenient
• allows for more spontaneous sex than many other barrier methods
• smaller than a diaphragm
• requires less jelly than a diaphragm
• no need to add extra contraceptive jelly if intercourse is repeated
• less likely than a diaphragm to aggravate recurrent bladder infections

Disadvantages of Cap Use

• may be harder to learn to use than a diaphragm
• correct placement must be checked before and after intercourse
• may occasionally be dislodged
• follow-up care may be difficult to obtain outside large centres
• cap should not be used:
  • during a vaginal infection
  • if a recent Pap test has been abnormal
  • for three months after a pelvic infection (P.I.D.)
  • if there are warts or cysts on the cervix that interfere with suction
  • for six weeks after a delivery or second trimester abortion or three weeks after a first trimester abortion

The Cap and STDs (Sexually Transmitted Diseases)

The cap offers very good protection against pregnancy and may offer some protection against some STDs. Many women, however, are also choosing to ask their partners to use condoms to provide a more reliable barrier to these common infections. Our counsellors will be pleased to discuss "safer sex" practices with you.
 

Reproduced from information supplied by Calgary Health Services, Family Planning Clinic, November 1992.

Sexual Health Clinic Locations in Grey Bruce