Female Contraceptives-How To Use the Cervical Cap
Using barrier contraceptives? Are you spinning your cap, girls? Yes, you need to do this to improve the seal but if you don’t know what this means read carefully through this simple fact sheet on How to use Contraceptives properly- this time we review the Cervical Cap.
Similar to the diaphragm, the cervical cap is also made of latex rubber and covers the cervix (neck of the womb). Like the diaphragm and the condom, this is a ‘barrier’ method of birth control which works by stopping those little swimmers from entering the vagina and swimming off in search of that egg. Spermicides are used with cervical caps - these are chemicals that kill sperm on contact. If you use Nonoxynol 9 please read this warning, you may wish to change brands!
No hormones so no side effects- this is one benefit of using this particular contraceptive, unless you are allergic to spermicides or latex as some people are. Women who cannot use a diaphragm (those with uterine prolapse or vaginal relaxation) often find the cervical cap does the job nicely.
You do need to be fitted for a cervical cap as they come in four different sizes and then refitted again if you have a baby. If used correctly and consistently, this type of barrier contraceptive is effective though the success rate is not as high as hormonal contraceptives.
The handout shows clear diagrams for insertion of the cap and correct placement over the cervix. Risks and benefits are included alongside care and storage tips so if you are using this type of contraceptive or considering an option to your diaphragm please make sure you read through the details HERE.
