What Is It?
A cervical cap is a small, thimble-shaped cup made of rubber that fits over the cervix (the part of the uterus that opens into the upper part of the vagina). It is considered one of the barrier methods of birth control because it provides a physical barrier between a male's sperm and a female's egg.
How Does a Cervical Cap Work?
The cervical cap keeps sperm from entering the uterus by forming a seal around the cervix. For added protection, spermicide is put into the cap before inserting the cap snugly over the cervix.
The cap is inserted before having sex and can be left in place for up to 48 hours. Once in place, there is no need for additional spermicide every time a couple has sex. After sex, it must be left in place for at least 6 hours. It can be removed by placing a finger into the vagina to pull it out.
After each time it is used, the cap must be washed, rinsed, and dried, then stored in its case. It should not be dusted with baby powder and should never be used with oil-based lubricants such as mineral oil, petroleum jelly, or baby oil. These substances can cause the rubber to become brittle and crack. Other vaginal creams, such as medicines for yeast infection, can also damage the rubber.
How Well Does It Work?
Over the course of 1 year, 16 to 20 out of 100 typical couples who rely on the cervical cap to prevent pregnancy will have an accidental pregnancy. For women who have had a baby, the cervical cap is even less effective: 40 out of 100 typical couples who use the cervical cap will have an accidental pregnancy. Of course, these are average figures and the chance of getting pregnant depends on whether you use this method of birth control correctly and every time you have sex.
In general, how well each type of birth control method works depends on a lot of things. These include whether a person has any health conditions or is taking any medications that might interfere with its use. It also depends on whether the method chosen is convenient — and whether the person remembers to use it correctly every time.
Protection Against STDs
The cervical cap does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Couples having sex must always use condoms along with the cervical cap to protect against STDs.
Abstinence (not having sex) is the only method that always prevents pregnancy and STDs.
Possible Side Effects
Most females who use the cervical cap have no problems. The few side effects some women do have include:
- Spermicides may irritate the vagina and surrounding skin.
- Strong odors or vaginal discharge may appear if the cervical cap is left in too long.
- The rubber or latex in the cervical cap may cause an allergic reaction (this is rare).
- Toxic shock syndrome (TSS) is a rare complication.
Who Uses It?
The cervical cap is not usually recommended for most young women since it can be very difficult to insert correctly. Inserting a cervical cap involves reaching all the way to the cervix with your fingers. It can sometimes also be knocked out of place during intercourse, which can result in pregnancy.
The cervical cap isn't very popular in the United States. This means that it can be hard to find and may be expensive. A better option is the diaphragm, which works like the cervical cap but is much easier to use.
How Do You Get It?
A doctor must fit a girl for a cervical cap. During a pelvic exam, the doctor will measure a girl's vagina and then determine which size cap is right for her. The doctor or nurse will then teach her how to insert and remove the cap.
How Much Does It Cost?
A cervical cap costs about $30 to $50 and should be replaced every year. In addition, there is also the cost of the doctor's visit and a fitting fee. Many health insurance plans cover these costs, and family planning clinics (such as Planned Parenthood) charge much less. In addition, the cost of spermicide is about $0.50 to $1.50 per use.
Reviewed by: Larissa Hirsch, MD
Date reviewed: February 2007
Originally reviewed by: Neil Izenberg, MD, and George A. Macones, MD
