CERVICAL
CAP
History:
A
cap to cover the cervix is an old idea which also lead to
the diaphragm. In early civilization, beeswax and opium
resin was used to shape a cap to cover the cervix thereby
preventing unwanted pregnancies. It has been reported that
Cassanova cut lemons and limes in half to use as a cervical
cap. The citric acid was believed to be a spermicide. Since
the early 1900s, the cervical cap has been made from latex
rubber.
How
it works:
The modern day cervical cap is a barrier contraceptive
that blocks the passage of sperm through the cervical opening.
The device is thimble-shaped and made of latex rubber and
has a firm rim when compared to the diaphragm. It fits snugly
over the cervix and is held in place by suction and support
of the vaginal wall.Cervical caps are smaller and fit more
tightly to the cervix than does a diaphragm.
Cervical
caps can remain in place for up to 2 days without additional
applications of spermicide, though some experts believe
there is a small risk of Toxic Shock Syndrome. The cap remain
in place for 8 hours after intercourse.
Who
Should and Should Not Use It:
Cervical caps tend to be more effective in women who have
not given birth in the past. One study showed that even
with correct use, women who have given birth have a nearly
a 25% chance of getting pregnant in a year with the cap.
Other people who should avoid this method of contraception
include those with active vaginal infections, an unusually
short (or long) cervix, or history of abnormal pap smears.
Summary of the Cervical Cap
| Effectiveness
(Failure Rate) |
Typical
Use: 20 pregnancies/100 women/year (80% effective)
Perfect
Use: Use 9 pregnancies/100 women/year = 91% effective
|
| Benefits |
Essentially
no side effects (unless allergic to all spermicides)
Does
not affect hormones
DonŐt
have to rely on the male partner
Can
be left in place for up to 48 hours, allowing spontaneous
protected coitus
Smaller
than a diaphragm
Less
spermicide is used than with the diaphragm (allowing
more pleasant oral sex)
|
| Risks |
Still
no real protection against STDs (spermicides may prevent
some STD transmission)
If
you donŐt remember to use it on or bring it with you,
itŐs useless
Somewhat
more difficult to place and remove than diaphragm
Can
be disloged from cervix during intercourse
Latex-allergic
people should use non-latex caps, if available
Theoretical
risk of Toxic Shock Syndrome (2 - 3 per 100,000) for
all women using vaginal barrier methods (diaphragm,
cervical cap, sponge, female condom)
|
|
STD
Protection
|
Poor
to none though spermicide may kill some STDs |
| How
to Get It |
Your
doctor must prescribe it. More information on this method
is available from the manufacturer.
|
| Cost |
Initial
Cost: $50 to $150, depending on ones health insurance
coverage
Ongoing
cost: spermicide (averages to about 25 cents per coital
act)
|
