Cervical Cap
Written by Jane Carrasco
The Cervical Cap Might Work Best For You.
A cervical cap is a small cup, made of silicone, rubber or latex that fits over the cervix to block the sperm from reaching the reproductive organs and is often not felt by either partner during sexual intercourse.
How Do You Use A Cervical Cap?
The cap is inserted through the vagina before having sex and can be left in place for up to 48 hours with continuous protection for multiple acts of intercourse within that time frame. However, spermicide should be added every time a couple has sex. After sex, the cap must be left in place for at least 6 hours.
Individuals who wish to use a cervical cap must visit their doctor for a screening to determine whether a cervical cap is appropriate for them and if so, the provider will determine the proper size. The user must be refitted after any duration of pregnancy, whether the pregnancy is aborted, miscarried, or carried to term through vaginal childbirth or cesarean section.
Various factors may make a cap inappropriate for some woman. It may not form a grip on the cervix of a women who has given birth or has an irregularly shaped cervix. Not all available sizes of caps fit all women. In addition, cavity rim caps are not recommended for women with an ante flexed uterus. Using a cervical cap could put you at risk for Toxic Shock Syndrome if it is used incorrectly.
The cervical cap protects against certain STIs, including gonorrhea and chlamydia, but does not protect against others such as HIV and herpes. For the best protection from STD's, wear the cervical cap in combination of a latex condom.
Disclaimer
The information provided herein should not be used for diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical practitioner should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. The content provided is intended strictly for informational purposes to help patient understanding of medical terms and conditions.