Effective immediately, no hormones, can be inserted up to 6 hours before sex
Cervical caps are dome-shaped silicone cup that you insert into your vagina before sex that covers your cervix to block sperm. They are about an inch and a half wide and once inch high. FemCaps is the only brand that is available right now. For the cervical cap to be the most effective, you need to use spermicide with it.
Pros
- Can put a cervical cap in hours in advance
- You can have sex as many times as you like while it is in
- Neither you nor your partner should be able to feel it
- Doesn’t affect your hormones
- Can be used while breastfeeding
- Can immediately get pregnant after stopping use
- Reusable
- Can be be used with other birth control methods
Cons
- Doesn’t protect against STIs, including HIV
- Can be difficult to insert
- May cause vaginal irritation or discomfort
- May cause frequent urinary tract infections
- Needs to be used every time you have sex
- Needs an initial prescription
- Can’t be used if you are allergic to spermicide or silicone
- Can’t be used with silicone-based lube
How to Use
The cervical cap can be inserted 6 hours before sex. But you must be comfortable with touching your body since you will need to put your fingers inside your body every time you use it. It might take some time getting used to. If you are on your period, don’t use the cervical cap. After you have sex you will need to leave it in for 6 hours. If you plan on having sex again in the same day, you can leave the cervical cap in place and add more spermicide in your vagina before you have sex again or you can have your partner use an external condom. Don’t leave the cervical cap in for more than 48 hours.
Effort
The cervical cap takes some discipline and planning. You must use it every time you have sex. But you can put it in up to 6 hours before having sex. If you are having sex often, it may be a little time consuming to use. Since the cervical cap is small enough, you can always keep it your purse for the in the-moment, spontaneous sex.
Effectiveness
The cervical cap is fairly effective, it is even more effective when used with spermicide or another birth control method. It is 79% effective with typical use. Cervical caps are more effective for women who haven’t given birth.
Side Effects
Usually there are no side effects with the cervical cap. Some might experience irritation, discomfort, or frequent urinary tract infections. If you’re allergic to silicone or spermicide, you shouldn’t use a cervical cap.
Pregnancy
You will be able to become pregnant as soon as you stop using the cervical cap. If you stop using the cervical cap and are not ready to become pregnant, use another method right away.
How to Get
The cervical cap requires a prescription from a healthcare provider. Before getting the cervical cap, your healthcare provider will fit you for the right size. If you don’t have a healthcare provider, find a family planning clinic near you.
Cost
You may qualify for free or discounted costs. To find out if you qualify, find a healthcare provider near you.
