What is the cervical cap?
The cervical cap - or cervical cup - is a relatively effective mechanical ("barrier") contraceptive tool for preventing unwanted pregnancies.
The contraceptive efficacy of the cervical cap is rather poor; therefore, to reduce the risk of contraceptive method failure, it is recommended to use the cervical cap in combination with chemical contraceptives (spermicides), capable of killing spermatozoa or blocking their motility before of their entry into the uterus.
The cervical cap can be applied directly by the woman inside the vagina (in close contact with the cervix) or inserted by a gynecologist.
Please note: the cervical cap is NOT synonymous with contraceptive diaphragm.
The cervical cap differs from the diaphragm in two characteristics:
- Small size
- Ability to adhere closely to the tench snout, by means of a "sucking" mechanism
Cervical cap and spermicides
As mentioned, the cervical cap is not considered a highly reliable mechanical birth control method (unlike, however, the condom or female condom). In fact, during sexual intercourse, the spermatozoa can pass through the narrow gap between the cervical cap and the neck of the uterus, thus fertilizing the egg. To cope with this problem - therefore to increase the contraceptive efficacy of the cervical cap - it is strongly recommended to use it exclusively in combination with spermicidal creams, capable of killing or damaging any spermatozoa "escaped" from the mechanical contraceptive.
To allow the spermicide to act, the cervical cap must be removed no earlier than 6-8 hours after sexual intercourse.
Types of cervical cap
Before using the cervical cap as a first choice method of contraception, the woman must undergo a gynecological examination.
The most common variants of cervical cap - made up of latex (eg Prentif) or silicone (eg FemCap) - are washable; therefore, they can be reused several times for a period ranging from 2 to 5 years.
The cervical cap Oves on the other hand, it is disposable, ie it must be disposed of after intercourse.
An "alternative to the classic cervical cap, known as shield of Lea, does not require dimensional adjustment as it adheres perfectly to the tench snout by means of a particular "suction" mechanism. Lea's shield, made of silicone, is also washable; therefore, it can be reused several times over the next 6 months.
Curiosity
Some types of cervical cap are applied by the gynecologist in close contact with the cervix immediately after the menstrual flow, and left there until the next menstruation.
Indications and contraindications
INDICATIONS
Ideally, all women can use the cervical cap as their first choice method of contraception. However, in reality, the cervical contraceptive cup is more suitable for nulliparous women and for women who have not yet given birth vaginally.
To understand...
Vaginal birth involves important changes in the cervix and vaginal canal, especially in terms of shape and size. For this reason, the use of the cervical cap is not recommended for women who have given birth naturally.
CONTRAINDICATIONS
Offering no coverage from sexually transmitted diseases, the cervical cap is contraindicated for casual intercourse and with multiple partners.
Also, to prevent unwanted pregnancy, the woman should use a contraceptive method other than the cervical cap in the following circumstances:
- Allergy to latex or silicone
- Full ovulatory phase (the woman is highly fertile, therefore the chances of pregnancy increase)
- Vaginal malformations or cervical (cervical) abnormalities
- Cervicitis, pelvic inflammatory disease, metritis and endometritis
- Previous history of toxic shock syndrome
- Predisposition to vaginal or urinary tract infections
- Recent abortion
- Recent cervical surgery
- Vaginal delivery
Contraceptive efficacy
The cervical cap is not a highly reliable method of contraception, since estimates report an average failure rate ranging from 2 to 20%. Specifically, it is estimated that this contraceptive method fails in 9% of nulliparous women and in 26% of women who have given birth vaginally.
How it applies
After undergoing the gynecological examination, the woman can begin to use the cervical cap as a contraceptive tool of first choice, possibly always associating it with spermicides.
The woman must be carefully instructed by the doctor on the correct insertion of the device, especially during the first applications.
Before inserting the cervical cap, it is strongly recommended that you wash your hands thoroughly. Afterwards, fill the dome with spermicidal cream.
The classic models of cervical cap can be inserted in the vagina immediately before the sexual act, or in the 24 hours before. However, it is recommended to insert the barrier contraceptive first of sexual arousal: by doing so, the correct positioning of the cap is facilitated.
Application procedure
- Wash your hands
- Fill the cervical cap with spermicide (about ½ teaspoon). Also apply the spermicide to the edge of the cap
- Find a comfortable, relaxed position to insert the cervical cap (e.g. squatting or sitting on the toilet)
- With one hand, open the vaginal lips
- With the other, grasp the cervical cap (with the cup facing up). Press the edge of the cap between your thumb and forefinger
- Slide the cervical cap along the vaginal canal, making sure it fits snugly around the neck of the uterus
- Always check the correct placement of the cap before sexual intercourse (simply insert a finger into the vagina and press towards the top of the dome to ensure that the cervix is covered)
- To remove the cervical cap, squat down, push with the pelvic muscles (as if to defecate) and, with the help of your fingers, rotate and extract the dome. If the device is equipped with a special tab (located in its lower end), the ejection of the cap is facilitated by pulling it outwards with the fingers.
To eventually allow the spermicide to act, it is necessary to wait 6-8 hours before removing the cervical cap.
