Cervical Cap

Introduction

The cervical cap is a tiny plastic dome that fits tightly over the cervix as well as stays in position by suction. It acts as a barrier to inhibit sperm (male gamete) from travelling into the womb. It should be utilized with a spermicide. A healthcare professional must fit the cap.

The cap does not shield against Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs), comprising HIV. A male or female condom should be utilized with the cervical cap to offer protection against STI.

How to Utilise the Cervical Cap?

Put spermicidal gel inside the groove between the rim and the cap's dome, in the cap's bowl, and on the outer dome of the cap.

• Press the cap between fingers with the inside of the bowl facing up. 
• Put the cap into the vagina with the long brim entering first. 
• Press the cap onto the cervix until it is entirely covered.

Verify to validate if cervix is covered prior to and post each act of intercourse. To carry this out, press on the dome of the cap. If the cap has moved, consider using emergency contraception.The cap should be left in place for duration of 6 hours post intercourse but no more than 2 days in total. If she has intercourse more than once within this time frame, she does not require to reapply the spermicide.

To take out the cap, rotate it in any direction. Push finger gently against the dome to break the suction, and cautiously pull the removal strap.Care for the cervical cap is alike to care for the diaphragm. It must be checked several times for wear or holes. It should be substituted annually.Refitting may be required post having a baby or post weight gain or loss. The cervical cap is comparatively less effective in women who have given birth. Women should wait 6 weeks post birth to utilise the cap until the womb and cervix return to normal size.

Effectiveness of Cervical Cap

Similar to all contraception, cervical caps are only effective when utilized correctly. If a woman doesn't follow the directions or utilise it every time she has intercourse, it will increase her chances of becoming pregnant. Furthermore, the cap must be fitted tightly across her cervix. If it's not a snug fit, it reduces the effectiveness of the device.

A cervical cap is also less effective if a woman has given birth vaginally. This is because the vagina and cervix are stretched during birth of child, and the cap may not fit as well. The cervical cap is approximately 86% effective in women who haven't given birth. It's about 71% effective in women who have given birth.

Cervical caps aren't as effective compared to other birth control choices such as patches, rings, pills or intrauterine defines (IUDs).Typical usage results in a failure rate of approximately 20%. This means that 20 women out of every 100 will become pregnant during the first year of usage.

What are the Benefits of the Cervical Cap?

Few of the benefits of using a cervical cap are:

• Cervical caps are small, cost effective, and reusable.
• Woman may utilise a cervical cap for repeated sexual intercourse within 2 days (48 hours).
• The majority of partners don't feel cervical caps when they are in place.
• It's easily reversible, so a woman can become pregnant right after it's taken out.
• Cervical caps are free of hormones.
• It can be inserted six hours prior to sex so it doesn't interrupt foreplay.

Disadvantages of a Cervical Cap

Cervical caps need consistent and proper usage every time a woman has intercourse. Cervical caps can become dislodged during intercourse, especially if they aren't fitted properly. 

Other pitfalls comprise:

• It needs a prescription.
• Spermicide can be messy.
• Cervical caps may irritate the vagina.
• Women must remember to take it out after two days.
• Cervical caps offer no shield against sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

Furthermore, the healthcare provider needs to refit the cervical cap post:

• Any pregnancy with a vaginal birth.
• Abortion or miscarriage.
• Surgery for pelvis.
• Significant shedding of pounds or weight gain.

What Are The Risks Of Utilizing A Cervical Cap?

Using a cervical cap may increase the chances of developing certain medical conditions, including:

• Bladder as well as urinary tract infections
• Inflammation of the cervix (cervicitis).
• Toxic shock syndrome (TSS).

Which One is Better for Birth Control? A Cervical Cap or Diaphragm

Selecting birth control is a personal option. Cervical caps as well as diaphragms are both barrier methods of contraception that work to inhibit pregnancy by blocking the cervix. Women can utilize spermicide with both devices for extra protection. Some differences between the two are:

A diaphragm may be easier to insert and remove. Cervical caps are smaller and shaped resembles a sailor's cap with a brim, whereas diaphragms are shape resembles a dome or cap and don't have a brim. A woman can leave a cap in longer than a diaphragm. Healthcare providers can aid women in deciding among a cervical cap and a diaphragm on the basis of their preferences.

Conclusion

In a nutshell, cervical caps are a barrier form of birth control that some women utilize to prevent pregnancy. It works best when utilized with a spermicide gel or cream. A woman should consult a healthcare provider if she is interested in utilizing it for contraception. A woman must get fitted for a cervical cap to ensure it fits tightly across her cervix. Healthcare providers can aid in teaching women how to insert and remove a cervical cap. Follow the instructions on the packaging and take it out within 48 hours/2 days of having intercourse. Wearing a cervical cap for longer than 2 days increases the chances of certain medical conditions.