{"id":5009,"date":"2022-01-07T01:22:39","date_gmt":"2022-01-07T07:22:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/americanpregnancy.org\/?p=5009"},"modified":"2022-07-05T13:28:42","modified_gmt":"2022-07-05T19:28:42","slug":"cervical-cap","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/americanpregnancy.org\/unplanned-pregnancy\/birth-control-pills-patches-and-devices\/cervical-cap\/","title":{"rendered":"Cervical Cap"},"content":{"rendered":"

The cervical cap<\/strong> is not a method of birth control<\/a> that is widely\u00a0used, and very few health care providers recommend this type of contraception.\u00a0If you are interested in the cervical cap, be sure to check with your\u00a0health care provider to see if this method is available.<\/p>\n

What is a cervical cap?<\/h2>\n

A cervical cap is a small silicone or rubber cup you insert into your vagina before sexual intercourse to help prevent\u00a0pregnancy<\/a>. It covers your cervix so sperm can\u2019t reach an egg. Suction helps it stay in place. The only cervical cap approved for use in the United States is sold under the brand name FemCap\u00ae. It must be fitted and prescribed by your healthcare provider. Spermicide<\/a> is added to the cap to kill any sperm that may get outside\u00a0of the protection of the cap.<\/p>\n

How effective is it?<\/h3>\n

Like all contraception, cervical caps are only effective when used correctly. If you don\u2019t follow the directions or use it every time you have sex, it will increase your chances of becoming pregnant. Additionally, the cap must be fitted tightly across your cervix. If it’s not a snug fit, it lowers the device’s effectiveness.<\/p>\n

A cervical cap is also less effective if you’ve given birth vaginally. This is because your vagina and cervix are stretched during childbirth, and the cap may not fit as well. The cervical cap is about 86% effective in people who haven\u2019t given birth. It\u2019s about 71% effective in people who have given birth.<\/p>\n

Cervical caps aren\u2019t as effective as other birth control options like patches, rings, pills or intrauterine defines (IUDs).<\/p>\n

Typical use results in a failure rate of approximately 20%. This means that 20 people out of every 100 will become pregnant during the first year of use. You should take a pregnancy test if you are experiencing any pregnancy\u00a0symptoms<\/a>.<\/p>\n

What are the side effects or health risks?<\/h3>\n

The most common side effect of using a cervical cap is vaginal irritation. Some women also experience an increase in the number of bladder infections they have.
\nThe cervical cap should not be used by women who have:<\/strong><\/p>\n