Options for Sexual Health

What is a Cervical Cap?

• A cervical cap is a method of birth control. It is a small device made of soft latex rubber that fits over your cervix.
• Cervical caps come in different sizes and must be fitted by a clinician.
• Cervical caps are no longer made in Canada. The Oves cap is the only cap approved by Health Canada. Please call 1-800 SEX SENSE for information about clinicians who can supply and fit the cervical cap.

How does the Cervical Cap work?

• Barrier method of birth control (similar to the diaphragm) used with spermicide.
  It is held in place by suction so that sperm cannot enter the uterus.
• The cap must be checked for correct placement after insertion and before every act of intercourse.
• The cap must be left in place for at least 6 hours after the last act of intercourse but no longer than a total of 24 hours.

How effective is it?

• In women who have not had children, the effectiveness of this method ranges from 84% (actual use) to 91% (perfect use)
• In women who have had children, the effectiveness of this method ranges from 68% (actual use) to 74% (perfect use)
• With consistent and correct usage, an average of 9% of women using this method of birth control will have pregnancies.
• The cervical cap must be used every time you have intercourse.

Advantages

• Small and easy to carry
• May be put in up to an hour before sex
• Will work for 24 hours during which you can have sex as many times as you want
• Your partner doesn't have to know you are using it

Disadvantages

• Must be fitted by a clinician
• May interrupt sex
• May increase your risk for inflammation of the surface of the cervix
• May be difficult for some women to insert a cervical cap properly
• Possible to dislodge during use and increase risk for pregnancy
• New fitting is necessary after having a baby, abortion, miscarriage, or a weight gain or loss of 10 pounds
• Latex (rubber) allergies may cause irritation

Considerations

To date there has been no link between the use of the cap and toxic shock. However, to avoid this possibility, it is recommended that the cap:

• Not be left in for more than 24 hours
• Not be used during your period or if you are bleeding from your vagina for any reason. Use another method during these times.
• Not be used if you have any vaginal, cervical or pelvic infection

Reviewed by Danielle Chard, RN, BSc Nursing, Director of Clinic Services 11/21/07