Cervical cap
From Free net encyclopedia
Image:Cape cervicale.jpg The cervical cap is a barrier method of contraception.
A cervical cap is a device that is inserted into the vagina.
It has a thimble shape and fits snugly over the cervix; suction is used to keep the cap in place. The inside of the cap should be filled with a spermicide to combat sperm which get past the cap. There are caps in different styles and sizes. They are made of latex or medical silicone.
Initially a health care provider should find the right size for the user. The cap must be inserted at least 1 hour before sexual intercourse and has to remain in the vagina for eight hours after the last act.
The cervical cap is 80-90% effective at preventing pregnancy for women who have never given birth vaginally; effectiveness drops to 60-75% after vaginal birth due to shape changes of the cervix and vaginal canal.
The cap-like device Lea's shield (Canda Brand, in US: Lea Contraceptive, in Europe: LEA contraceptivum) needs no fitting. It stays in place because of suction. Image:Contraception cape cervicale.jpg In recent years the cervical cap has fallen into disuse, making up a fraction of contraceptive methods used by women.[1] A number of cervical cap makers have shut down and discontinued sale, most notably the makers of the Prentif Cavity-Rim Cervical Cap[2]. While other caps have come onto the market (the Lea cap mentioned above as well as the FemCap) it is not likely that the cervical cap will become a widely used form of birth control any time soon.
The cap (like the diaphragm) still remains a very convenient alternative to condoms for couples where the woman has undergone a minor cervical procedure (e.g. abnormal cell removal) where hormonal forms of contraception (the pill) cannot be used during the follow-on monitoring period. Some women with long (or rather, deep) vaginas may find difficulty in fitting the cap, as it may involve a very uncomfortable manipulation to position it. In this case the diaphragm is a more comfortable alternative.
External links
- Diaphragms and Caps (Yahoo Group)
- German mailorder housede:Portiokappe