A Form Of Birth Control, Why Haven’t More Women Heard Of The Cervical Cap?

Cervical caps act like a physical barrier to prevent sperm from entering your cervix and uterus. As a result, they serve as a form of birth control. Is it too much too soon? Well, let us start from the basics. To begin with, the cervical cap meaning and what is the cervical cap. The cervical cap is a small silicone or rubber cup which is inserted into the vagina before sexual intercourse. It covers the cervix so that the sperm cannot reach the egg, preventing you from getting pregnant. It is most effective when used with spermicide. You can buy a cervical cap, available in three different sizes, on a prescription.

How Does The Cervical Cap Work?

The cervical cap is a product that keeps the sperm from entering the uterus and fallopian tube. Now, if the sperm is unable to enter the fallopian tubes to fertilise the egg, you cannot get pregnant. This is how a cervical cap works.

9-Step Process Of How To Use A Cervical Cap

The very next question after understanding how a cervical cap works is how to use them. 

Here is the process you need to follow:

1. Firstly, wash your hands with soap and water. They should be squeaky clean. 
2. Put ¼ teaspoon of spermicide in a cup and spread a thin layer on the flat part of the brim.
3. Put ½ teaspoon of spermicide in the groove between the brim and the dome.
4. Spread the spermicide in a thin layer on the brim of the cap.
5. Get into a comfortable position. You can stand with one foot on a chair or sit on the edge of a chair — whatever works best for you.
6. Separate the lips of your vulva with one hand.
7. Squeeze the rim of your cap with your other hand and insert it so the side with the dome and the strap faces down. The long brim goes into your vagina first.
8. Push the cap deep into your vagina.
9. Once your cervical cap is in place, make sure your cervix is covered.

2-Step Process Of How To Remove A Cervical Cap

Removing the cervical cap is a much easier process. Here are the short steps you need to follow: 

1. Squat down and using your fingers, push against the dome to break the suction.
2. Hook your finger under the strap and gently you can pull the cap down and out.

4 Tips To Take Care Of A Cervical Cap

Once you are aware of the insertion and removal process for the cervical cap, you also need to be aware of how to keep it clean and hygienic. 

1. After you take it out, wash it with soap and warm water.
2. Let it air dry.
3. Don’t use powder on your cervical cap — it can lead to infections.
4. Store your cervical cap away from extreme heat or cold.

How Long Can It Stay Inside?

Now, a lot of people might have this very common question – how long can a cervical cap stay inside your body? Do you need to remove it frequently or is it a one-time thing? So, here’s the thing about the cervical cap: you can leave the cervical cap inside for about 6 hours since the last time you had sex. However, it is advised not to leave it inside for more than 48 hours.  

If you have sex again, you can still leave your cervical cap inside. However, you will have to put a fresh dose of spermicide into the cup.  

How Effective Are Cervical Caps?

If you are inserting anything in your body, you need to be sure of its efficacy. Let us go through some cervical cap effectiveness. So, the efficacy of cervical caps depends on two things:

1. The usage of the cervical cap is correct
2. Have you been pregnant? 

Research suggests that the failure of the cervical cap is around 14%. This study is for women who have never been pregnant. And 29% for the women who have had a vaginal birth previously. Although the pros of using cervical cups are not substantial, cervical cap advantages cannot be ignored altogether. 

6 Benefits Of Cervical Caps

Let us now discuss the different benefits of the cervical cap and cervical cap advantages. 

1. Cervical caps are small, affordable, and reusable.
2. You may use a cervical cap for repeated sexual intercourse within 48 hours.
3. It is important to place the cap correctly. Most partners don’t feel cervical caps when they are in place.
4. It’s easily reversible, so you can get pregnant right after it’s removed.
5. Cervical caps are hormone-free.
6. It can be inserted six hours before sex so it doesn’t interrupt foreplay.

3 Possible Risks Of Cervical Caps

You might experience the following side effects after using a cervical cap.

1. Bladder and urinary tract infections
2. Inflammation of your cervix (cervicitis)
3. Toxic shock syndrome (TSS)

When To See A Doctor?

A home remedy works like magic until the pain or effects associated with it are not risky. You need to consult a doctor if you experience any of the below symptoms.

1. Pelvic or abdominal pain
2. Foul-smelling vaginal discharge
3. A swollen, itchy, or red vulva (external or visible part of your vagina)
4. Your vagina is painful, sore, or uncomfortable

We often tend to try out different medical techniques without being properly informed about the advantages, disadvantages, and risks associated with them. It is very essential that you do your own research and consult a doctor before you start practising any technique. So be updated with the medical methods you are applying on yourself and enjoy good health every day. More power to you girls! 

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