What is a cervical cap?
A cervical cap is a thimble-shaped latex rubber device. The woman puts a spermicide (which kills sperm) in the cap and then places it up into her vagina and onto her cervix (the opening of the womb). Suction keeps the cap in place so sperm cannot enter the uterus or womb. Caps come in four sizes. Among typical couples who use a cervical cap before having a child, about 20 percent will experience an accidental pregnancy in the first year. If the cervical cap is used consistently and correctly, about 9 percent will become pregnant. More pregnancies happen if the cervical cap is used after a woman has had a child. Complete information about this contraceptive is available from your clinician or from the package insert accompanying your cervical cap.

What are the advantages?

• The cervical cap is small and easy to carry. It can be placed in the vagina up to six hours before intercourse and should remain at least six hours after the last ejaculation, but no longer than 48 hours.

• It can remain in place for multiple acts of intercourse for up to 48 hours.

• It does not matter how many times you have sex, as long as you leave it in at least six to eight hours after the last time you have sex.

• Your partner doesn't have to know you are using it.

• The cervical cap permits less messy sex during menstruation. It holds back menstrual blood during intercourse. (Leaving the cap in for extended period is not generally recommended because of the risk of toxic shock syndrome.)

• In the process of learning how to use the cervical cap, a woman learns a lot about her own anatomy.

What are the disadvantages?

• You must be fitted for a cervical cap by a clinician.

• You should wash your hands with soap and water before putting your cap in.

• Inserting the cap may interrupt sex.

• Using the cap increases your risk for inflammation of the surface of the cervix.

• Some women do not like placing fingers or a foreign body into the vagina.

• It is difficult for some women to insert a cervical cap properly.

• If left in too long, the cap slightly increases your risk for a very serious infection called toxic shock syndrome. Don't leave your cervical cap in for more than 48 hours.

• The cap might not be placed onto the cervix properly or it may slip out of place during sex.

• A new fitting may be necessary after having a baby, an abortion, miscarriage or gaining 15 pounds.

• Latex (rubber) may cause irritation or a woman may be allergic to it.

• Odor may develop if the cervical cap is left in place too long, if not appropriately cleansed, or if used during a bacterial vaginosis infection.

• There is a relatively high failure rate.

• Severe obesity may make it difficult for the patient to place the cap correctly.

Where do I get a cervical cap?
Some clinicians, health departments and family planning clinics will fit you for a cervical cap.

What if I have sex and don't use birth control?
Did you know that for 72 hours after sex, you can take emergency contraceptive pills to avoid becoming pregnant? Did you know that for five to seven days after sex, you can have an IUD inserted so you won't become pregnant? Not all clinicians know about these options.

If you want more information or would like the phone numbers of clinicians near you who prescribe emergency birth control, call the toll-free number 888.NOT2.LATE or 800.584.9911. Some of these sources of help are free.

The North Dakota Department of Health, Division of Family Health, does not assume responsibility for the content obtained from external hyperlinks accessed from this website. Any links to external sources are outside of our domain. Information on external websites does not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of the North Dakota Department of Health or the Division of Family Health.