Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Use to Prevent Pregnancy
Pros and Cons
When Does It Work Best?
When Doesn’t It Work?
Getting a Prescription
How to Take It Out
Complications
Cleaning
Alternatives
A cervical cap helps prevent pregnancy, though there aremore reliable alternatives. A cap is smaller than adiaphragm, which is another prescription birth control device inserted into the vagina to block the cervix.
Here’s what to know about how well they work, how to insert and remove them, how you get one, and the pros and cons of this particular birth control method.
Peter Andrews / Getty Images
Can You Use a Cervical Cap and Not Get Pregnant?
The statistics vary, but the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) estimates that 17–23% of people who use cervical caps become pregnant.The likelihood of whether or not you get pregnant depends on several factors, including:
Pros and Cons of Using a Cervical Cap
Each method of birth control has advantages and disadvantages. Here are some of the upsides and downsides of using a cervical cap:
ProsSmaller than a diaphragm and easy to carry with youCan be inserted hours before sex so it doesn’t interfere with foreplayCan be left in longer than a diaphragm (up to 48 hours vs. 24 hours for a diaphragm)Is a non-hormonal method of birth control
Smaller than a diaphragm and easy to carry with you
Can be inserted hours before sex so it doesn’t interfere with foreplay
Can be left in longer than a diaphragm (up to 48 hours vs. 24 hours for a diaphragm)
Is a non-hormonal method of birth control
Not as reliable as some other methods of preventing pregnancy
Can be hard to insert correctly and must include spermicide application
Does not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
Can lead to irritation or infection
When Does a Cervical Cap Work Best?
A cervical cap works best when you completely cover the cervix with it and carefully apply spermicide to its dome, rim, and bowl. You can insert it 15 minutes to 40 hours before having sex but must leave the cap in for at least six hours after intercourse (to allow enough time for the spermicide to kill the sperm).
If you have sex more than once when you have the cap in, no additional spermicide is necessary (according to sources such as ACOGand the product information for Femcap).
If you use alubricant (or “lube”), choose one that is water-based or silicone-based because lubricants with oil may damage the cap.The cap does not interfere with natural lubrication, which is produced lower in the vagina and labia.
When Doesn’t a Cervical Cap Work?
You should not use a cervical cap when you are menstruating (having your period).
If a cervical cap isn’t fitting correctly, doesn’t cover the cervix completely, or slips out of place, the barrier against sperm getting into the uterus and fertilizing an egg isn’t as effective.
Getting used to using a cervical cap can take practice, so consider a secondary form of birth control until you are confident. It is less effective for those who have delivered a child vaginally.
Remember that a cervical cap does not protect against STIs and is not as effective a form of birth control as other methods.You should also not use it if you:
Using a Cervical Cap When You Have Your PeriodIf you use a cervical cap during your period, it blocks the natural menstrual flow. This may increase the risk of developing toxic shock syndrome.Toxic shock syndrome is rare, but it’s a dangerous and sometimes life-threatening bacterial infection of the vagina.
Using a Cervical Cap When You Have Your Period
If you use a cervical cap during your period, it blocks the natural menstrual flow. This may increase the risk of developing toxic shock syndrome.Toxic shock syndrome is rare, but it’s a dangerous and sometimes life-threatening bacterial infection of the vagina.
Getting Sized for a Cervical Cap Prescription
Cervical caps come in different sizes that are recommended based on the person’s history of pregnancy and childbirth rather than a custom fitting.Most insurance plans cover the costs of birth control, including cervical caps.
You will need a prescription to get a cervical cap. Your healthcare provider will recommend the correct size based on whether you have never been pregnant, have had amiscarriage,abortion, orC-section, or have had a vaginal delivery.They may perform a physical examination to help determine the correct size.
A healthcare provider can also instruct you on how to insert it properly. If you are not clear on how to do it, ask them for more help. Spermicide, which you must apply to the cap, is available over the counter at pharmacies or retail stores.
If your weight changes significantly or you have a change in your pregnancy history (including giving birth or having a miscarriage or abortion), tell your healthcare provider so they can assess whether you need a different size cervical cap. You should get a new cap each year.
Your provider can help you learn how to insert a cervical cap, but expect it to take some practice. The basic steps are:
How to Take Out a Cervical Cap
You must leave your cervical cap in place for at least six hours after sexual intercourse to prevent pregnancy. Don’t leave it in for longer than 48 hours because that raises the risk of toxic shock syndrome.
To remove the cap:
Complications and Frustrations With Cervical Caps
Some people find caps convenient because they are easy to carry and you can leave them in place for up to two days. However, you may experience some drawbacks, including:
Cleaning Your Cervical Cap
To keep your cervical cap clean, wash it with warm water and gentle soap each time you remove it. Dry it thoroughly before you put it back in the case or reinsert it. Don’t use powder on the cap because it can damage the material and may irritate your vagina.
Check the cap frequently for signs of a hole or other damage. Replacing the cap with a new one annually is also best practice.
Cervical Cap Alternatives
Other methods of birth control can prevent pregnancy.Over-the-counter options include:
Prescription birth control includes:
If Using a Cervical Cap HurtsSometimes, you may find wearing a cervical cap uncomfortable. Applying a spermicide can irritate your vagina, or you may have a reaction to the cap’s silicone rubber. In these cases, you may want to consider other forms of birth control.Some people also experience vaginal pain with any type of penetration of the vagina (vaginismus). Talk to a healthcare provider if the cap is causing you discomfort or pain.
If Using a Cervical Cap Hurts
Sometimes, you may find wearing a cervical cap uncomfortable. Applying a spermicide can irritate your vagina, or you may have a reaction to the cap’s silicone rubber. In these cases, you may want to consider other forms of birth control.Some people also experience vaginal pain with any type of penetration of the vagina (vaginismus). Talk to a healthcare provider if the cap is causing you discomfort or pain.
Sometimes, you may find wearing a cervical cap uncomfortable. Applying a spermicide can irritate your vagina, or you may have a reaction to the cap’s silicone rubber. In these cases, you may want to consider other forms of birth control.
Some people also experience vaginal pain with any type of penetration of the vagina (vaginismus). Talk to a healthcare provider if the cap is causing you discomfort or pain.
Summary
11 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.Effectiveness of birth control methods.American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.Barrier methods of birth control: spermicide, condom, sponge, diaphragm, and cervical cap.U.S. Food and Drug Administration.FemCap user manual and instructions for use.Sutter Health.Cervical cap.Planned Parenthood.How do I use a cervical cap?NHS.Contraceptive diaphragm or cap.FemCap.Frequently asked questions.NHS Inform.Cap.Planned Parenthood.Emergency contraception (morning-after pill).Virginia Department of Health.Toxic shock syndrome.Office on Women’s Health.Birth control methods.
11 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.Effectiveness of birth control methods.American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.Barrier methods of birth control: spermicide, condom, sponge, diaphragm, and cervical cap.U.S. Food and Drug Administration.FemCap user manual and instructions for use.Sutter Health.Cervical cap.Planned Parenthood.How do I use a cervical cap?NHS.Contraceptive diaphragm or cap.FemCap.Frequently asked questions.NHS Inform.Cap.Planned Parenthood.Emergency contraception (morning-after pill).Virginia Department of Health.Toxic shock syndrome.Office on Women’s Health.Birth control methods.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.Effectiveness of birth control methods.American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.Barrier methods of birth control: spermicide, condom, sponge, diaphragm, and cervical cap.U.S. Food and Drug Administration.FemCap user manual and instructions for use.Sutter Health.Cervical cap.Planned Parenthood.How do I use a cervical cap?NHS.Contraceptive diaphragm or cap.FemCap.Frequently asked questions.NHS Inform.Cap.Planned Parenthood.Emergency contraception (morning-after pill).Virginia Department of Health.Toxic shock syndrome.Office on Women’s Health.Birth control methods.
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.Effectiveness of birth control methods.
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.Barrier methods of birth control: spermicide, condom, sponge, diaphragm, and cervical cap.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration.FemCap user manual and instructions for use.
Sutter Health.Cervical cap.
Planned Parenthood.How do I use a cervical cap?
NHS.Contraceptive diaphragm or cap.
FemCap.Frequently asked questions.
NHS Inform.Cap.
Planned Parenthood.Emergency contraception (morning-after pill).
Virginia Department of Health.Toxic shock syndrome.
Office on Women’s Health.Birth control methods.
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