Contraceptive cap
The contraceptive cap is a circular dome made of thin, soft silicone (they used to be made of latex, but if you get a cap on the NHS today it will be made of silicone). It's inserted into the vagina before sex, and covers the cervix so that sperm cannot get into the womb. You need to use spermicide with it (spermicide kills sperm).
The cap must be left in place for six hours after sex. After that time, you take out the cap and wash it. Caps are reusable. They come in different sizes, and you must be fitted for the correct size by a trained doctor or nurse.
The cap must be left in place for six hours after sex. After that time, you take out the cap and wash it. Caps are reusable. They come in different sizes, and you must be fitted for the correct size by a trained doctor or nurse.
Advantages and disadvantages of the cap
A cap has the following advantages:
A cap has the following disadvantages:
A cap has the following advantages:
- you only need to use it when you want to have sex
- you can put it in at a convenient time before having sex (but do not forget to use extra spermicide if you have it in for more than three hours)
- there are no serious associated health risks or side effects
A cap has the following disadvantages:
- it is not as effective as other types of contraception
- it only provides limited protection against sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
- it can take time to learn how to use a cap
- putting a cap in can interrupt sex
- cystitis (bladder infection) can be a problem for some women who use a cap
- latex and spermicide can cause irritation in some women and their sexual partners
For more information visit: http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/contraception-guide/Pages/contraception.aspx