Contraception - Cervical caps

FemCap™ is essentially a smaller diaphragm made of
silicone rubber which fits snugly over the cervix,
providing continuous contraceptive protection for
48 hours. It comes in three sizes, small for the nulliparous
woman, medium for a woman with a pregnancy
of more than two weeks, a prior abortion or
cesarean section and large, for women with a prior
vaginal birth. The second generation FemCap™
approved by the FDA in 2003 is the only product
which should be used. The addition of spermicides
improve efficacy. The FemCap™ should be inserted
into the vagina with the long brim entering first and
the dome-side down, pushed towards the rectum and
then up and onto the cervix. The patient should check
to ensure the cervix is completely covered. The Fem-
Cap™ must stay in place 6 hours after last intercourse
and not longer than 48 hours. It is made from
silicone.
Women should be instructed to watch the instructional
video very carefully before using the FemCap™,
a back-up contraceptive method should be used
during the learning phase and the FemCap™ should
be inserted before any sexual arousal. EC should be
employed if the FemCap™ was not used or used
incorrectly. See http://www.femcap.com/selection.
htm for more details on use.
The Prentif cavity rim cervical cap is no longer
available in the USA.
Lea’s Shield® is a silicone cup with an air valve
and a loop. There is only one size and no fitting is
required. The device should be slid into the vagina
with the valve facing down and the thickest end
inserted first. It must be left in the vagina for at least
8 hours after the last act of intercourse but not more
than 48 hours and not during menstruation or any
vaginal bleeding. A clinician instructional video is
available at http://www.leasshield.com/clinicians.htm.

Posted in: Contraception,Health