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  • Title: Experimental cervical cap has advantages over other methods.
    Journal: Contracept Technol Update; 1991 Nov; 12(11):177-9. PubMed ID: 12318408.
    Abstract:
    A physician in San Diego, California, developed a new cervical cap, "Fem Cap." A feasibility study (N = 121) showed that, at 1 year, it was 95.2% effective at preventing pregnancy. It became dislodged in 2 of 5 women who conceived, while the other 3 women did not use the cap during every act of intercourse. 8 women experienced dislodgement because they did not check to ensure proper placement over the cervix. Suction caused about 20% of the women to have difficulty removing the cap, but after several months of use, this problem was reduced to 2-3%. None of the sexual partners objected to the cap. The Fem Cap has an upturned brim which fits and adheres to the vaginal walls. The dome is shaped to completely cover the posteriorly longer and anteriorly shorter cervix. The groove between the brim and the done acts as a reservoir for the spermicide, keeping the vaginal wall from absorbing the spermicide, and for the sperm. Fem Cap's material, silicone rubber, is nonporous, nonreactive, and nonallergenic. It does not harbor microorganisms and can be cleaned easily and sterilized. The 24 mm cap is for nulliparous women. The 32 mm cap is for women who have undergone vaginal delivery. Women who cannot be fitted for either of these 2 sizes can almost always be fitted for the 28 mm size. Such women tend to include those who have undergone abortion or Cesarean section. Insertion is very easy. Health care providers can train patients in insertion and removal of Fem Cap in 15-20 minutes. The physician had developed a video on inserting and removing Fem Cap. Giving this video and written instructions to women in the study resulted in 90% learning very well how to use it. The safety and calmness of practicing in the privacy of one's own home contributed to this success. Estimated cost of the Fem Cap is about $60. Women can use it for about 3 years.
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