Cervical caps create a physical barrier to prevent sperm from entering your cervix and uterus. It’s a form of birth control. Cervical caps are most effective when used with spermicide. They’re available by prescription and come in three different sizes.
A cervical cap is a small silicone or rubber cup you insert into your vagina before sexual intercourse to help prevent pregnancy. It covers your cervix so sperm can’t reach an egg. Suction helps it stay in place. The only cervical cap approved for use in the United States is sold under the brand name FemCap®. It must be fitted and prescribed by your healthcare provider.
Some people describe a cervical cap as a sailor's hat. It has a wide upturned brim with a dome or bowl in the center. It has a strap across the dome to help you remove it after use.
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Cervical caps are a form of barrier method birth control. They work by preventing sperm from entering your uterus and fertilizing an egg. The cap blocks your cervix, the opening or entrance to your uterus.
Many people add spermicide to the cervical cap to kill any sperm that might get around the cap. Spermicide is a chemical that immobilizes (or kills) sperm. It adds a chemical barrier to the physical barrier formed by the cap for even more protection.
A cervical cap comes in different sizes. Your healthcare provider helps “fit” your cervical cap to ensure it stays in place during sex.
Like all contraception, cervical caps are only effective when used correctly. If you don’t follow the directions or use it every time you have sex, it will increase your chances of becoming pregnant. Additionally, the cap must be fitted tightly across your cervix. If it's not a snug fit, it lowers the device's effectiveness.
A cervical cap is also less effective if you've given birth vaginally. This is because your vagina and cervix are stretched during childbirth, and the cap may not fit as well. The cervical cap is about 86% effective in people who haven’t given birth. It’s about 71% effective in people who have given birth.
Cervical caps aren’t as effective as other birth control options like patches, rings, pills or intrauterine defines (IUDs).
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Because cervical cups come in different sizes, it’s important to be fitted for your cap by your healthcare provider. Cervical caps come in small, medium or large. Changes in your body can affect which size cervical cap you use. For example, giving birth vaginally or having a miscarriage requires getting refitted for a new size. Remember, cervical caps are only effective when used correctly. An improper fit may result in an accidental pregnancy.
You may need to practice inserting your cervical cap. Ask your healthcare provider to help you insert your cervical cap the first time or follow the instructions on the packaging. Your cervical cap needs to fit tightly and cover your entire cervix.
Before each use, check the cap for holes or other damage that may allow sperm to sneak through the barrier. If your cervical cap is damaged, don’t use it.
You can insert the cervical cap up to six hours before sexual intercourse.
To insert your cervical cap:
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Leave your cervical cap in place for at least six hours after sex. To remove it:
Finally, wash your cervical cap with warm water and gentle soap. Let it dry completely and then place it in the container it came in.
You need to leave your cervical cap in place for at least six hours after the last time you had sex. Cervical caps shouldn’t be left in place longer than 48 hours total. If you’re using it with spermicide, you must put a new dose of spermicide in each time you have sex.
A cervical cap can last up to two years. It’s important to clean and store your cervical cap correctly after each use and check it for signs of wear. Some tips for caring for your cervical cap are:
No, cervical caps shouldn't be painful. If your cervical cap causes you pain, you may need a different size or a different form of birth control. Ask your healthcare provider to show you how to properly insert your cervical cap to ensure an improper fit isn't the cause.
Some of the benefits of using a cervical cap are:
Cervical caps require consistent and proper use every time you have sex. Cervical caps can become dislodged during sex, especially if they aren’t fitted properly. Other disadvantages include:
Additionally, your provider needs to refit your cervical cap after:
Using a cervical cap may increase your risk of developing certain medical conditions, including:
It’s important to remove your cervical cap after 48 hours to reduce your risk of developing TSS. You can also develop TSS if you wear a cervical cap during your menstrual period. If you can’t remove your cervical cap, visit your healthcare provider so they can remove it for you.
Complications from using a cervical cap are uncommon, but you should talk to your healthcare provider about the risks of using one.
If you have a history of the following conditions, a cervical cap may not be right for you:
You also shouldn’t use a cervical cap if:
Choosing birth control is a personal choice. Cervical caps and diaphragms are both barrier methods of birth control that work to prevent pregnancy by blocking your cervix. You can use spermicide with both devices for extra protection. Some differences between the two are:
Your healthcare provider can help you decide between a cervical cap and a diaphragm based on your preferences.
Cervical caps are available through prescription only. You can get one at your local pharmacy or drugstore. Most health insurance plans cover birth control devices, but you’ll need to visit your healthcare provider for a prescription.
Contact your healthcare provider if you’re using a cervical cap for birth control and experience the following symptoms:
You should also contact your provider if you can't remove the cervical cap or it gets stuck (this is rare).
In rare cases, cervical caps can contribute to TSS (toxic shock syndrome). Symptoms of TSS include:
A note from Cleveland Clinic
Cervical caps are a barrier form of birth control that some people use to prevent pregnancy. It works best when used with a spermicide gel or cream. Talk to your healthcare provider if you're interested in using it for contraception. You must get fitted for a cervical cap to ensure it fits tightly across your cervix. Your healthcare provider can help teach you how to insert and remove a cervical cap. Follow the instructions on the packaging and remove it within 48 hours of having sex. Wearing a cervical cap for longer than 48 hours increases your risk of certain medical conditions.
Last reviewed on 05/13/2022.
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Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy