Healthwise
Para imprimir: Use la función de imprimir de su navegador de Internet. Cierre esta ventana después de imprimir.

Cervical Cap for Birth Control

Índice de Materias


Overview

The cervical cap is used to prevent pregnancy. It's called a barrier method of birth control. This is because it keeps the sperm and eggs apart.

For the cap to work well, you need to use it every time you have vaginal sex. You must use spermicide with it.

To use the cap, apply spermicide to it and place it inside your vagina so that it covers the cervix. (The cervix is the opening of the uterus.) You can place the cap up to 40 hours before you have vaginal sex. If you have sex more than one time when the cap is in place, apply more spermicide to your vagina each time. After sex, you must leave it in your vagina for at least 6 hours. After it has been in your vagina for 6 hours, you can take it out anytime up to 48 hours later.

You need a prescription from your doctor for a cap. Your doctor can help fit you for the right size. A cap lasts for 1 year.

How well does it work?

How well the cap works depends on whether you have ever had a baby by a vaginal birth.

If you use an external (male) condom with the cap, you can lower your chances of getting pregnant.

Be sure to tell your doctor about any health problems you have or medicines you take. Your doctor can help you choose the birth control method that is right for you.

What are the advantages of using a cervical cap for birth control?

What are the disadvantages of using a cervical cap for birth control?

If you think you used the cap incorrectly, you can use emergency contraception to help prevent pregnancy. The most effective emergency contraception is an IUD (inserted by a doctor). You can also get emergency contraceptive pills. You can get them with a prescription from your doctor or without a prescription at most drugstores.


References

Citations

  1. Trussell J, Guthrie KA (2011). Choosing a contraceptive: Efficacy, safety, and personal considerations. In RA Hatcher et al., eds., Contraceptive Technology, 20th ed., pp. 45–74. Atlanta: Ardent Media.

Créditos para Cervical Cap for Birth Control

Current as of: November 27, 2023

Author: Healthwise Staff (https://www.healthwise.org/specialpages/legal/abouthw/en)
Clinical Review Board (https://www.healthwise.org/specialpages/legal/abouthw/en)
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.


Nota: El "documento para imprimir" no contiene toda la información disponible en el documento en línea. Parte de la información (por ejemplo, referencias a otros temas, definiciones o ilustraciones médicas) sólo está disponible en la versión en línea.

© 1995-2024 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise para toda decisión de salud y el logotipo de Healthwise son marcas registradas de Healthwise, Incorporated.
Esta información no reemplaza la consulta médica. Healthwise, Incorporated niega toda garantía y responsabilidad por el uso de esta información.

La Enciclopedia de la Salud contiene información general de salud. No todos los tratamientos o servicios descritos son beneficios cubiertos para los miembros de Kaiser Permanente ni se ofrecen como servicios de Kaiser Permanente. Para obtener una lista de los beneficios cubiertos, consulte su Evidencia de Cobertura (Evidence of Coverage) o el Resumen de la Descripción del Plan (Summary Plan Description). Para saber más acerca de los tratamientos recomendados, consulte a su proveedor de atención médica.