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Family Planning: A Global Handbook for Providers

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Family Planning

A GLOBAL HANDBOOK FOR PROVIDERS

Providing Cervical Caps

Illustration of a cervical cap.Providing the cervical cap is similar to providing diaphragm and helping diaphragm users. Differences include:

Inserting

  • Fill one-third of the cap with spermicidal cream, jelly, or foam.
  • Press the rim of the cap around the cervix until it is completely covered, pressing gently on the dome to apply suction and seal the cap.
  • Insert the cervical cap any time up to 42 hours before having sex.

Removing

  • Leave the cervical cap in for at least 6 hours after her partner's last ejaculation, but not more than 48 hours from the time it was put in.
  • Leaving the cap in place for more than 48 hours may increase the risk of toxic shock syndrome and can cause a bad odor and vaginal discharge.
  • Tip the cap rim sideways to break the seal against the cervix, then gently pull the cap down and out of the vagina.