FemCap
Encyclopedia
FemCap is a cervical
barrier contraceptive. As of February 2009, FemCap is the only brand of cervical cap
available in the United States.
FemCap is made of silicone
, its shape is similar to a sailor's hat. FemCap has had two designs; the newer design added a loop, molded into the silicone, to assist with removal of the device. Only the newer design is available. There are three sizes of FemCap: 22, 26, and 30 mm.
The smallest rim diameter (22mm) is intended for women who have never been pregnant.
The medium (26mm) cap is intended for women who have been pregnant but have not had a vaginal delivery.
The largest (30mm) is intended for women who have had a vaginal delivery of a full-term baby.
The only exception to this rule, if a woman had a spontaneous miscarriage and/or she was not aware of it, in which case she should receive the 26mm FemCap. If the woman and her doctor are in doubt it is more appropriate to use the 26mm FemCap.
The new version of the Femcap performed poorly in a user acceptability study, suggesting that the modifications to the FemCap significantly increased coital pain
or discomfort
among female
users and their male
sex partners, and that the modifications did not improve ease of use overall. However, FemCap users are still less likely to report such pain or discomfort than diaphragm users.
Cervix
The cervix is the lower, narrow portion of the uterus where it joins with the top end of the vagina. It is cylindrical or conical in shape and protrudes through the upper anterior vaginal wall...
barrier contraceptive. As of February 2009, FemCap is the only brand of cervical cap
Cervical cap
The cervical cap is a form of barrier contraception. A cervical cap fits over the cervix and blocks sperm from entering the uterus through the external orifice of the uterus, called the os.-Terminology:...
available in the United States.
FemCap is made of silicone
Silicone
Silicones are inert, synthetic compounds with a variety of forms and uses. Typically heat-resistant and rubber-like, they are used in sealants, adhesives, lubricants, medical applications , cookware, and insulation....
, its shape is similar to a sailor's hat. FemCap has had two designs; the newer design added a loop, molded into the silicone, to assist with removal of the device. Only the newer design is available. There are three sizes of FemCap: 22, 26, and 30 mm.
The smallest rim diameter (22mm) is intended for women who have never been pregnant.
The medium (26mm) cap is intended for women who have been pregnant but have not had a vaginal delivery.
The largest (30mm) is intended for women who have had a vaginal delivery of a full-term baby.
The only exception to this rule, if a woman had a spontaneous miscarriage and/or she was not aware of it, in which case she should receive the 26mm FemCap. If the woman and her doctor are in doubt it is more appropriate to use the 26mm FemCap.
The new version of the Femcap performed poorly in a user acceptability study, suggesting that the modifications to the FemCap significantly increased coital pain
Pain
Pain is an unpleasant sensation often caused by intense or damaging stimuli such as stubbing a toe, burning a finger, putting iodine on a cut, and bumping the "funny bone."...
or discomfort
Discomfort
Discomfort may refer to:* Pain, an unpleasant sensation* Suffering, an experience of unpleasantness...
among female
Female
Female is the sex of an organism, or a part of an organism, which produces non-mobile ova .- Defining characteristics :The ova are defined as the larger gametes in a heterogamous reproduction system, while the smaller, usually motile gamete, the spermatozoon, is produced by the male...
users and their male
Male
Male refers to the biological sex of an organism, or part of an organism, which produces small mobile gametes, called spermatozoa. Each spermatozoon can fuse with a larger female gamete or ovum, in the process of fertilization...
sex partners, and that the modifications did not improve ease of use overall. However, FemCap users are still less likely to report such pain or discomfort than diaphragm users.
Sources
- FemCap: Clinician Protocol, states effectiveness rate listed in infobox.
External links
- FemCap, official site
- FDA information on FemCap
- Femcap instructional video