The problem of contraception is still quite acute today, despite the abundance of information. Statistics show that the number of abortions, including among underage girls, is not reduced. So, the perfect tool that is ideal for everyone has not yet been found. We probably won’t reveal the big secret if we call the condom the most affordable method of contraception.
Do you know that a rubber product can be either male or female? If the first is worn on the external genitalia, then the second is inserted directly into the vagina. This is a vaginal cap. Their function is the same - to block sperm, block their path to the egg. However, you rarely hear about the vaginal cap, so today we want to replenish our knowledge a little with you.
Barrier contraception
Of all the methods, this is the least dangerous for women's health. The products we are considering do not contain hormones or toxic substances, do not violate the natural mode of the female body, but simply block the way for spermatozoa. The vaginal cap is also called cervical, another option is the vaginal diaphragm. Let's take a closer look at the principle of its action so that we can evaluate the reliability of this method.
Physiological features
The vaginal cap was first proposed for use in 1883 by a German scientist. Then it was made of rubber, which was subsequently replaced with soft latex. The development was based on a thorough study of female physiology. Let us and we will make a small digression. As everyone knows, a sperm penetrates through the vagina into the uterus precisely with the goal of fertilizing the egg. The organ where the maturation of the embryo takes place is a pear-shaped muscular sac. The narrowest part is the cervical or cervical canal. He, in turn, passes into the vaginal cavity.
It is here, in the narrowest place, and you can install an elastic membrane that will block sperm in the vagina. The neck can be felt with your fingers. This little research will help you better understand how to insert a vaginal cap. It will reliably close the entrance to the cervical canal. However, you can enhance the effect and lubricate the product with special means based on nonoxylone.
What you need to know
Despite the fact that it can easily be bought at a pharmacy, you must first go to an appointment with a gynecologist. Since the cap should cover the cervical canal, it must ideally match the diameter of the cervix. Therefore, various options are available, from which the doctor selects the best. During the examination on the chair, the gynecologist will give recommendations for use, without which it is difficult to avoid mistakes. An incorrectly selected cap may cause discomfort. Then it is necessary to check the correctness of the introduction again. But the main danger is that he will miss sperm.
Regular use
In fact, if a woman has a regular partner, it is hardly worth buying a vaginal cap. The description of the method of its use suggests that the contraceptive must be carefully installed and removed at least 48 hours later. This product is reusable. After removal from the vagina, it will need to be removed in a clean, dry place. With repeated sexual intercourse, everyone starts all over again, but now you need to additionally take spermicide. It is very important to know that with a decrease in body weight, increased physical exertion, after birth, the size of the cervix can change, so you need to re-consult a doctor so that he again chooses the right size for you.
Features of use
In fact, having studied in detail a difficult technique, many of you are likely to refuse such contraception. A condom, in comparison with it, is much easier to use. A protective cap is used for the vaginal ultrasound probe, and is also an ideal option for intercourse with a casual partner.
But back to the introduction of the vaginal cap. It is installed by a woman on her own. Immediately warn that the development of this technique requires a certain time. The first few weeks, the installation may be incorrect. In addition, practice is time consuming. Therefore, it is better to additionally use another method of contraception. This can be a condom, suppository or cream, as well as hormonal drugs that will allow you to master this method without any fear. I must say that this is not so difficult, but it takes some time.
Technical details
The vaginal cap to protect against conception should be worn in advance. Therefore, if you thought about contraception at the very last moment, it is better to choose another option. At least a quarter of an hour, in an unexcited state, you will need to perform the correct installation of the cap. You must admit that it is not always possible to plan such an intimate moment in family life.
However, this nuance can be considered as a minus, and as a plus. Alternatively, put on the cap in the morning, and you are provided with protection for the next day. The maximum duration of this contraceptive in the vagina is 48 hours.
If sexual intercourse has occurred during this time, then do not remove the cap immediately. Wait a few hours, then rinse the vagina thoroughly and remove the rubber product. However, if there is a suspicion that during intercourse the cap has budged, you must definitely check your guess, or enter a cream containing spermicides.
Need to remember
The vaginal cap in contraception is not too common. This is primarily due to the fact that it is quite difficult to use. A certain practice is needed, but even in this case it is difficult to guarantee that you installed it correctly, because there is no doctor nearby who can examine the neck using a mirror.
In addition, there are some features to consider. A contraceptive should not be used during menstruation and within 2-3 days after them. After an abortion, it is advisable to use a hormonal contraception selected by your doctor. Only after consultation with the gynecologist, with his approval, it is possible to change the tablets to the cap, but it is recommended to install it no earlier than two weeks later.
If you want to use the barrier method after childbirth, you will have to wait at least 56 weeks. During this time, the uterus will take its final size. If you used the cap before pregnancy, you may have to choose a new one, as the old one will not provide perfect tightness.
Different types
You might be surprised how different the vaginal cap can be. The photo will give only a primary impression, a specialist will consult you in more detail, who will select the ideal option for you based on age, physiological characteristics and other parameters.
But they differ not only in size, but also in shape. We will talk about each of them:
- Prentifa is a small soft dome with a thickened edge. There is a shallow indentation along the edge so that it better sticks to the neck. The smallest size is 21 mm. It is perfect for nulliparous women. The largest is 23 mm. It is chosen by those who already have several children.
- Vimoul is a soft rubber dome whose edges are thinner than the main part. It closes not only the neck, but also the adjacent part of the vagina, that is, it is a more reliable means of protection. The diameter of the outer rim is from 42 to 58 mm. This is ideal for women whose uterus has a non-standard size.
- Dumasa is a soft dome with a thickened edge. It is this option that is the choice of most women for the reason that the size of such products can be any, respectively, you can choose a contraceptive individually. In addition, it is this cap that is ideal for severe cicatricial changes.
Security protection
First of all, women are interested in how much you can rely on this method of contraception. Reliability is generally estimated using the Pearl Index. Behind these cryptic figures is statistics. The index value for vaginal caps varies from 16 to 30, that is, the indicators are disappointing. It can be recommended to those women who have a small chance of becoming a mother. This may be a period of lactation or menopause.
Do vaginal caps protect against infections? Reviews of doctors say that to some extent, such a tool acts as a barrier, but its effectiveness is lower than that of a condom. Therefore, if you do not know your partner well, then it is better to use the usual method. The need to enter the cap 15 minutes before the act implies regular sex life, otherwise it is difficult to plan everything in advance.
Advantages and disadvantages of this method
On the one hand, there are obvious advantages. The vaginal cap does not affect the body of a woman. It can be used during lactation. The contraceptive effect can last up to 48 hours, so no one bothers to enter the cap in advance.
But the method also has its drawbacks. The need to individually select a size from a gynecologist, difficulties with mastering the introduction technique and not the highest efficiency have led to the fact that the prevalence of the method we are considering as a protection against unwanted pregnancy is quite low. In addition, the cap is difficult to find on the market. Basically, it is delivered on order, and the price is from 1000 rubles. It is not too cheap, but the product is reusable, which justifies the cost. In general, you choose. But be sure to consult with your doctor first.