 |
 |
 |
|
||
|
 |
|
|
 |
|
Birth ControlCervical CapsA cervical cap is a soft rubber cup with a round rim, sized by a health professional to fit snugly around the cervix. It is available by prescription only and, like the diaphragm, is used with spermicide to kill sperm.It protects for 48 hours and for multiple acts of intercourse within this time. Wearing it for more than 48 hours is not recommended because of the risk, although low, of toxic shock syndrome (TSS), a rare but potentially fatal infection. Symptoms of TSS include sudden fever, stomach upset, sunburn-like rash, and a drop in blood pressure. Also, with prolonged use of two or more days, the cap may cause an unpleasant vaginal odor or discharge in some women. The overall failure rate of the cervical cap (with spermicide) is 9% if you’ve had no previous births and 26% if you’ve had previous births.
|
|
 Clinicians | Practices | All About Pregnancy | All About MidLife | Health & Wellness | Home  ©2001-2002 Women's Health USA, Inc. |