Cervical cap

Inserting and removing the cervical cap is pretty straightforward once you get the hang of it. To prevent pregnancy, it needs to be filled with spermicide, cover your cervix, and stay in place for 6 hours after sex. You might want to practice putting it in and taking it out a few times before sex so you are a pro when you need it.

No, the cervical cap does not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs). The best way to prevent STIs if you’re having sex is using a condom or the internal condom. Dental dams, gloves, some vaccines (HPV and hepatitis B vaccines) and daily medications, such as PrEP for the prevention of HIV, also offer STI protection. If you’re concerned about both pregnancy and STIs, you can these options for STI prevention at the same time as the cervical cap.

Insert one finger into the vagina to grasp the removal strap on the cervical cap and twist to remove it. For more, check out our section on how to remove the cervical cap.