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Diaphragms & Barrier Contraception

The concept of a cervical cap inserted vaginally to prevent pregnancy went through many variations over its long history. In ancient times women used natural local resources, e.g half a scooped out pomegranate or lemon, to cover the cervix and attempt to block sperm. In the late 19th and early 20th century, the more modern medically designed cervical cap came into being. Advice on barrier contraceptives in the UK is available from your G.P. or the Family Planning Association (FPA). Midwives are always a great resource for barrier contraceptive advice as are private Gyno's and clinics.

Traditional Diaphragms

The pre-cursor to the FemCap, diaphragms are available in 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90 and 95mm sizes. You should not guess your size as an incorrect size will increase the risk of an unwanted pregnancy.

FemCap Cervical Cap

If it's complicated to find a healthcare professional to fit you for a diaphragm then FemCap could be a good alternative which a woman can determine on her own.

Need To Order A Diaphragm?

Select the size of diaphragm that your Doctor, Gyno' or Mid-Wife identified for you.

How The FemCap Works

How does the FemCap prevent pregnancy?

It's is simple concept with outstanding results. Place a silicone cap over the cervix to stop sperm from advancing to the uterus. Years of research went into designing the perfect cervical cap that would be comfortable, effective, and easy to use.

Why must I use spermicide or contraceptive gel with the FemCap?

The spermicide gel reinforces the physical barrier of the FemCap by increasing the suction effect onto the cervix. The extra spermicide placed in the brim of the cap adds a second layer of protection to increase effectiveness.

Will the spermicide irritate my skin?

Nonoxynol-9 (N-9) spermicide has been sold over the counter for many years with an excellent safety record. FemCap is designed with a groove and a brim to hold the spermicide away from your skin to minimize the chances of irritation. If you find chemical spermicide is irritating your skin, switch to a natural alternative such as ContraGel but NEVER use the FemCap without a gel.

ContraGel is a spermicide alternative that does not contain Nonoxynol 9 at all. The natural ingredients don't need the overkill of such powerful pharmaceuticals.

The FemCap is sealed because of the viscosity of the gel and the low pH immobilize the sperm, ensuring no live sperm pass the barrier and enter the cervix.

The 60 gram tube of ContraGel typically provides 15-20 applications. These numbers are based on the typical requirements of three to four ml applied to diaphragms and cervical caps for each act of intercourse. Additional ContraGel should be applied to the barrier with a finger or vaginal applicator if more then one act of intercourse occurs.

Could I experience side effects from using FemCap?

If used correctly, are no known local or systemic side effects associated with FemCap. Chemical spermicides often cause irritation however, so if you have a reaction, switch to a natural spermicide alternative such as ContraGel.

Need To Order FemCap?

Select the size of FemCap that your Doctor, Gyno' or Mid-Wife identified for you.

How To Use The FemCap

For orientation purposes we can share these simple, logical steps on how to use the FemCap. Of course this is no substitute for reading the manufacturers instructions for use and consulting your Doctor.

How do I insert the FemCap?

This is a brief summary of the instructions for insertion of the FemCap and do no replace the manufacture's full instructions

Step One: Locate your cervix. You may find this easiest to do laying down or squatting.

Step Two: Place spermicide in the dome and groove of the cap.

Step Three: Fold the cap and slide it into your vaginal canal and up to cover your cervix.

Step Four: Place pressure on the removal ring/dome to insure the cap is adequately suctioned to your cervix.

Step Five: Thats it! Just be sure to keep the FemCap in place for at least six hours after having sex.

Can I use FemCap during menstruation?

No, FemCap can not be used during menstruation because it would interfere with the natural flow of menstrual blood. Because you are not fertile during menstruation, contraception is not needed to prevent pregnancy (based on a 22 day cycle with 4 menstruation days).

How do I clean FemCap between uses?

The FemCap should be washed thoroughly with antibacterial soap and rinsed with tap water, then dried and stored in its container. The silicone material will not be effected if you chose to boil your FemCap to sterilize it, but this is totally not necessary. The medical grade silicone used in FemCap is 100 times less adhesive then teflon, so no germs or bacteria will remain after a simple wash.

How often should I replace my FemCap.

It is recommended that the FemCap be replaced every two years or sooner if it shows any signs of deterioration. Note that in testing it is still proven to be unaffected by 2 years of typical use, the recommendation to replace it is for hygienic reasons, not contraceptive reasons. Constant cleaning of the surface can cause scratching and such abrasions can harbour bacteria if it's not cleaned efficiently. This is an example of real world 'best practice' despite the excellent design of the device.

Do I have to use FemCap for the entire month?

You are actually only fertile for about a week out of the month around the time of ovulation, so technically, you only need to use protection during that time. Accurately identifying the fertility window is critical, and you should never guess or estimate your ovulation date.

Natural Family Planning (NFP) and the Fertility Awareness Method (FAM) identify ovulation, nullifying the need for contraceptives most of the month. Sperm can live inside the womb for up to 5 days, and ovulation releases an egg which is able to be fertilized for one day. That six day span is referred to as the fertility window, and is the only time there is actually a real need for a barrier device.

Cyclotest uses Sympto-Thermal fertility charting to identify that fertility window. Ovulation causes a spike in Basal body temperature (BBT), so by recording that data every morning, you can see when you have ovulated.

Need To Order FemCap?

Select the size of FemCap that your Doctor, Gyno' or Mid-Wife identified for you.

Intimacy With The FemCap

Will my partner notice the FemCap?

FemCap caps the cervix, which sits high in the vaginal canal, so it is unlikely that you or your partner will notice FemCap during intercourse. A very small percentage of couples, where the male has a large penis and the women has very low positioned cervix, may notice the FemCap.

Note that FemCap sits higher up inside the vaginal canal than a diaphragm, if you did not feel the presence of a diaphragm, you definitely will not notice the FemCap.

Is sexual pleasure reduced when using FemCap?

No, FemCap should not reduce sexual pleasure to either partner.

Condoms often break the flow of intimacy, but unlike condoms, FemCap is inserted before intimacy begins. Plus, it is placed deep within the vaginal canal so sensation is not reduced to either partner.

There is also less chance that your partner will feel the presence of the FemCap then a diaphragm. a diaphragm that is placed much lower to cover the entire space between the symphysis pubis and the posterior fornix, whereas the FemCap is high in the vaginal canal directly over the cervix.

Does FemCap interrupt spontaneity?

FemCap must be inserted before arousal, so we recommend inserting the FemCap if you think there might be a chance that you will be having sex later, so that you can keep you love life totally spontaneous.

What do more couples prefer, FemCap or a diaphragm?

In the clinical trials, seventy-five percent of women who have had prior experience with the diaphragm preferred the FemCap.

Need To Order FemCap?

Select the size of FemCap that your Doctor, Gyno' or Mid-Wife identified for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I insert the FemCap?

For orientation purposes we can share these simple, logical steps on how to use the FemCap. Of course this is no substitute for reading the manufacturers instructions for use and consulting your Doctor.

This is a brief summary of the instructions for insertion of the FemCap and do no replace the manufacture's full instructions

Step One: Locate your cervix. You may find this easiest to do laying down or squatting.

Step Two: Place spermicide in the dome and groove of the cap.

Step Three: Fold the cap and slide it into your vaginal canal and up to cover your cervix.

Step Four: Place pressure on the removal ring/dome to insure the cap is adequately suctioned to your cervix.

Step Five: Thats it! Just be sure to keep the FemCap in place for at least six hours after having sex.

Can I use FemCap during menstruation?

No, FemCap can not be used during menstruation because it would interfere with the natural flow of menstrual blood. Because you are not fertile during menstruation, contraception is not needed to prevent pregnancy (based on a 22 day cycle with 4 menstruation days).

How do I clean FemCap between uses?

The FemCap should be washed thoroughly with antibacterial soap and rinsed with tap water, then dried and stored in its container. The silicone material will not be effected if you chose to boil your FemCap to sterilize it, but this is totally not necessary. The medical grade silicone used in FemCap is 100 times less adhesive then teflon, so no germs or bacteria will remain after a simple wash.

How often should I replace my FemCap.

It is recommended that the FemCap be replaced every two years or sooner if it shows any signs of deterioration. Note that in testing it is still proven to be unaffected by 2 years of typical use, the recommendation to replace it is for hygienic reasons, not contraceptive reasons. Constant cleaning of the surface can cause scratching and such abrasions can harbour bacteria if it's not cleaned efficiently. This is an example of real world 'best practice' despite the excellent design of the device.

Do I have to use FemCap for the entire month?

You are actually only fertile for about a week out of the month around the time of ovulation, so technically, you only need to use protection during that time. Accurately identifying the fertility window is critical, and you should never guess or estimate your ovulation date.

Natural Family Planning (NFP) and the Fertility Awareness Method (FAM) identify ovulation, nullifying the need for contraceptives most of the month. Sperm can live inside the womb for up to 5 days, and ovulation releases an egg which is able to be fertilized for one day. That six day span is referred to as the fertility window, and is the only time there is actually a real need for a barrier device.

Cyclotest uses Sympto-Thermal fertility charting to identify that fertility window. Ovulation causes a spike in Basal body temperature (BBT), so by recording that data every morning, you can see when you have ovulated.

Nonoxynol-9

Nonoxynol-9 (N-9) is the most common active ingredient in spermicide. It is an organic compound that is used as a surfactant and is a member of nonoxynol family of nonionic surfactants. Cleaning and cosmetic products often contain N-9 and related compounds.

When N-9 is doing it's job right, it is breaking down the cell walls of the sperm, making them totally impotent. But it's breaking down more then just sperm cells. It also breaks down cells of the vagina wall and the penis leading to irritation. Even more, N-9 also kills beneficial bacteria and skin cells, disrupting the vaginal flora and leaving you susceptible to yeast infections and UTIs.

When researchers observed nonoxynol-9’s ability to kill microbes in vitro, they initially thought it could be used to prevent the transmission of sexual transmitted diseases (STDs). Recent research however, has found that N-9 might actually increase a person’s risk of contracting STDs, especially when frequently used.

Spermicide & Contraceptive Gels

In order to facilitate the safe and correct use of barriers and cervical caps a contraceptive gel must be used so for those who don't wish to use a Nonoxynol-9 based product two natural alternatives are available on the market.