The cervical cap: a retrospective study of an alternative contraceptive technique

A follow-up study on 130 women fitted with a cervical cap over a 12-month period drew a response rate of 43% (56 respondents). The group was young, well educated, and highly motivated. The failure rate was 16.9 per 100 women years (Pearl method), with inconsistent use and dislodgement being of major importance. The continuation rate was 75% (minimum 3 months of use), and 84% expressed satisfaction with the method. No significant side effects or risks to health were encountered. The conclusion is that there is a significant demand for alternative contraceptive methods among a select group of women. However, in the present state of knowledge, use of the cap should probably not be encouraged as a primary means of contraception, but should be reserved for those women with multiple contraceptive problems or for highly motivated women who seek out this means, understand its limitations, and can accept the relative uncertainty of its effectiveness.