The Prentif contraceptive cervical cap: acceptability aspects and their implications for future cap design

Area of Science:

• Gynecology
• Contraception
• Public Health

Background:

• The Prentif cervical cap is a contraceptive device offered in private gynecological practices.
• Previous research has focused on the safety and effectiveness of the Prentif cap.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the acceptability of the Prentif cervical cap.
• To identify factors influencing user satisfaction and continued use of the contraceptive cap.

Main Methods:

• A questionnaire was sent to 413 acceptors of the Prentif cervical cap.
• 371 responses were analyzed to gather data on user experiences.

Main Results:

• Key factors reducing acceptability included odor, difficulty with insertion/removal, and partner/self discomfort.
• Attractive features compared to the diaphragm were convenience, safety, spontaneity, and increased libido.
• Despite challenges, 67.4% of users continued using the cap after one year.

Conclusions:

• The Prentif cervical cap demonstrates significant acceptability, even with noted issues.
• Improvements in cap design may address current acceptability challenges.
• Highly motivated users with above-average intelligence contributed to high retention rates.