Definition of Cervical cap

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Cervical cap: A soft rubber cup with a round rim designed to fit snugly around the cervix and act as a barrier contraceptive device. A spermicide is applied to the cap before insertion to kill sperm.

A cervical cap is basically a small snug diaphragm and, like a diaphragm, a cervical cap must be sized by a health professional and is available by prescription only.

A cervical cap protects against conception for 48 hours and for multiple acts of intercourse within that time.

Wearing a cervical cap for more than 48 hours is not recommended because of the risk of toxic shock syndrome (TSS), a rare but potentially fatal condition. Symptoms of TSS include sudden fever, an stomach upset, a sunburn-like rash, and a drop in blood pressure. The prolonged use of a cervical cap for two or more days may also cause an unpleasant vaginal odor or discharge in some women.