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From: gagen@bgsuvax.UUCP (kathleen gagen)
Newsgroups: soc.women
Subject: Re: Re: Cervical Caps anyone?
Message-ID: <249@bgsuvax.UUCP>
Date: Mon, 6-Oct-86 14:16:58 EDT
Article-I.D.: bgsuvax.249
Posted: Mon Oct  6 14:16:58 1986
Date-Received: Sat, 11-Oct-86 10:51:09 EDT
References: <11800001@hplsla.UUCP> <428@cci632.UUCP>
Organization: Bowling Green State University,OH
Lines: 40

In article <428@cci632.UUCP>, Rex Ballard writes

> Most of what I have read indicates that a doctor places it, much
> like an IUD, to insure a proper fit.  This may have only been for
> research purposes, I don't know.  It may be possible for the woman
> to place it herself, but it would require some training and practice.
>    
Although a Cervical Cap must be fitted by a physician, most women can be 
easily trained to insert and remove it for themselves.  In this respect
it is similar to a diaphragm.

> The blockage is more complete, and the amount of "maintenance" is much
> lower.  Typically, it only needs to be removed during menstration, if
> even then.
> 
At least three major designs of cervical cap have been used.  One variety
is equipped with a valve like device for the purpose of allowing secretions
to flow from the uterus into the vagina.  Although some women leave their
devices in place for extended periods of time, in my opinion this is
probably not a great idea.  For one thing, the effectiveness of the cap 
is increased when spermicide is placed within the device befor insertion.

> It has not been available in this country for general use, pending
> F.D.A. approval.  If it is actually available now, I'd like to know.

It is my understanding that the cervical cap is presently being studied
in clinical trials in this country.  Only those physicians who are
participating in these trials are authorized to fit and prescribe
the device.

I personally hope that the FDA speeds up aproval of the cervical cap.
It's ease of insertion, low cost, high effectiveness (comperable to the
pill, diaphragm with spermacide, and IUD), and very low rate of
significant side effects (most are due to alergic reactions to the
spermacide), make it an appropriate method of contraception for many
women.  

Kathi Gagen
Dept. of Biological Sciences
Bowling Green State University