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DESCRIPTION
The goal of contraception (or birth control) is to prevent an unplanned pregnancy. The majority of methods of contraception enable sexually active couples to temporarily avoid pregnancy. Permanent birth control is accomplished through sterilization. Be sure you know and understand the different types of birth control available to you, the risks and benefits of each, and any side effects, so that you can make an informed choice.
MoonDragon's Contraception Methods Compared
The Oves contraceptive cap is a revolutionary new design of an old principle. It is a female cervical cap, designed to provide an effective barrier against sperm entering the cervix. Oves caps are manufactured from medical grade silicone elastomer to ISO9002 quality standards. They comply with all relevant European standards and bear the EU-wide CE-Mark (as awarded by the French authority, G-Med). These rigorous standards require the manufacturer to maintain the quality and consistency of their product. In the case of the Oves cap, this is with particular regard to breakage and tear rates. Despite their flexibility and thinness, the Oves caps are highly resistant to rupture and tearing, and women can be confident of their consistent quality.
The design of the Oves cap ensures a secure and comfortable fit over the cervix for the majority of women. Unlike most other caps, Oves does not rely on suction of the cap rim on the cervix. The ultra thin dome of the Oves cap - less than 0.25mm thick - is like a membrane and adheres by surface tension to the contours of the cervix rather like 'cling film'.
Many women today do not know much about female barrier methods, considering them to be old-fashioned, difficult or messy to use and much less effective than other methods, such as the Pill. They may know even less about cervical caps (often confusing them with the diaphragm), and so might not fully appreciate their benefits.
There is a significant group of women who are wary of taking medicines on a regular basis, reflected in a fall in use of the Pill and a corresponding rise in recent years in the use of condoms, not all of which is due to the desire for protection against sexually transmitted infections. Many women are now actively seeking non-hormonal contraceptives and would welcome the chance to try out alternative barrier methods that are under their own, rather than their partner's, control. Many men, equally, dislike using condoms and the introduction of the silicone Oves cap thus represents a significant extension of contraceptive choice available to couples.
The Oves contraceptive cap will be especially suitable for women who:
- For health reasons are unable to take the Pill or use other hormonal methods, or the IUD.
- Do not feel comfortable or happy about taking the Pill, or medicines in general.
- Are coming off the Pill in order to get pregnant, but would like an occasional method of contraception while preparing themselves for a baby.
- Want a non-permanent, multi day contraceptive.
- Need contraception infrequently and therefore do not want to use a daily contraceptive.
- Do not want - or whose partners do not want - to use condoms.
- Are peri-menopausal but may still need contraceptive cover.
ADVANTAGES
Oves shares the benefits of the class of female barrier methods:
- It is an effective protection for preventing pregnancy. It is 96 percent effective when used correctly and consistently with a spermicide.
- It is hormone free. An good choice for women wanting to use a contraception without hormones to prevent hormone-related side effects and risks. There are no serious health risks associated with the Oves Contraceptive Cap.
- There are very few contraindications or special precautions for use.
- The cervical cap is small and easily transported and can be carried in a purse or handbag.
- May be used only when needed. Flexibility for women to use a contraceptive only when she actually needs contraceptive protection.
However, the Oves cap has additional advantages over traditional cervical caps and diaphragms:
- It can be left in place continuously for up to 72 hours (as compared with 48 hours for standard cervical caps). This allows more spontaneity, since it can be inserted well in advance of sexual activity. There is no need to replace the Oves cap (or add more spermicide) if intercourse recurs.
- It has a unique design. It is vary small and discreet, thin and flexible and fits snugly over the cervix like a membrane adhering principally by surface tension. It is suitable for women with poor vaginal muscle tone or shallow pubic bone ledge. An integral loop facilitates removal. Its ease of use, softness and flexibility have contributed to the high acceptability of Oves amongst women and their partners.
- The Oves cap is manufactured from medical-grade silicone elastomer. It improves tolerability and reduces bacterial growth and unpleasant odors. It is visually pleasing in looks and the use of advanced materials combines strength and flexibility and ultra thinness.
- It is disposable, which makes the Oves cap more hygienic and more convenient to use, as a supply can be kept handy without the need for cleaning fluids.
- It is available in 3 sizes - 26mm (Mini), 28mm (Midi), and 30mm (Maxi). Women are advised to consult their health care provider or family planning professional for an initial fitting.
- May help protect against some STDs. Barrier methods may provide considerable protection from sexually transmitted infections (STIs) such as gonorrhea, chlamydia and certain pre-cancerous conditions of the cervix; however the cap does not prevent the transmission of many other STIs, including herpes, HPV or HIV. Women who experience irritation and/or an allergic reaction to spermicides may be at increased risk for STIs, if exposed.
- It teaches women more about their anatomy and allows them to take charge of their sexual contraceptive choices and pro-creative options.
DISADVANTAGES
Barrier methods are not suitable for all women. There are specific contra-indications to the use of cervical caps and diaphragms in some women. Use of the Oves cap is not advised in women with:
- A current cervical or vaginal infection.
- Current pelvic inflammatory disease.
- Cervical or uterine cancer or dysplasia.
Additionally, there are other conditions or circumstances which may make the Oves cervical cap unsuitable for some women:
- When a woman's internal anatomy (e.g., awkwardly-positioned cervix) makes it difficult to fit a cervical cap or to keep it in place.
- In a situation where a woman is unable to understand, or is unlikely to follow instructions for fitting and using the cap properly, she should use some other form of contraception besides the cervical cap.
- The Oves Cap is not 100% effective for birth control. Effectiveness rate depends upon fit, whether the woman has given birth vaginally, and if she uses it faithfully.
- May be difficult to fit properly. The existing sizes may not fit all women.
- Requires high degree of motivation and fair degree of manual dexterity to position the cap correctly over the cervix. Can be hard to put in or remove. Some women have difficulty in reaching their cervix.
- Must be used simultaneously with a spermicide. Some women and/or their partners may have a sensitivity or allergy to spermicides.
- Disagreeable to some couples to use spermicidal jellies and creams during oral sex.
- May become dislodged during intercourse. It can be difficult to insert properly and can slip out of place.
- Women with a propensity for recurrent vaginal, cervical, or urinary tract infections should not use the Oves cap. May contribute to urinary tract infections and can cause other side effects. May increase the risk for vaginal infection or inflammation of the cervix. Women who frequently use spermicides may experience disruption in the vaginal skin, increasing the risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and diseases (STDs) and abnormal pap results.
- There is a risk of toxic shock syndrome (TTS), a rare but serious infection, if the cap is kept in place longer than recommended.
- Must be fitted by a health care provider.
- Requires touching of their genitals. Some women have psychological issues with touching their own genitals.
SAFETY OF OVES CERVICAL CAP
Barrier methods of contraception do not involve the use of hormones, nor any invasive or potentially hazardous fitting procedures. Adverse effects from using barrier methods are most likely to arise from:
- The physico-chemical properties of the material - eg an allergic reaction.
- Practical use of the device eg self-injury incurred during its insertion or removal.
- The effect of the device itself, such as chafing, irritating, constrictive or occlusive effect on cervical tissue.
- The Oves cap is non-allergenic, being made from medical-grade silicone, and two pilot studies have shown that the Oves cap is associated with a low incidence of adverse effects.
Conventional cervical caps and diaphragms are made from latex rubber to which some women are sensitive. Latex can also support the growth of bacteria which may lead to unpleasant odor.
A major advantage of Oves is that it is manufactured from implantable, medical-grade silicone elastomer - a non-allergenic, highly-biocompatible, chemically inert material which is used in the construction of artificial cardiac valves and pacemakers. This means that the Oves cap has a very low potential for causing irritation to the vaginal and cervical mucosa and, to date, there have been no reports of allergic reactions or irritation associated with its use.
WHERE TO OBTAIN A OVES CERVICAL CAP
For further information about counseling and fitting women with the Oves contraceptive cap, or about on-going trials, please contact Oves at:
Manufacturer:
Veos UK Limited
10 Greycoat Place
London SW1P 1SB
Website: Oves Cervical Cap Tel: +44 (0)20 7960 6066
Fax: +44 (0)20 7960 6696
To Purchase Oves Contraceptive Caps Online:
Lady To Baby
Website: ladytobaby.com
United States:
Natural Methods
300 International Drive, PMB# 10017
Williamsville, NY 14221
F: 888 247 9188
T: 866 628 7008
Canada:
Natural Methods Inc
12 French Drive, RR5
Orangeville, ON L9W 2Z2
P: 519 941 7008
F: 888 728 9976
T: 866 USE LADY
Australia:
1300 883 531
Local Hours: 12am - 11am
United Kingdom:
0 800 032 9596
Local Hours: 2pm - 1am
(Call center located in Canada.)
FOLLOW-UP CARE
Because cervical caps can cause certain types of infections or inflammations in the vaginal area, you'll want to have a Pap test taken within a few months after you begin using this method, just to make sure you're still in good health. After each use, wash the cap thoroughly with hot water and mild soap, or as directed by your health care provider or midwife. Each time you use the cap, check it for cracks or tears and replace it if it shows any signs of deterioration. Have your cap's fit rechecked annually and after a pregnancy.
INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE
A full set of user instructions is included in every pack of Oves contraceptive caps. Fitting Packs are available at larger branches of Boots The Chemists. The Fitting pack contains 3 caps - one of each size (26mm, 28mm, and 30mm). Women are recommended to consult their health care provider or family planning counselor for an initial fitting.
This is to ensure that she is anatomically suited to the cervical cap and that she uses the correct size. If she uses a size that is too small or too large, the contraceptive efficacy could be reduced or comfort compromised.
Contraindications
There are very few contraindications to cervical caps. There may be anatomical reasons why a cervical cap may not be suitable. It can be difficult to fit caps in women with a retroverted uterus, for example, or in women whose cervix is at an angle of greater than 90 degrees with respect to the vagina.
The woman should also be checked to see that there are no signs of vaginal or cervical infection or current pelvic inflammatory disease as the condition may be aggravated by using a barrier contraceptive. It would be advisable for a woman wanting to use the Oves cap to have a pap smear and exam before using the cap.
There is no evidence that cervical caps cause or aggravate dysplasia, but if this, or cervical or uterine cancer is present, the woman should be referred to a specialist for evaluation and advice.
Fitting the Cap
Finding the right size is important. Most women fit the 28mm Oves cap and this should be tried first. The smaller 26mm may be better in nulliparous women, whereas multiparous women may need the larger 30mm size.
The rim of the Oves cap should be seated well into the vaginal fornices at the base of the cervix around the whole of its perimeter. The seal of the rim should be snug with no laxness. If the rim is too large, the cap may be dislodged during use; if it is too small, the cap will not sit fully on the cervix and again could be dislodged or be uncomfortable.
However, it must be remembered that, unlike most other cervical caps, the Oves cap does not rely on rim suction: it fits by surface tension and should cling to the sides of the cervix like a membrane. The tip of the cervix need not reach right to the end of the dome.
Fitting Instructions
Remove the cap from its protective sachet.
Place a small amount of spermicide inside the dome.
Pinch the cap at its base with the dome facing downwards (fig A).
Introduce the cap into the vagina (fig B).
And push it towards the cervix (fig C).
When the bottom of the cap comes into contact with the cervix, position the cap so that it covers the cervix correctly (fig D). The cap is in the correct position when it cannot be pushed any further.
Positioning & Stability
The Oves cap should then be checked for mechanical stability - there should be no dislodgement when a reasonable amount force is applied by the finger. Check for positioning by running your finger round the rim of the cap to ensure it is in continuous contact with the cervix.
Removal
The Oves cap is removed by hooking a finger through a loop and pulling downwards with a smooth and steady motion (fig E). If this is difficult, the tip of dome can be pinched with two fingers and pulled to release the surface tension, allowing the cap to be withdrawn.
Training the Woman to Use the Cap
Inability to insert and remove the cap is one of the major reasons for women discontinuing with this method of contraception and increases the failure rate. Therefore, when the correct size has been selected, the woman should be encouraged to practice inserting and removing the Oves cap before leaving, so that any difficulties can be dealt with immediately.
Let the woman practice fitting and removing the cap and before she leaves the health care provider's office or clinic. Check that she has fitted it correctly. A useful starting point is for her to find her cervix, which may be slightly off-center. It should feel like the end of her nose. She may not be aware that access from the vagina to the cervix generally does not follow a straight line.
Follow-up
Some women find it tricky to insert a cap or diaphragm at first, but studies on barrier methods show that women rapidly become proficient. Women who persist usually find the technique that suits them. It is important therefore to encourage the woman not to give up if it is a little difficult at first. Studies of Oves show that most women find it easy or very easy to use by the third insertion.
The woman may need to change cap size following a birth, a miscarriage or an abortion. Weight loss or gain may also affect the size of her cervix.
Some women are sensitive to spermicide and may need to experiment with different brands in order to find one that is appropriate.
Emphasis on Key Points
It is important the health care provider or family planning counselor emphasizes certain key points to a women using the Oves cap for contraception. She should:
- Wash hands carefully before inserting or removing the cap.
- Insertion or removal is easier if she stands with one leg supported higher than the other or adopts a squatting position.
- Wear the cap during every act of intercourse.
- Oves caps should be used with a spermicidal gel or cream as recommended by a health care professional. Spermicidal gel is available over-the-counter in any pharmacy or it can be purchased Online.
- The cap must not be removed until at least 6 hours after intercourse, even if doing so causes her to exceed the 72 hour wear period.
- The cap should not be reused - it is disposable.
- Check that the cap is still in its correct place before removing it - if it has dislodged she should seek immediate medical advice about emergency contraception.
- Use Oves in conjunction with a condom the first few times she uses it, if she is in any way uncertain that she knows how to place the cap correctly.
- Not rely on the Oves cap to provide protection against the risk of sexually transmitted infections - if she is concerned about the risk of STI's, she should use a condom.
Further Assistance
Cap and diaphragm fitting is part of family planning training, but these devices have not been widely used in the recent past, so some practitioners may not have had a great deal of practice in fitting them. If you would like specific advice or training in fitting the Oves contraceptive cap, please contact the Oves Helpline: 0845-100=1122 for details.
OVES CONTRACEPTION CAP vs CONCEIVEX CONCEPTION CAP
The Oves Contraception Cap may look similar to the Conceivex Conception Cap found in the Conception Kit™, it is not the same and one should not be used in place of the other. The Conception Cap is bigger, deeper and contains ridges inside the cap for placing it on the cervix. It is NOT made for contraception and you can become pregnant if you try using it in place of the Oves Contraception Cap.
For more information about the Conception Cap and the Conception Kit™ by Conceivex Inc, please click on this link below. MoonDragon.org sells the Conception Kit™ through its website and would be happy to take your order when you feel it is time to conceive your baby.
The Conception Kit™ - Contents, Use & Purchase Information
TOXIC SHOCK SYNDROME WARNING SIGNS:
Be aware of Toxic Shock Syndrome symptoms and warning signs:
- Sudden high fever
- Vomiting, diarrhea
- Dizziness, faintness and weakness
- Sore throat, aching muscles and joints
- Rash, which looks like a sunburn
If you notice any of these warning signs, remove the diaphragm and consult your health care provider immediately.
Precautions:
Health care providers consider a few precautions when deciding if a woman can safely use the cervical cap. Some women or men may have an allergy to the cap materials or spermicide. Some women can't be fitted for a cap or can't insert it. Also, this method may not be recommended if a woman has a health problem such as a vaginal infection or an abnormal Pap smear. Women with a history of Toxic Shock Syndrome may be advised to use a different method.
NOTIFY YOUR MIDWIFE OR HEALTH CARE PROVIDER IF...
You are interested in a cervical cap for contraception.
You find defects in a cervical cap you are using.
Family Planning Conception & Contraception Products:
Spermicidal Products:
Male Condom Products:
Female Condom Products:
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