FDA ApprovedBarrier Method

Cervical Cap

A small silicone cap that fits over the cervix by suction, used with spermicide before sex.

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Cervical Cap (Barrier Method)

Method facts

Cervical Cap
Effectiveness
78% typical use
How long it lasts
Reusable for up to 2 years (replace sooner if worn or damaged)
Reversibility
Reversible
STI protection
No
How you get it
Hybrid (Fitting or Ship) · Prescription required
Cost
$0–$90Insurance coverage: Usually
Status
FDA Approved

How well it works

78 out of 100 people successfully prevent pregnancy in a year. Typical use effectiveness rate.

Least effective: under 90 out of 100 people successfully prevent pregnancy per year.

How was this measured?

CDC lists a 22% typical-use failure rate for the cervical cap (Contraceptive Technology, 22nd ed.), so it is about 78% effective with typical use. Failure is higher after vaginal birth. In the FDA review of the pivotal FemCap trial, the 6-month pregnancy rate was 13.5% overall, 8.1% with the small cap, 8.2% with the medium cap, and 17.3% with the large cap used after vaginal birth. In an earlier FDA-approved study, the Prentif cavity-rim cap had a first-year pregnancy risk of about 11%.

Research source: CDC — Contraception, birth control methods and typical-use failure rates (Contraceptive Technology, 22nd ed.)

The details

What the evidence says

How well it works, what to watch for, who should avoid it, and the studies behind it.

How it works in the body

A small silicone cap fits snugly over the cervix and stays in place by suction, blocking sperm from entering the cervix. Used with spermicide inside the cap.

Side effects

  • Vaginal irritation from spermicide
  • Unusual vaginal discharge
  • Toxic shock syndrome risk if worn during a period

Who shouldn't use this

Talk to a clinician first if any of these apply

  • Cervical anomaly preventing fitA uterus or cervix with an unusual shape or structure, such as a distorted uterine cavity
  • Active pelvic infectionOngoing pelvic or vaginal infections
  • Sensitivity to silicone or spermicideAn allergy or sensitivity to a material used in a device or barrier
  • Inability to insert or remove reliablyNot being able to use the method correctly and consistently
  • History of toxic shock syndromeHaving had toxic shock syndrome, a serious and potentially life-threatening illness caused by a bacterial toxin. It has been reported with contraceptive sponge and diaphragm use.
  • High risk of HIV exposure (because of the spermicide)Repeated, high-dose use of the spermicide nonoxynol-9 is linked to genital lesions, which might increase the risk of HIV infection

Clinical guidelines

Cost and insurance

Often $0 with insurance, since Marketplace plans must cover FDA-approved contraception without a copayment. Without insurance, the manufacturer sells the cap for $90 as of October 2026, plus $39.95 for a telehealth prescription if you need one. Spermicide is extra.

Insurance coverageUsually

What to know about Cervical Cap

What it is

The cervical cap is a small silicone barrier that fits directly over the cervix and stays in place by suction. You apply spermicide inside the cap before inserting it, then leave it in place for at least six hours after sex; it can stay in place for up to 48 hours. Cervical caps are available by prescription in the United States.

How well it works

With typical use, the cervical cap is about 78% effective, based on the 22% typical-use failure rate CDC lists. It works less well for people who have given birth vaginally. In the pivotal FemCap trial reviewed by the FDA, people who had given birth vaginally and used the large cap had a 17.3% chance of pregnancy within 6 months, compared with about 8% for users of the small and medium caps. In an earlier FDA-approved study, the Prentif cavity-rim cap had a first-year pregnancy risk of about 11%.

How to use it

You need a prescription, which you can get from a clinician or through a telehealth service, and the cap can be shipped to you. The size is chosen from your pregnancy history. In the FDA-approved labeling, pregnancy history alone predicted the right size in about 85% of cases. The cap is reusable for up to two years with proper care.

1 product in this category

Specific branded items that use this method. Compare manufacturer details, active ingredients, and regulatory status.

Frequently asked questions

Sources (13)
  1. Research source: CDC — Contraception, birth control methods and typical-use failure rates (Contraceptive Technology, 22nd ed.)
  2. Research source: FDA PMA P020041 — FemCap premarket approval record
  3. Research source: FDA PMA P020041 — FemCap Summary of Safety and Effectiveness Data (pivotal trial results)
  4. Research source: FDA PMA P020041 — FemCap physician labeling
  5. Research source: Gallo MF et al. 2002, Cochrane Database Syst Rev — Cervical cap versus diaphragm for contraception (PMID 12519602)
  6. Research source: Richwald GA et al. 1989, Obstet Gynecol — Effectiveness of the cavity-rim cervical cap: results of a large clinical study (PMID 2664609)
  7. Clinical guideline: CDC U.S. MEC barrier methods
  8. Research source: Planned Parenthood — Cervical cap
  9. Research source: Planned Parenthood — How do I use a cervical cap?
  10. Research source: Planned Parenthood — How safe are cervical caps?
  11. Research source: FemCap — Get FemCap (US prescription and telehealth access)
  12. Research source: FemCap — Shop (US price)
  13. Clinical guideline: HealthCare.gov — Birth control benefits

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