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    A cervical cap is a non-hormonal birth control method that you only use during sex — here's how it works

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    This article was medically reviewed by Lauren Demosthenes, MD, OB-GYN, senior medical director at Babyscripts.

    • A cervical cap is a method of birth control that you insert into your vagina to cover your cervix.
    • You also need to line the cap with spermicide to kill any sperm that make it past the barrier.
    • A cervical cap is about 86% effective, whereas the birth control pill can be up to 99% effective.

    A cervical cap is a silicone device that's meant to block sperm from reaching your cervix in order to prevent pregnancy. 

    It's one of several examples of, what are called, "barrier method" birth controls that also include condoms, diaphragms, and sponges.

    Cervical caps are relatively rare in the US — less than 1% of Americans have used one — and they're less effective than other, more common, forms of birth control.

    Here's what you need to know about cervical caps and how to use them.

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