Q: I am looking into ordering either the femcap or the caya diaphragm, and I noticed that you mentioned that the femcap is covered under most Canadian extended health plans that cover contraception, which mine does, but you don't mention that for the caya - is there a difference in insurance coverage between the two in your experience? If you could let me know that would be great.
A: In the US, both items are prescription items and would be covered by plans that reimburse prescription contraception. Both the FemCap and the Caya are non prescription items in Canada, so your insurance might cover both, or neither, or an initial "Contraceptive Kit" and then not reimburse the Contragel subsequently. Please contact your own insurance company to find out what your plan covers.
Q: It looks like the femcap is a bit more effective than the caya based on your site, is that accurate?
A: The FemCap is significantly more effective than the conventional round latex diaphragm, and more comfortable. Used every time it's 98% effective at preventing pregnancy. 80% of old model diaphragm users prefer it. The FemCap also carries no risk of bladder irritation, unlike the diaphragm which sits on the pubic bone near the bladder. I recommend the FemCap over the diaphragm when there is a history of Urinary Tract Infections.
Q: I am a bit nervous about the sizing of the femcap. I have never had children, nor have I been pregnant that I am aware of, but the small one looks quite small in the pictures. Is it common for it not to fit? Any info you can give me would be hugely appreciated. Thank you!
A: The size of the cap suits the size of your cervix, which almost exclusively has to do wth whether you've experienced the hormonal changes of pregnancy, and the opening of vaginal childbirth. Size 22 is your size if you've not experienced a pregnancy of 2 weeks or more, but size 26mm is probably your best fit if:
a) You are over 30 or
b) You have been sexually active with partner(s) for ten or more years where conception could have occurred
c) You have used emergency Contraceptives more than once
It is NOT common for the recommended size of cap not to fit. The only two instances of a cap not fitting that a client let me know about, out of @1000+ caps sold, are:
1. The client's 22mm cap seemed too small and a doctor confirmed that she had been pregnant at some point but not known it. If your cervix is thicker than your thumb, this may be the case. Order a 26mm.
2. The client's pelvic and vaginal muscles were too weak to hold the 26mm cap in place, but a 30mm cap worked and I advised the client on how to exercise her muscles in order to increase fitness and pleasure, and decrease the chances of problems wth her bladder and uterus down the road. In fact, the client's doctor had advised surgery to hold her organs n place. Hopefully wth some Kegel's and belly dancing she will escape the need for surgery and her sex life will blossom!