The cervical cap can be inserted up to 40 hours before sex, so you can put it in early, and it won’t get in the way of the moment. After having sex, you need to leave it in for six hours before removing it. You can leave it in for up to 48 hours, but if you’re going to have sex again while the cap is in, check to make sure it’s in place without removing it.
###How to put it in
With practice, most people are able to get the hang of putting in the cervical cap pretty quickly.
_Here's how to put the cervical cap in:_
1. Wash your hands with soap and water.
2. Check your cervical cap for holes and weak spots. Filling it with water is a good way to check---if it leaks, you’ve got a hole.
3. Put a quarter teaspoon or so (about a dime-sized amount) of spermicide in the dome of the cup (which is the part that’s going to be touching your cervix), and spread some around the rim, too.
4. Flip it over to the side with the removal strap and put another half teaspoon in the indentation between the brim and the dome.
5. Get comfy, like you’re going to put in a tampon. Some people like to put one leg up on the toilet seat cover, while others find that squatting gives them the best access.
6. Put your index and middle fingers into your vagina and feel for your cervix, so you’ll know where to place the cap. Your cervix will feel sort of hard but squishy, like the tip of your nose.
7. Separate the lips of your vulva with one hand, and use the other hand to squeeze the rim of the cap together.
8. Slide the cap into your vagina with the side that doesn’t have the strap on it going in first. The side of the brim that’s longer should go in first.
9. Push the cervical cap down toward your anus, then up and onto your cervix.
10. Make sure your cervix is totally covered.
11. After sex, leave your cervical cap in for at least six hours before taking it out.
You can leave the cervical cap in for up to 48 hours total. If you have sex again while it’s in, first do a quick check to make sure it’s still covering your cervix (without removing it). Most types of spermicide will come with an applicator that allows you to insert it high up into your vagina, close to your cervix. The six-hour clock starts again every time your partner ejaculates in your vagina or on your vulva.
_Here's how to take the cervical cap out:_
Once it’s been at least 6 hours since your partner last ejaculated in your vagina or on your vulva, here’s how to get the cervical cap out:
1. Wash your hands with soap and water.
2. Get into a comfortable position. Put a finger inside your vagina, get a hold of the removal strap, and rotate the cap.
3. Push on the dome a bit with your finger to break the suction.
4. Hook your finger under the strap and pull the cap out.
5. After you take it out, wash it with mild soap and warm water.
6. Let it air dry. Don’t use powders or lubricants on your cervical cap. (And it’s okay if it gets discolored over time, it’ll still work!)