Review: the Prentif cervical cap was as effective as the diaphragm in preventing pregnancy, and the FemCap was not
QUESTION: Is the cervical cap more effective, safe, and acceptable than the diaphragm for contraception?
Data sources
Studies were identified by searching Medline, Popline, Cochrane Controlled Trials Register, EMBASE/Excerpta Medica, and LILACS; reviewing the references of pertinent articles; and contacting manufacturers and investigators in the field.
Study selection
Studies were selected if they were randomised controlled trials in any language comparing a cervical cap with a diaphragm in women of reproductive age with no contraindications to either barrier method.
Data extraction
2 reviewers independently extracted data on study quality (design, blinding, randomisation method, allocation concealment, follow up, and discontinuation rates), participant characteristics, type of cervical cap and diaphragm, and results. Extracted data were verified by a second reviewer. Outcomes were contraceptive efficacy, discontinuation, safety, and acceptability.
Main results
2 trials met the selection criteria: 1 trial compared the Prentif Cavity Rim Cervical Cap (Lamberts Ltd, Oxford, UK) with the Ortho diaphragm (Ortho Pharmaceutical Corporation, Raritan, NJ, USA) (n=1529, 6–24 mo follow …
