Q): How much does the FemCap cost?
A): The suggested retail price is $68.95 for a single FemCap and
$88.95 for the two-FemCap kit. Each kit contains the instructional
videotape.
Q): How does the FemCap work?
A): It prevents sperm from entering the cervix. The FemCap should
be used with a small amount of 2% Nonoxynol-9 spermicide to reinforce
the mechanical barrier of the FemCap with a chemical sperm-killing
agent. About ¾ teaspoon is plenty.
Q): What are the side effects of the FemCap?
A): There are no known local or systemic side effects.
Q): How about the irritation caused by the spermicide?
A): The currently available spermicide has been sold over the
counter for more than thirty years with an excellent safety record.
It is true that spermicide can cause irritation when used very
frequently and in very high doses. To minimize the irritation
caused by spermicide, the FemCap is designed with a
unique groove facing the vagina. This groove stores the bulk of
the spermicide and minimizes its leakage. The storage
of the bulk of spermicide in this groove ensures immediate and
prolonged exposure of sperm to the spermicide as soon as it is
deposited into the vagina.
Q): Is it easy to use?
A): Yes, it is easy to use. The average woman can learn how to
insert and remove the FemCap on her own in a few minutes and master its use in a few days.
Q): What is the effectiveness rate of the FemCap?
A): Effectiveness depends on the motivation of the user and whether
she uses the FemCap consistently and properly every time she has
sex. There is a wide range of effectiveness among users. It is
estimated that the FemCap may achieve up to 96-98% success in
preventing pregnancy if used PERFECTLY.
The perfect use estimation is based on the fact that if emergency
contraception (plan-B) is used alone, it would be 95% effective
if used within 24 hours and 89% effective if used within 72 hours
in preventing pregnancy.
The seven requirements for perfect use are:
1. The ideal Women should be motivated to use the FemCap and wants
to avoid the
use of hormones.
2. Women should watch the instructional video very carefully before
using the FemCap.
3. A back-up contraceptive method should be used during the learning
phase;
4. The FemCap should be inserted before any sexual
arousal.
5. The correct amount of spermicide should be applied to the FemCap
and its position should be checked before each use.
6. The FemCap must be left in place at least six hours after the
last act of intercourse.
7. Emergency contraception should be employed
if the woman did not use the FemCap at all or used it incorrectly.
In the worst-case scenario, the FemCap (first-generation,
obsolete now and not approved by the FDA) was 86.5% successful
in preventing pregnancy in the six-month clinical trials. All women who volunteered and participated in the clinical trials
were novices and selected at random to cover the entire socioeconomic
spectrum. Women in these clinical trials were prohibited from
using any back-up method during the learning phase, and were not
even allowed to watch the instructional videotape. Women in these
trials were also prohibited from using emergency contraception
even if they admitted to having forgotten to use the FemCap.
Q): Can the FemCap be used during menstruation?
A): No. The FemCap can not be used during menstruation, as it
would impede the natural flow of menstrual fluid.
Q): Will the FemCap be available over
the counter in the pharmacies?
A): No. At the moment, the FemCap should be prescribed and provided
by a nurse practitioner, nurse midwife, physician’s assistant,
or a doctor. Future availability in the Pharmacist is pending
and would be by prescription from a health care professional.
Q): How is the FemCap cleaned between
uses? How often should it be replaced?
A): The FemCap should be washed thoroughly with antibacterial
hand soap and rinsed with tap water, then dried and stored in
its container. It is recommended the FemCap be replaced every
year or sooner if it shows any signs of deterioration.
Q): Does the FemCap need measurement and
custom fitting?
A): No. The fit of the FemCap is determined by the obstetrical
history of the woman. Women who have never been pregnant will
use the 22mm FemCap; women who miscarried or had caesarian section
will take the 26mm; and women who have vaginally delivered a full-term
baby will take the 30mm FemCap.
Q): Does the FemCap interrupt spontaneity
or interfere with natural intercourse?
A): The FemCap does not interrupt spontaneity or reduce sexual
pleasure to either partner. The male partner may, rarely, have
a sense of awareness.
Q): How well has the FemCap been accepted?
A): The FemCap is highly accepted by women and their partners.
In the clinical trials, seventy-five percent of women who had
had prior experience with the diaphragm preferred the FemCap.
Q):Does health insurance cover the cost of
the FemCap?
A): Yes, if your health insurance covers birth control.
FemCap Inc. will provide you with proof of payment to submit to
your insurance.
For Clinicians use the following CPT codes
for services:
Initial Office Visit, Annual Examination CPT Code............................................
99243
Follow up visit.........................................................................................................
99214
Diagnostic ICD9 Code for Cervical Cap fitting is (Other Contraception).......V25.49
FemCap has been added to the California State
Family PACT formulary. Use the following NDC codes for reimbursement:
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