Cervical cap, rubber covered with sponge, the "Improved Gem", patented in 1929

A woman inserts a cervical cap before sex. It is a barrier contraceptive. The cap sits over the cervix. It acts as a barrier to sperm entering the uterus. Cervical caps come in different sizes and material including rubber, plastic and metal. This cap is known as the ‘Improved Gem’ type. It was patented in 1929. It is made of rubber covered with a sponge to hold spermicidal cream. The cap was supplied by the Mother’s Clinic. This was founded by Dr Marie Stopes (1880-1958) in 1921.