Q: What is the Lea's
Shield®?
A: Lea's Shield is a one-size-fits-all, reusable vaginal barrier
contraceptive device which completely covers the cervix, thereby
blocking sperm access to the cervix.
Q: What is the
difference between the cervical cap and the
Lea’s
Shield?
A: The cervical cap is held in place by the
cervix, thus, sizing the cervix is very critical in fitting a cervical
cap. Incorrect sizing of the cervix can lead to dislodgment of the cap
during sex. The Lea’s Shield is not held in place by the
cervix, but rather by the vagina’s wall, therefore cervix size does not
play a role.
Q: What is the
difference between the diaphragm and the
Lea’s
Shield?
A: The diaphragm is anchored in place by the pubic
bone and the posterior fornix. Since this distance varies from woman to
woman, the diaphragm must be fitted and sized in order to avoid
dislodgment during sex. The Lea’s Shield
works by volume and is held by the vagina’s muscles. It does not depend
on the vagina’s length.
Q: Does the
Lea’s Shield
need to be custom measured and fitted?
A: No. The Lea's Shield is one-size-fits-all women with
normal anatomy.
Q: How can one
size fit every woman?
A: The Lea's Shield fits (the anatomy of the vagina) by volume. Once inserted, the air trapped between the cervix and the
device will be vented out of the one-way valve, creating a tight fit
(seal) between the vagina’s wall and the device. The bowl of the
Lea's Shield is large enough to accommodate any normal sized cervix.
Q: Do I have to use spermicide with Lea’s
Shield?
A: It is recommended that you use nonoxynol-9 spermicide as directed with the Lea’s Shield. This spermicide is
commercially available and can be purchased from your pharmacy over the
counter.
Q: Is the
Lea’s Shield
easy to use?
A: Yes. You do not have to search for the cervix or pubic bone. Almost like a tampon, all you have to do is squeeze the device, insert
it and push it in as far as it can go. It “settles in place” and
automatically completely covers the cervix. Studies showed that the
average woman can learn how to insert and remove the Lea's Shield
just by reading the Lea’s Shield
User Manual.
Q: How effective is the
Lea’s Shield?
A: Motivation of the user is the key. Using the Lea's Shield
consistently and properly for every sex act will lead to
better efficacy. Clinical studies which included a high number of parous women (who previously gave birth) shows that the Lea's Shield
has a better efficacy then the diaphragm and the cervical cap. In
the nulliparous group (women who have not previously given birth), none
became pregnant. (However, the nulliparous group was too small to draw
any further conclusion.) All women had only an 8.7% chance of
getting pregnant within 6 months when using the Lea’s Shield.
No emergency contraceptive was used in the study in
conjunction with the Lea’s Shield.
Q: Who should use the
Lea’s
Shield?
A: 1) Highly motivated women who want to avoid
the use of hormones
2) Women on
hormones who forgot to take the
pill
3) Women who
cannot take the pill for medical reasons
4) Women who
are nursing a baby and cannot take hormones
5) Women who
want a "break" from the pill for a short time
Yama, Inc. recommends that all women have at least one
Lea’s Shield.
Q: When should I
insert my Lea’s
Shield?
A: Lea’s Shield can be inserted anytime
prior to intercourse, but must be left in place for at least 8 hours
after sex.
Q: The
Lea’s
Shield looks bulky. Does the
Lea’s
Shield interrupt spontaneity or
interfere with natural intercourse?
A: The Lea’s Shield works on the principal
of volume. Since vagina muscles can stretch some distance to
accommodate a baby’s head, once the Lea’s Shield is inserted you
should not feel it. The
Lea’s Shield will not interrupt spontaneity or
reduce sexual pleasure to either partner. The male partner may, on a
rare occasion, have a sense of awareness, and in rare cases, may object
to its use.
Q: How well was the
Lea’s
Shield accepted?
A: The results of a study of product acceptability
indicate that Lea’s Shield was very well accepted by women and
their partners. It was preferred over other barrier methods and 87% of
the participants said they would recommend it to a friend. “Ease of
insertion” and “removal” were cited as positive attributes.
Q: What are the
side effects of the Lea’s
Shield?
A: There are no known local or systemic side effects. Women
using any vaginal inserted product may encounter an urinary tract
infection. The study revealed that there is also no relationship between
urinary tract infection and the use of the Lea’s Shield.
Q: How do I clean
the Lea’s
Shield?
A: The Lea’s Shield
should be washed thoroughly with mild liquid soap for approximately 2
minutes, dried, and then stored in its silk pouch (see User Manual). It is recommended
that the Lea’s Shield
be replaced if it shows any signs of wear or deterioration.
Q:
Does health insurance cover the cost of the
Lea’s
Shield?
A: Since the device is a prescription birth control device, if your
health insurance company covers birth control it should cover Lea's
Shield®.
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