Leas Shield was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration in March 2002. It is a reusable cervical barrier up made of medical grade silicone rubber. Leas Shield has the same shape as cervical cap and it also contains a valve in the center and a loop at the anterior end to facilitate removal. It acts by preventing sperm from entering the cervix. The first year failure rate is 9-14 percent. The failure rate varies by parity and concurrent use of spermicides. The acceptability of the Leas Shield was higher among female users than their partners. Women choosing Leas Shield as their contraceptive method require a clinician’s assistance and instructions during the first use and so it is available by prescription only.
For maximum effectiveness Leas Shield should be inserted in vagina anytime before intercourse and should be left in for 8 hours after intercourse. The shield should never be left in vagina for more than 48 hours, however. It should be properly cleaned and stored for future use.
