Diaphragms

Diaphragms

What is a diaphragm?

It's a dome-shaped rubber cup stretched over a flexible ring.

How does it work?

First, spermicidal lubricant is applied to the diaphragm. (Spermicide must be used.) Then, it is inserted into the vagina, covering the cervix.

It acts as a barrier, stopping those pesky sperm from entering the uterus. If any sperm do sneak past, they are taken out of commission by the spermicide.

How effective is a diaphragm?

This is the least effective method we have profiled. With perfect use, it has a failure rate of about six percent. But typical use shows that 18 percent of women using a diaphragm experience accidental pregnancy within the first year of use.

Most of this difference is probably due to improper usage. But studies show that women under 25, who have sex more than three times a week, might be even more than 18 percent susceptible to pregnancy.

Advantages

Unlike the pill and many other contraceptive methods, the diaphragm does not interrupt or alter bodily processes.

Because you can insert it up to two hours before intercourse, it does not have to interfere with sexual spontaneity.

It can be used during menstruation.

Disadvantages

Does not provide adequate protection against STDs and HIV.

Must be inserted, which may be uncomfortable for some women.

Partners sometimes feel the diaphragm during intercourse.

Causes a slightly increased risk of bladder infection.

How do you use it?

You need a pelvic exam to ensure proper fit of the diaphragm. At that time, the clinician will give you instructions for using the diaphragm.

Some important facts relating to usage:

The diaphragm may be inserted up to two hours before intercourse.
It must be left in for eight hours after the last act of intercourse.
Spermicide must be reapplied with an applicator before each new act of intercourse.
The diaphragm should removed within 24 hours of insertion to avoid toxic shock syndrome.

True story:

I was going to visit my boyfriend at his college. I hadn't seen him for over two months, so, obviously, I was looking forward to having sex. When I bought the plane ticket I didn't think about when I would be getting my period. But then, a week before I left, I realized that my period would probably start the day before I got there, and it wouldn't end until I went back to my school. There was no way I was going to let that ruin the one weekend I had with my boyfriend, so I went to my gynecologist and asked her about a diaphragm -- I had heard that you can use them when you have your period and they cut off the flow. She told me about it, and gave me a fitting. I used it that weekend, and it really wasn't that bad. A little messy when you remove it maybe, but much better than nothing at all.
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