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The diaphragm
is a rubber disk which the woman places into her vagina so that it covers
her cervix, the opening to the uterus. The diaphragm blocks the man's semen
from entering the cervix. A spermicide placed onto the diaphragm kills
sperm and physically blocks the cervix. Among typical couples who initiate
use of the diaphragm, about 20% will experience an accidental pregnancy
in the first year. If the diaphragm is used consistently and correctly,
about 6% will become pregnant.
Complete information about this contraceptive is available from your
clinician or from the package insert accompanying your diaphragm.
- The diaphragm is fairly effective and gives the woman control.
- When used perfectly, only 6 couples in 100 become pregnant the first year using a diaphragm.
- The diaphragm can be put in several hours before initiation of sexual activity.
- Your partner can put it in as part of love-making.
- The diaphragm is safe and contains no hormones. Thus, there are no hormonal side effects.
- The penis can remain inside the vagina after ejaculation.
- Intercourse during a woman's period is less messy with a diaphragm because the diaphragm holds back menstrual blood.
- You must be fitted for a diaphragm by a clinician.
- You should wash your hands with soap and water before putting in your diaphragm.
- You MUST use spermicide with the diaphragm.
- Insertion of the diaphragm may interrupt sex.
- You have to take your diaphragm with you on vacations or trips.
- Use of the diaphragm increases your risk for urinary tract infections.
- Some women find the diaphragm unattractive.
- If you do not like touching your vagina, the diaphragm may not be a good method for you.
- It is difficult for some women to insert a diaphragm correctly.
- If left in for too long, the diaphragm slightly increases your risk for a very serious infection called toxic shock syndrome. Don't leave your diaphragm in for more than 48 hours.
- The diaphragm may slip out of place during sex. If you change positions, you may want to check to see that the diaphragm is still covering the cervix.
- After putting it in, you have to check to be sure the diaphragm is covering the cervix.
- A new fitting may be necessary after having a baby, abortion, miscarriage, or gaining 15 pounds.
- The diaphragm must be left in place 6 hours after the last act of intercourse.
You must be fitted for a diaphragm in a clinician's office. Be sure
you are shown how to insert and remove the diaphragm. You will be given
a prescription for the specific type of diaphragm you will use. You must
go to a drugstore to get the actual diaphragm and the spermicide to use
with the diaphragm.
For 72 hours AFTER unprotected sex, you can take emergency
contraceptive pills to avoid becoming pregnant. For up to 7 days AFTER
unprotected sex, you can have an IUD
put in. Not all clinicians know about emergency contraception. If you want
more information or would like the phone numbers of clinicians near you
who prescribe emergency contraception, CALL the toll-free hotline 1-888-NOT-2-LATE
or 1-800-584-9911. Some of these sources of help are free.
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physical devices
cervical cap
condoms for men
condoms for women
vaginal film(VCF)
diaphragm
copper T IUD
emergency IUD
levonorgestrel IUD
implanon implant
norplant implants
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