WHAT IS A DIAPHRAGM?
A diaphragm is a rubber dome-shaped device which the woman places into her vagina so that it covers the 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 16% 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.
WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES?
- When used perfectly, only 6 couples in 100 become pregnant the first year using a diaphragm.
- The diaphragm gives the woman control.
- The diaphragm can be put in within 6 hours of initiation of sexual intimacy.
- Your partner can put it in as part of lovemaking.
- There are no hormones involved, and 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. The diaphragm holds back menstrual blood.
- The diaphragm may slightly reduce the risk for cervical infections, including gonorrhea, chlamydia, human papilloma virus (HPV), and pelvic inflammatory disease (PID).
- It may be used during breastfeeding after vagina and cervix have returned to non-pregnant shape.
WHAT ARE THE DISADVANTAGES?
- This method has relatively high failure rates.
- You must be fitted for a diaphragm by a clinician.
- You should wash your hands with soap and water before putting in your diaphragm.
- Insertion of the diaphragm may interrupt sex.
- Using 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 too long, the diaphragm slightly increases your risk for a 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.
- A new fitting may be necessary after having a baby, an abortion, miscarriage, or gaining 15 pounds.
- The diaphragm must be left in place 6 hours after the last act of intercourse.
WHERE CAN I GO TO GET A DIAPHRAGM?
You must be fitted for a diaphram in a clinician’s office. Be sure you are shown how to insert and remove the diaphragm. You should also walk around your clinician's office to test its long-term comfort. 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.
WHAT IF I HAVE SEX AND DON’T USE BIRTH CONTROL?
Did you know that for 120 hours after sex, you can take emergency contraceptive pills to avoid becoming pregnant? AND for 5 to 7 days after sex, you can have an IUD put in so you won't become pregnant? Emergency postcoital insertion of the Copper T 380 A IUD (ParaGard) is the most effective currently available postcoital contraceptive. Not all clinicians know about this. If you want more information or would like the phone numbers of clinicians near you that prescribe emergency birth control, call the toll-free hotline (1-888) NOT-2-LATE. Some of these sources of help are free. PLAN B is the emergency contraceptive pill that causes the least nausea and the least vomiting. | |
