| How it Works | Care of your diaphragm |
| Effectiveness | Pros and cons |
| Average Cost | Call a health care provider if |
| How to use it | More Information |
Diaphragms have been around since the 1830s. They were the first major
breakthrough for women seeking personal control over their fertility. Since then,
improvements in design and effectiveness have maintained their popularity.
How it
works.
A flexible rubber device shaped like a shallow cup, the diaphragm
is held in place over the cervix by the vaginal muscles. It serves to keep
contraceptive cream or foam close against the cervix. Any sperm that find their
way over the rim of the diaphragm will die when they encounter the spermicide.
The diaphragm has a failure rate of 20 percent.
Diaphragms are available in two types of rim: a flat ring, that can be squeezed into
a flat oval; or an arcing or coil spring, that forms a bent circle when squeezed. The
flat-ring type comes with an applicator to make insertion easier. You can insert an
arcing or coil spring diaphragm with your fingers.
You cant get a diaphragm without a doctors prescription. The devices come in
various sizes and must be fitted by a doctor or other health professional. First,
youll need an examination to determine the size thats best for you. Youll then be
shown how to insert the device, how to make sure it is in place, and how to
remove it. Some clinics and doctors offices dispense diaphragms themselves,
while others will give you a prescription that can be filled at a pharmacy.
EFFECTIVENESS:
85%
$20-45 - Plus the the gel cost of
It takes experience to place a diaphragm correctly. Your doctor
or nurse should let you practice putting it in and should check to see whether
youve placed it correctly. At the least, be sure to practice a little on your own
before you use a diaphragm for the first time.
Inserting an arcing or coil-spring diaphragm. Before inserting the
diaphragm, squeeze out a small amount -- about a teaspoonful -- of
spermicide into the rubber dome. Also spread a little around the inside of
the rim. Take care not to put too much on the rim; this could cause the
diaphragm to slip out of place.
Find a comfortable position -- lying on your back, standing with one leg
raised on a chair, or squatting with your knees apart. Squeeze the sides of
the rim together between two fingers. Angling it toward the small of your
back, insert it into your vagina, pushing it up and back with one finger as far
as it will go. Push the front edge of the rim up behind your pubic bone.
When properly in place, the diaphragm should completely cover your
cervix, with the back edge tucked between the cervix and the rear vaginal
wall, and the front edge wedged behind your pubic bone. After inserting the
diaphragm, feel your cervix with one finger to make sure it is completely
covered. If it isnt, take out the diaphragm, apply a little more spermicide to
the inside, and try again.
Inserting a flat-spring diaphragm. This type of diaphragm comes with a
plastic applicator that has a series of small notches on one side. The
notches are numbered to correspond to the size (the diameter in
centimeters) of your diaphragm. To use the applicator, hold your diaphragm
with the dome up and hook the rim onto the larger notch at the end of the
applicator. Find the notch corresponding to the size of your diaphragm and
hook the other end of the rim onto it. The diaphragm should be stretched
into a flat oval, with the dome puckered into folds. Squeeze the spermicide
into these folds and rub a little around the rim.
With the spermicide facing up, insert the applicator into the vagina. Angle it
toward the small of your back, pushing it gently along the rear wall of the
vagina. You are aiming for the small space between your cervix and the
rear wall. When you have pushed it as far as it will go, twist the applicator
to release the diaphragm, then remove the applicator. With one finger, push
the front edge of the rim up behind your pubic bone. Check to make sure
that the diaphragm covers your cervix.
Timing is important. Insert the diaphragm no more than 6 hours before
you have intercourse. Any longer and the spermicide will weaken. If sex is
delayed more than 6 hours, dont remove the diaphragm, but do insert
additional spermicide just before intercourse. If you have sex again within 6
hours, apply more spermicide beforehand, without removing the diaphragm.
Wait at least 6 hours after intercourse before removing the diaphragm, but
do not leave it in for more than 24 hours, as this increases your risk of a
vaginal infection. Do not douche while the diaphragm is still in place; this
can dilute the spermicide. To remove the diaphragm, reach inside your
vagina with one finger, hook it around the edge of the diaphragm, and
gently pull it out.
Care of your
diaphragm.
Do not use any product that is not intended
specifically for use with a diaphragm. Petroleum jelly, for example, can
disintegrate the rubber. Talk to your doctor or health care professional if
you have questions about the possible effect of a particular product on your
diaphragm.
It is important to check the diaphragm carefully for tiny cracks, tears and
holes before inserting it. Hold it up to a light and gently stretch the rubber
apart with your fingers. Take care not to push a fingernail through the
rubber. If you see any holes or cracks, substitute another birth control
method until you can buy a replacement.
After each use, wash your diaphragm with mild soap and warm (not hot)
water. Dry it with a towel, dust it slightly with cornstarch (not powder), and
store it in its case.
Although a diaphragm should last 2 years, have your doctor recheck the
size at least once a year. If you have gained or lost 10 pounds or more,
delivered a baby, or had an abortion, youll need to be measured sooner.
Pros and
cons.
When used correctly, the diaphragm can be a fairly effective
method of birth control. Many women rely on it for all or most of their
childbearing years. Not only does it offer protection against unwanted pregnancy,
it also appears to lower the risk of certain sexually transmitted diseases and of
some types of precancerous changes in the cervix.
Unlike condoms and spermicides, a diaphragm can be inserted hours in advance
of intercourse, permitting uninterrupted lovemaking. However, it does require
some forethought, and you must have it in place every time you have sex. Leaking
of spermicide and semen during the 6 hours after intercourse may prove to be
uncomfortable, though wearing a panty liner can help.
Some women get repeated urinary tract infections while using the diaphragm. If
your diaphragm is too large, the rim can press against the front wall of the vagina
and irritate the urethra (the tube that carries urine from your bladder). Symptoms
of a urinary tract infection include burning and pain during urination and a frequent
urge to urinate. Call your doctor if you experience any of these problems. It may
be a good idea to use another birth control method while you are undergoing
treatment. After the infection has cleared up, make an appointment to get your
diaphragm size rechecked.
YOU NEED TO CALL A HEALTH CARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY
IF:
You experience any of the following: pain or discomfort while it's in place; your partner experiences pain during intercourse;
frequent bladder infections; soreness of the vagina; rash in the genital area; or profuse, foul-smelling or itchy discharge.
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Additional Help and Information |
Information gathered from:
http://www.mjbovo.com/Contracept/Diaphragm.htm]