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Sexual Health Centre
Birth Control |
Diaphragm
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Push the diagram
along the floor of the vagina to the cervix. (Art by Kathryn Maney)
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A diaphragm is a shallow dome-shaped
cap of latex with a flexible
rim. It is filled with spermicide and covers the entry to the cervix. There
are many different sizes of diaphragms. You must visit a doctor or clinic
to be examined and measured to find the size that fits you best. A diaphragm
can be left in place for up to 24 hours.
Using a Diaphragm
- Fill the dome with a teaspoon
of contraceptive jelly or cream.
- Squat and open the lips
of the vagina.
- Hold the diaphragm, dome
down, and squeeze the rim together to form an arc
- Insert the diaphragm into
the vagina and push it along the floor of the vagina as far as it will
go.
- Tuck the front rim of the
diaphragm up behind the pelvic bone.
- Check that you have covered
the cervix (the smooth bump at the back of your vagina).
- When having intercourse,
do not use Vaseline or other oil based lubricants.
Oil-based lubricants can breakdown the latex in your diaphragm.
- If you have intercourse
more than once, insert another applicator of spermicide into the vagina.
You may also wish to add extra spermicide if more than two hours pass
between inserting the diaphragm and sex. Do not remove the diaphragm
to add more spermicide.
- Leave the diaphragm in place
for six to eight hours after intercourse.
Don't leave the diaphragm in place more than 24 hours unless the six-hour
waiting period is not over.
If the cap is dislodged during
intercourse you may wish to contact your doctor or clinic and ask that emergency
contraception be prescribed.
Caring for
a Diaphragm
A diaphragm should be washed after
each use with a mild non-phosphate detergent and left to dry. It may be
dusted with cornstarch to keep it odour free. Keep the diaphragm in its
case and away from heat. Hold the diaphragm up to the light to check for
holes at least every three months. It should last one to two years.
You may need to be fitted
with a new diaphragm if:
- you gain more than 10 pounds
- it causes pain
- you have a full-term pregnancy,
an abortion or pelvic surgery
Advantages
- it can be inserted hours
before intercourse so sex can be spontaneous
- you only use it when you
need to
- neither partner can feel
the diaphragm
- you control this method
of birth control
- it can be used to hold back
your menstrual flow if you wish to have sex during your period
- it does not cause any hormonal
changes in your body
Disadvantages
- must be fitted by a doctor
or in a clinic
- is less effective for women
who have very frequent intercourse
One study showed that women who had sex more than three or more times
a week were more likely to have this method fail.
- causes pelvic pain in some
women
- may increase your risk of
urinary tract infections
- does not protect against
sexually transmitted infections
- some women are uncomfortable
inserting and removing it or have difficulty doing so
- spermicidal jellies and
cream may cause irritation and often taste bad Vaginal irritation can
increase your risk of sexually transmitted infections.
- increased risk of toxic
shock syndrome if the diaphragm is left in place too long
- needs to be cleaned after
each use
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