The diaphragm is a
round rubber dome that fits inside a
woman's vagina and covers her cervix. It must be used with spermicide (a sperm-killing
cream or jelly).
The diaphragm is a
barrier method of birth control that
prevents pregnancy by placing a physical
and chemical "wall" between the sperm
and the cervix. It must always be used
with a spermicidal cream or jelly.
Be sure that the jelly or cream you
purchase is a spermicide containing
nonoxynol-9.
The diaphragm
is NOT the most effective form
of birth control. Effectiveness
includes the use of spermicide.
Among perfect users (women
who use the diaphragm EVERY time
they have sex), about 6 in 100
women (6%) is expected to become
pregnant over the first year of
use. Among typical users,
18 in 100 women will become pregnant
over one year of use. However,
using a condom along with the
diaphragm will increase the effectiveness
AND provide protection from sexually
transmitted disease.
Are
there any reasons why I shouldn't use
the Diaphragm?
The diaphragm may not
be a good choice for you if you
are unlikely to use it correctly
every time you have sex. You
may not be able to use it if you
or your partner is sensitive to
the chemicals used in spermicides
or has a latex allergy. You may
have a higher failure rate if
you have intercourse three or
more times per week.
Here are
the basic instructions for inserting
a diaphragm:
Wash your
hands carefully with soap
and water before inserting
the diaphragm. Apply spermicidal
cream or jelly around the
rim and inside the dome of
the diaphragm. The spermicide
must be on the side of the
diaphragm facing or in contact
with the cervix. It also
can be placed on both sides.
Squeeze the
rim of the diaphragm between
your fingers and insert it
into your vagina. When the
diaphragm is pushed up as
far as it will go, the front
part of the rim should be
up behind a bone you can feel
in front of your pelvis (the
pubic bone). Tuck the front
rim of the diaphragm up as
far as it will comfortably
go.
Check to
see if your cervix is covered.
To do this, reach inside and
touch your cervix. The cervix
feels something like the tip
of your nose. After the diaphragm
is in place, the cervix should
be completely covered by the
rubber dome.
