Diaphragm

COMFORTABLE WITH YOUR BODY
If you’re not okay with putting your fingers inside yourself, a diaphragm probably isn’t for you. It’s a little like putting in a tampon, though: If you can do that, you can probably manage.

IT TAKES DISCIPLINE
You’ve got to remember to insert your diaphragm each and every time you have sex, so it takes a bit of self-discipline and planning. But at least you can carry it with you in your purse if you want.

ALLERGY ISSUES
If you’re allergic to silicone or spermicide, you shouldn’t use this method.

NOT WHILE YOU’RE BLEEDING
Don’t use a diaphragm while you’re having your period.

THE PREGNANCY QUESTION
You’ll be able to get pregnant as soon as you stop using the diaphragm. So protect yourself with another method right away.

A DIAPHRAGM CAN BE INSERTED JUST BEFORE SEX,
but it can also go in hours before you get to it so that it doesn’t get in the way of the moment. But no matter when it goes in, you have to be sure to leave it in for at least six hours after you have sex. If you’re going to have sex again that day, just leave the diaphragm in place and insert more spermicide way up in your vagina. Just don’t leave your diaphragm in for more than 24 hours.

BEFORE YOU PUT IT IN
Add about a teaspoon of spermicide to the inner part of the diaphragm, and spread a little of it around the rim, as well. (Not too much, or it’ll be too slippery to hang on to.) Ortho Gynol II is specifically designed for diaphragms, and comes with an applicator you can use if you’re going to have sex more than once within six hours (you’ll need to add additional spermicide). Any kind of contraceptive gel or spermicide will do, except for the film or insert/suppository types. Don’t forget to check the expiration date.

HOW TO PUT IT IN
Inserting a diaphragm may sound difficult, but with a bit of practice, it’s not so tough.
Here’s the deal:

• Wash your hands. Soap and water, no shortcuts.


• Check your diaphragm for holes and weak spots. Filling it with water is a good way to check. If it leaks, you’ve got a hole, which sort of defeats the whole purpose.


• Put a teaspoon or so of spermicide in the cup, and spread some around the rim, too.


• Get comfy, like you’re going to put in a tampon.


• Separate the outer lips of your vagina with one hand, and use the other hand to pinch the rim of the diaphragm and fold it in half.


• Put your index finger in the middle of the fold to get a good, firm grip. (And yes, you’ll be touching the spermicide.)


• Push the diaphragm as far up and back into your vagina as you can, and make sure to cover your cervix.

HAVING ANOTHER GO AT IT?
You need to leave the diaphragm in for six hours after sex. If you have sex a second time within those six hours, first insert more spermicide. (Ortho Gynol II comes with an applicator that measures how much you’ll need, and gets it where it needs to go.) Then the six-hour clock starts again, counting from the last time you have sex.

HOW TO TAKE IT OUT
Of course, what goes in must come out. Here’s how:

• Wash your hands again.


• Put your index finger inside your vagina and hook it over the top of the rim of the diaphragm.


• Pull the diaphragm down and out.

Still having trouble? Ask your doctor about getting an inserter, or consider switching to another method.

Finally, take good care of your diaphragm and it can last for several years.

• After you take it out, wash it with mild soap and warm water.


• Let it air dry.


• Don’t use powders or oil-based lubricants (like Vaseline or cold cream) on your diaphragm.


• And don’t worry if it becomes discolored. It’ll still work.

THERE ARE POSITIVE AND NEGATIVE THINGS TO SAY about each and every method. And everyone’s different—so what you experience may not be the same as what your friend experiences.

THE POSITIVE
Positive “side effects”? You bet. There are actually lots of things about birth control that are good for your body as well as your sex life.

• You can put a diaphragm in hours in advance


• You can have sex as many times as you like while it’s in


• Neither you nor your partner should be able to feel it


• Doesn’t affect your hormones


• Decreases the risk of pelvic inflammatory disease and tubal infertility


• Can be used while breastfeeding

THE NEGATIVE
Everyone worries about negative side effects, but for most people, they’re not a problem.

• Some people have a hard time inserting it


• Can cause vaginal irritation


• Some people wind up getting frequent urinary tract infections


• You have to use it every time you have sex, no matter what


• If you’re allergic to spermicide or silicone, you shouldn’t use a diaphragm


• Can get pushed out of place by large penises, heavy thrusting, or certain sexual positions


• You need a prescription

WE’RE HERE TO GET THIS METHOD WORKING BETTER FOR YOU.
And if it still doesn’t feel right, we’ve got ideas for other methods. Just remember: If you change methods, make sure you’re protected during your switch.

IT’S IRRITATING ME.
The irritation could actually be from an allergy to spermicide. If the irritation is mild, you might try another type of spermicide. Also, you could be allergic to latex, the material that diaphragms are made from. If this is the case, you may need to switch to another birth control method.

Still not working?
If the irritation is more severe or sticks around once you try different types of spermicide, think about trying a method that doesn’t require any, like the IUD, implant, shot, ring, or patch.

IT’S HARD TO INSERT AND/OR REMOVE.
This might get easier with practice. If you haven’t yet read our section on how to use it, you might want to check that out.

Still not working?
Sometimes you just have to do it more to get used to it. Practice a little more and do so when it’s not the heat of the moment. Hopefully you’ll soon find it easier to use.

I KEEP GETTING URINARY TRACT INFECTIONS.
Some people do get urinary tract infections from using the diaphragm. It might help if you pee before inserting the diaphragm and after you have sex. You might also check with your doctor to make sure your diaphragm fits correctly.

Still not working?
If you’re still having UTIs and want to switch methods, you might want to consider a method you don’t have to insert yourself each time you have sex. You might try IUD, implant, shot, ring, or patch.