What is a diaphragm?
It is a female contraceptive method made of rubber, dome-shaped and reusable.
How is it applied?
- After the examination, your doctor will recommend an appropriate size diaphragm for you. It can be applied up to 1 hour before intercourse, 6 hours of protection continues. It should be left in the vagina for 6-24 hours after intercourse.
- Squeeze spermicide (spermicidal gel) into it, twist it on both sides and advance it towards the cervix between 2 fingers.
- It is protective against pregnancy when used with spermicides. Lubricant other than water-based lubricant should not be used.
- It can be washed with soapy, warm water and reused. Can be used up to 2 years.
What are the Side Effects?
It may cause urinary tract infections, vaginal infections and toxic shock syndrome (if left in the vagina for a long time).
Who Should Not Use Diaphragm?
Those with lower genital and urinary tract infections, those with menstruation, those with vaginal bleeding, those with loose vaginal muscles should not use it.
What is Cervical Hat, Cervical Cap?
- It is a hat-shaped device made of rubber.
- It prevents the passage of sperm into the cervix.
- Its effectiveness increases when used with spermicides.
The failure rate of the diaphragm is 14%.
