A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P R S T U V W

DIAPHRAGMS AND CAPS

What are Diaphragms and Caps ?

Diaphragms and caps are barrier methods of contraception. They fit inside your vagina and cover your cervix. Vaginal diaphragms are circular domes made of thin, soft rubber with a flexible rim. Cervical caps are smaller. New varieties of caps are becoming available made from silicone. To be effective, diaphragms and caps need to be used with a spermicide. These are chemicals which destroy sperm. Not every woman can use diaphragms and caps: your doctor or nurse will advise you.

How do Diaphragms and Caps work ?

A diaphragm or cap stops sperm reaching an egg. It covers your cervix while the spermicide kills any sperm.

How effective are Diaphragms and Caps ?

If used according to instructions diaphragms and caps are 92-96% effective. This means that between 4 and 8 women in 100 will get pregnant in a year. If they are not used according to instructions, the chances of becoming pregnant are considerably higher.

What are the advantages of Diaphragms and Caps?

There are no serious health risks. You only have to use a diaphragm or cap when you have sex, so you are in control of your contraception and you can put it in at any convenient time before you have sex. Diaphragms and caps may also give you some protection against cervical cancer and some sexually transmitted infections.

What are the disadvantages of Diaphragms and Caps ?

It can take time to learn how to put in a cap correctly and some people find the spermicide messy. Putting in a diaphragm or cap can interrupt sex, or if put in earlier you need to think ahead. Cystitis can be a problem for some women who use a diaphragm. Ask the doctor or nurse to check the size of your diaphragm if you suffer from cystitis. Changing to a slightly smaller or softer-rimmed (coil spring) diaphragm or to a cervical cap may help. The rubber or spermicide can cause an irritation in some women and their partners. Using a different spermicide may help.

How are Diaphragms and Caps used?

The diaphragm: A doctor or nurse will show you how to put your diaphragm in. Put two strips of spermicide cream or jelly on each side of the diaphragm. The strips need to be about 2cm long. Some women find that putting a little spermicide on the rim makes the diaphragm easier to put in. Put your index finger on top of the diaphragm and squeeze the diaphragm between your thumb and other fingers. Slide the diaphragm into your vagina downwards and backwards. This will make sure that the diaphragm covers your cervix. The diaphragm can be inserted dome up or dome down - whichever you find easier. You must check that you can feel your cervix covered by the rubber. The cervix feels like the end of your nose. If it is not covered, take the diaphragm out by hooking your finger under the rim and pulling downwards and try again. Some women squat while they put their diaphragm in. Others lie down or stand with one foot up on a chair. You will need to find out which position is easiest for you. The cap: Fill one-third of the cap with spermicide, but don't put any spermicide around the rim as this will stop the cap from staying in place. Squeeze the sides of the cap together and hold it between your thumb and first two fingers. The cap must fit neatly over your cervix. It stays in place by suction. Once you have put the cap in, add some more spermicide. You must leave all types of diaphragms and caps in place for at least six hours after the last time you had sex. You can leave it for longer, but don't leave a rubber cap or diaphragm in for more than 30 hours. The new silicone caps can be left in for longer, depending on the type. Take it out by gently hooking your finger under the rim or loop and pull downwards. A doctor or nurse will first fit you with a practice diaphragm or cap to try for a week or so. Don't rely on it to stop you getting pregnant. You will need to use another method of contraception if you have sex. When you go back to get it checked, wear the diaphragm or cap so the doctor or nurse can check that you have put it in properly and that it is the right size. Ask them any questions you have. They will then give you a diaphragm or cap that you can use for contraception.

What to watch out for with Diaphragms and Caps

When you take your rubber diaphragm or cap out, wash it in warm water with a mild unperfumed toilet or baby soap. Then rinse it thoroughly. Dry it carefully and keep it in its box in a cool dry place. Never boil your diaphragm or cap and never use talcum powder, disinfectant, detergent or any oil-based product on it. Before use, check it regularly for tears or holes by holding it up to the light and having a good look at it. Be careful with your nails and jewellery. If your diaphragm goes out of shape, squeeze it gently back into its circular shape. Your diaphragm or cap may become discoloured but don't worry, this will not make it less effective. Silicone caps vary. Some need to be washed, others are used once only and then thrown away. If you start your period while your diaphragm or cap is in place it will collect the blood. Take your diaphragm or cap out six hours after you have sex and use a sanitary towel or tampon. Don't wear a rubber diaphragm or cap for longer than 30 hours at a time because of the possible risk of toxic shock syndrome (TSS). Put your diaphragm or cap in after a bath rather than before. This is because water may wash away the spermicide or move the cap. Have a shower rather than a bath during the six hours that you need to keep your diaphragm or cap in after you have had sex. The effect of swimming or watersports has not been studied, but it is likely to be small. You should see a doctor or nurse every 6 to 12 months to check that your cap or diaphragm still fits. You may need a different size diaphragm or cap if you put on or lose more than 3kg (7 pounds) in weight or after you have had a baby, a miscarriage or an abortion.

Can anything make Diaphragms and Caps less effective?

A diaphragm or cap will be less effective if you do not use it properly; for example if it does not cover your cervix or you use it without spermicide. It will also be less effective if you have sex three hours or more after you put a rubber diaphragm or cap in and you do not use extra spermicide or if you do not leave it in for six hours after the last time you had sex. Oil based products such as body oils, creams, lotions or petroleum jelly should never be used with rubber diaphragms or caps.