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The Diaphragm

The diaphragm is a soft, thin rubber cup that is placed in the vagina before having sex. It can prevent pregnancy only if used with contraceptive jelly or cream (spermicide).

A health care professional will examine you to determine the size of diaphragm you need. The size inside the vagina changes, so a diaphragm has to be checked periodically to make sure that it fits properly. Your health care provider will show you how to properly insert the diaphragm.

1. Spread the inside of the rim of the diaphragm with about a tablespoon of spermicidal jelly or cream. Never use anything else.
2. Place the diaphragm in the vagina as your health care provider showed you.
3. Check the position of the diaphragm.
4. Does the diaphragm cover the cervix (tip of the uterus)?
5. Is the rim of the diaphragm tucked up behind the pubic bone?
6. Is the diaphragm uncomfortable?
7. After inserting the diaphragm, if you wait longer than 2 hours before having intercourse, insert some more of the jelly or cream into the vagina.
8. After sex, do not remove the diaphragm for at least 6 hours. If you remove it too soon, the jelly/cream will not have time to destroy all the sperm. You can take a bath or swim with the diaphragm, but do not douche.
9. If you have sex again during the six hours your diaphragm is in, insert more jelly/cream into the vagina with the applicator. DO NOT remove the diaphragm to apply more jelly/cream. Wait 6 hours from your last intercourse before you remove it.
10. The diaphragm should not be worn for more than 24 hours.

The diaphragm acts as a barrier to help prevent sperm from reaching the opening of the uterus. It does not prevent pregnancy unless it is used with spermicidal cream or jelly. The diaphragm holds the spermicide jelly or cream in place near the opening of the uterus, so that the spermicide can kill the sperm. The diaphragm is effective at preventing pregnancy as soon as it is inserted. It can be inserted up to 2 hours before having sex and must be worn for at least 6 hours after sex. About 6% of women who wear a properly fitted diaphragm every time they have sex become pregnant during the first year of use. There is no delay in fertility once you stop using the diaphragm your ability to get pregnant returns to normal. The diaphragm is safe for breastfeeding women. The diaphragm has no hormonal side effects, which are found with some other methods.

There is a risk that you may be allergic to the rubber in the diaphragm or to the spermicidal cream or jelly. Using a diaphragm may increase your risk of urinary tract infections. There is also an increased risk of Toxic Shock Syndrome, which could cause death. If you experience the following symptoms contact the clinician or seek emergency care immediately: sudden high fever, sunburn-like rash with peeling skin on hands and feet, vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness, or faintness.

Talk to one of our Health Care Professionals to find out more about the Diaphragm as a method for you.