What is diaphragm?

The diaphragm is an oval cap with a fixed ring on the edge, that is placed in front of the cervix. The fixed edge of the diaphragm and the spermicide works as a barrier that covers your cervix, stopping sperm from fertilizing an egg.

Today, there is only one type of diaphragm in one size and it can be bought over the counter. This size fits 90% of all women.

The spermicide consists of water, lactic acid (vegan), glycerin, sorbic acid, vanillin and sodium lactate. The cream inhibits the ability of the sperm to move, and ensures that the diaphragm closes tightly.

You must ensure:

1. That you always put on a diaphragm with cream before you have intercourse
2. That you do not remove the diaphragm before 6 hours after intercourse

If you stop using the diaphragm and you don't want to get pregnant, talk to your doctor about another method of prevention.

How to use the diaphragm

1. Hold the diaphragm between your thumb and forefinger so that the indentation faces upwards - just like on a spoon.
2. Press the diaphragm together to form a pleat along the middle and apply spermicide on either side of the pleat and across the ends. About a teaspoon in total.
3. Squat or stand in front of a chair with one foot up on the edge of the seat.
4. Continue to squeeze the diaphragm together. The arrow on the diaphragm must point towards your body.
5. With the other hand, you open the labia. Insert the diaphragm up along the posterior vaginal wall as deeply as possible into the vagina.
6. When the diaphragm is completely inside the vagina, push the front edge (the one facing the stomach) upwards with your fingertip. The diaphragm must be placed between the back area of ​​the cervix and over the pubic bone so that it covers the cervix completely.
7. Check with a finger whether the diaphragm closes the cervix completely (this feels like the tip of the nose). If you can't feel it, take the diaphragm out and put it back in.
8. If it lasts more than two hours from when you put the diaphragm in until intercourse takes place, you must use extra cream. The diaphragm should remain in place while you put more cream into the vagina using the introduction tube.
9. If you have several intercourses in a row, you must use extra cream each time.

How to remove the diaphragm

The diaphragm must be removed no earlier than six hours after the last intercourse. For hygienic reasons, the diaphragm must be removed once a day.

Stand in the same position as when you inserted the diaphragm. Insert the finger into the vagina and bend it forward towards the pubic bone. Then you can easily grab the grip recess on the diaphragm and pull it downwards, forwards and out. If it is difficult, you can push a little as if you were going to the toilet.

• Wash the diaphragm with lukewarm water and soap and air dry.
• Hold it up to the light so you can see if it is whole and without holes.
• Store the diaphragm in the box. It is both practical and hygienic.

Who can use a diaphragm?

Most women can use a diaphragm. An abdominal examination by the doctor will show whether the diaphragm is suitable for you.

It may take some practice to get the diaphragm in place correctly, so it is good to practice before the first use and check if it fits correctly. You can possibly have your doctor check whether you are setting it up in the right way.

You cannot use the diaphragm if you have a prolapsed uterus or have previously used a diaphragm with a size below 65 mm or above 80 mm.

Women who have given birth or had an abortion in the second trimester of pregnancy must wait six weeks to use a diaphragm after the birth/abortion.

How do you get a diaphragm?

You get a diaphragm and pessargel by buying it over the counter at the pharmacy, in healthfood or online stores. You can also contact a gyneacologist who can guide you in using the diaphragm and possibly buy it from him/her.

The diaphragm only needs to be replaced approximately once every two years because the rubber can become soft. If you have a sexually transmitted disease, the diaphragm must be replaced.

Advantage

• If you use the diaphragm and cream correctly with every intercourse, there is about a 94-97 percent certainty that you will not get pregnant
• When the diaphragm is correctly placed, neither you nor your partner can feel it during intercourse
• The diaphragm does not change the hormonal balance
• The diaphragm is hypoallergenic
• The diaphragm does not require a doctor's visit
• The diaphragm fits about 90% of all women in size.

Disadvantages

• The diaphragm and cream do not protect against sexually transmitted diseases, such as HIV or chlamydia
• The diaphragm and cream must be put on before each intercourse
• You must insert extra cream if you have several intercourses in a row
• The cream may cause a slight burning sensation in the vagina
• The diaphragm cannot withstand silicone-based lubricant
• Some women are hypersensitive to diaphragm cream