Diaphragm (contraceptive)

The diaphragm is a barrier method of contraception. It is a small soft rubber dome with a flexible rubber 'O'-ring moulded into the edge which the user fills with a spermicidal (sperm killing) cream, foam or gel before placing it in the vagina to wall off the cervix (the opening to the uterus), thus preventing sperm from entering. A diaphragm is very soft and flexible, and can be gently squeezed from its normal circular shape into a thin 'melon-slice' shape for easy insertion.

Comparisons

Diaphragms are different from cervical caps, which are smaller, thimble-shaped and placed directly over the cervix. Some women with especially long (or rather, deep) vaginas may find it difficult to position cervical caps properly, as their cervixes may be too far back to reach easily. In these cases, using a diaphragm may be more comfortable. The latest variation on diaphragms and cervical caps is Lea's shield, a one-size-fits-all device which stays in place because of suction at the end of the vagina and by this covering the cervix.

Related Topics:
Cervical cap - Lea's shield

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The diaphragm is an option for couples in which the woman cannot use hormonal forms of contraception (including the pill, norplant, and Depo Provera) for any of a variety of reasons, including having recently undergone a minor cervical procedure (e.g. abnormal cell removal).

Related Topics:
The pill - Norplant - Depo Provera

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Diaphragms have advantages and disadvantages when compared to condoms. It does require a little forward-thinking on the part of the woman to insert her diaphragm if she feels that intercourse is likely soon. However, once inserted, intercourse can commence at any time during the next several hours without any pause to apply the condom between foreplay and intercourse. Unlike with condoms, there remains direct intimate skin-to-skin contact, and so the diaphragm does not impair the natural physical sensations of sexual intercourse for either partner. Unlike condoms, diaphragms do not protect against STDs.

Related Topics:
Condom - Foreplay - Sexual intercourse - STDs

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