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.

History

The idea behind the diaphragm has a long history. In medieval times, lemon halves were used to stop sperm from making it into the uterus, and the highly acidic juice acted as a spermicide. The modern rubber form was invented in 1838 and it was later introduced to the United States in 1916 by Margaret Sanger.

Related Topics:
1838 - 1916 - Margaret Sanger

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