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.

Use

The diaphragm must be inserted sometime before sexual intercourse and must remain in the vagina for 6 hours after the man's last ejaculation for the spermicide to do its job. The diaphragm is then gently pulled out, washed in warm soapy water, and put away into its case (like a powder compact) ready for the next time. Each diaphragm lasts about six months in normal use.

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