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Diaphragms and caps

Control your own contraception with these hormone-free barrier methods.

What are they?

Diaphragms are circular domes made of thin soft rubber or sillicone. Caps are smaller, but all come in different sizes. Both are methods of contraception that fit inside the vagina before sex and cover the cervix. This prevents sperm from getting inside the womb, and is 92-96% effective in protecting against pregnancy (when used correctly, and with a spermicide which you put on the cap/diaphragm). They come in different sizes and must be fitted to suit you.

How are they used?

The diaphragm or cap with spermicide can be self-inserted by the woman up to three hours before sex (if inserted more than three hours before you will need to used more spermicide.) It's painless to fit, and neither partner should be able to feel the device during intercourse. It must then be left in place for six hours afterwards (but no more than 30 hours).

Benefits

Drawbacks

Not suitable for

  • Women with poor muscle tone in the vaginal area, (the diaphragm is partly held in place by the vaginal muscles);
  • A woman or her partner who is sensitive to rubber or spermicide;
  • Women who suffer from severe and frequent cystitis;
  • Women who have had toxic shock syndrome.

Updated: 01/02/2010


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