For an item that shares its name with a body part, the diaphragm has made a name for itself in the world of birth control. This tweaked version of the female condom, at one point, was one of the most widely-used forms of contraception in the United States. It is easy to apply, has minimal side-effects and has a fairly decent efficiency rating (with perfect use). Now, the diaphragm may not be one of the popular methods of birth control, but its cheap price make it a good alternative to other contraceptives.
The Diaphragm: The Spermicidal Barrier
The diaphragm is a sperm blockade or a barrier-type contraceptive that bars sperm cells from entering the woman’s cervix. It is inserted deep in the vagina as it creates a barrier between the vaginal walls and the cervix. To maximize its effects, a spermicide is often used in conjunction with the contraceptive. As a result, sperm cells will be killed off by the spermicide. Any remaining survivors will have a hard time getting through the diaphragm and will probably be eliminated by the spermicide as well.
Diaphragm Sizes
Diaphragms require a perfect fit inside the vagina, otherwise sperm cells can easily cross the gaps between the vaginal walls and the contraceptive’s surface. Different sizes of diaphragms are available on the market.
Finding the right diaphragm size is a critical matter. A consultation with your doctor is highly advised. With the right medical equipment, he or she can measure the dimensions of your vagina properly. Your doctor will then inform you on what size and type you should get. He or she will also give you tips on how to put on the contraceptive.
Three Types of Diaphragms
The diaphragm, given that it touches the vagina’s sensitive areas, should have various modifications. Not all women have similar levels of vaginal sensitivity. Women with extra-sensitive vaginas need diaphragms with softer rims while some prefer durable contraceptives that can be reused. To give you a clearer picture, here are the different types of diaphragms:
Arc Diaphragm – The arc diaphragm is the most used product among the bunch. It is also the most durable, versatile and easiest to fit. When opened, it forms an arc, which provides a hard-to-penetrate barrier when inserted perfectly. Ideally, all women can use the diaphragm but some complain that it is a bit uncomfortable to wear during intercourse.
Coil Diaphragm – The coil diaphragm is not as durable as the arc diaphragm. It is geared towards women who have slightly firm vaginal tones. One advantage of the coil diaphragm over its arc-shaped counterpart is, it is generally more comfortable to wear during sex.
Flat Diaphragm – The foil diaphragm is a thinner variation of the coil diaphragm. It is strictly used for women with firm vaginal tones.
Two more types of diaphragms are currently being studied – the SILCS and Duet diaphragms. Both items aim to eliminate the tedious measuring process required before purchasing a diaphragm. The SILCS is silicone-based and is made for easy insertion. As for the Duet, it comes with a special fluid that acts as a spermicide and a microbicide.
Efficiency
The diaphragm, in essence, is a modified female condom. Naturally, the device’s efficiency rate will be almost similar to the female condom’s.
It has a 6% failure rate with perfect use, which means the cleaning and fitting processes are correct.
On the average, the diaphragm yields a 10 – 39% failure rate.
The diaphragm clearly lacks the efficiency of other contraceptives. As a consumer, you should go for more efficient products like the morning-after pill, birth control pill, birth control patch and the IUD. Just purchase the diaphragm as an item that you can use for emergencies.
Benefits
The diaphragm holds several advantages over other contraceptives. It may not be as efficient as pills or IUDs, but its convenience still makes it a fairly salable product.
Convenient Use – Less action is required with the diaphragm as compared to pills. You have to follow a strict schedule when taking birth control pills. As for the diaphragm, you simply throw or store it after use.
Menstrual Aid – Diaphragms are known to aid the menstrual cycle without sacrificing their contraceptive functions.
Won’t Impede Sex – Other contraceptives like the IUD can induce discomfort during sex. With the diaphragm, sex would feel normal. You might even forget that you’re actually wearing a contraceptive.
Cheap Price – The diaphragm is cheaper than most of the other means of birth control.
Just by looking at its list of benefits, purchasing the device is not a good idea. Just use it in conjunction with more efficient contraceptives.
Wearing the Diaphragm
The diaphragm is pretty easy to wear. The problem is, many women are somewhat hesitant to insert such a lengthy device. With clean hands and a germ-free contraceptive, you have absolutely nothing to worry about.
Materials Used:
diaphragm
spermicide
soap
water
Procedure:
Wash your hands with soap and water.
Wash the diaphragm. Make sure that it is clean before proceeding.
Get a generous serving of spermicide and spread it on the cup and rim of the diaphragm.
Get another serving of spermicide and the apply it inside the vagina.
Open the labia.
Look for the fold on the diaphragm and pinch it firmly.
Insert the device inside the vagina until it reaches the pubic bone.
Position the diaphragm on the bone. Make sure that it stays upright.
Wash your hands.
Removing the diaphragm is easy. You just have to unfasten it from the pubic bone then pull it out carefully.
Side-Effects
The diaphragm’s set of side-effects, as compared to some of the other contraceptives, are more endurable and have lower occurrence rates. With the exception of the Toxic Shock Syndrome, which rarely occurs, all of the other side-effects are not serious. You can simply treat them with antibiotics or ointments. Here are the side-effects associated with the contraceptive:
Urinary Tract Infection – This only happens if you did not wash your hands and the device prior to insertion. (Learn how to get rid of urinary tract infections)
Toxic Shock Syndrome – Toxic Shock Syndrome is a bacterial disease caused by leaving the diaphragm inside the vagina for more than 24 hours. Ideally, the device should be removed six to eight hours after having sex. The disease has a pretty low occurrence rate but you should still follow the norm just to be safe.
Vaginal irritation from spermicide – Some people are allergic to the active ingredient of most spermicides, which is nonoxynol-9. You should consult your doctor before using any spermicide.
Allergic reactions to latex – Latex diaphragms can induce allergic reactions. Check with your doctor if you are allergic to latex before purchasing the product.
As you can see, all the side-effects are actually caused by mere negligence. Maintain the cleanliness of your hands and equipment at all times, plus check the safety reminders from time to time.
The Lowdown
Overall, the diaphragm is a fairly decent product. Its efficiency rate may not be impressive but its convenience, its other benefits and its few side-effects make it a good alternative or supporting contraceptive. Although, if you are looking for only one contraceptive to use, better stick it out with pills or the IUD. If you enjoyed reading this article, you’ll surely be interested in learning how to choose a birth control method.