The diaphragm is a shallow, flexible cup that is inserted into the woman’s vagina to prevent pregnancy. It works by covering the cervix during sexual intercourse to prevent the interaction of the ova and the sperms. It is shaped like a saucer comprised of soft silicone. When inserting into the vagina, the diaphragm is bent in half and inserted into the vagina to cover the cervix entirely.
How does Diaphragm work?
It serves as an obstruction to the male sperms, covering the cervix and stopping the sperms from interacting with the egg. For it to work best, the diaphragm must be used together with the spermicide, that is, a gel or cream that kills sperms.
How does it work with the Spermicide?
An addition of spermicide to the diaphragm before insertion into the vagina makes the birth control more effective. Spermicides have chemicals that prevent sperms from moving so this halts their movement from reaching the egg. The diaphragm is also designed such that it keeps the spermicide fixated to the cervix.
Before embarking on the use of the diaphragm, it is really crucial to use it correctly, every time one engages in sexual intercourse.
Here are the steps that can make you get maximum pregnancy prevention from the diaphragm.
- Here’s the deal. If you correctly use the diaphragm every time you engage in sex, chances are that you will get 95% effectiveness. Since nobody is perfect, it’s best to place diaphragm’s effectiveness at 90%, meaning, out of 10 people in 100 who use this birth control option will get pregnant. This percentage is premised on the fact that people don’t always pay attention to the directions of use or do not have the diaphragm every time they have sex.
To even supercharge pregnancy protection, one should always:
- Use it when engaging in vaginal sex
- Use a spermicide with the diaphragm
- Insert it before having sex, even before getting aroused if possible
- Make sure that the diaphragm covers the cervix
- Complement the diaphragm with other birth control methods such as the use of condoms and withdrawal before ejaculation. As a bonus, a condom prevents one from such sexually transmitted diseases as gonorrhea.
How do I use it?
Using the diaphragm is pretty simple once you get the hang of it, as it’s always said, practice makes perfect!
It may take some practice to master the procedure and once you read the directions that come with the package, you are good to go. Before insertion:
- Wash your hands with water and soap
- Add a tablespoon of spermicide in the cup
- Get into a suitable position, like standing one foot on a chair or sitting at the edge, as long as it works best for you
- Separate the vulva lips with one hand and with the other, pinch the diaphragm rim together to make a fold in half
- Push it as far up and back into the vagina as can be with the dome pointing downwards. The edge of the diaphragm should be tucked behind the pubic bone to ensure that the cervix is covered.
Do Diaphragms protect from STIs and STDs?
- A diaphragm does not protect you from sexually transmitted infections and diseases, but fortunately, condoms do. Just like in other birth controls, it is crucial to note the kind of birth control method that best favors you before resorting to a specific one, if you are to be sure of the best experience.
- Again, you should bear in mind that having vaginal, oral or anal sex using condoms every other time, plus getting regular tests for STDs is the best thing that could happen to anyone and probably, the best way to stay healthy.
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