Diaphragm for Birth Control - Topic Overview
The diaphragm is a barrier method of birth control. It is a round, dome-shaped device made of rubber that has a firm, flexible rim. It fits inside a woman's vagina and covers the cervix. It should always be used with a sperm-killing cream or jelly (spermicide). There are different types of diaphragms:
- The flat-spring and coil-spring types can be used with an inserter.
- The arcing-spring type is easy to insert with the fingers.
A woman inserts her diaphragm no sooner than 6 hours before having sexual intercourse. To be effective, it must be used with a spermicide. The diaphragm must be left in place for 6 hours after intercourse and can be left in place up to 24 hours.
Birth Control Pills and Weight Gain
The birth control pill was a big hit when it went on sale in the early 1960s. Nearly 50 years later it's still one of the most popular methods of reversible birth control, with dozens of brands and formulations available. And, as with any celebrity, half-truths and misconceptions have attached themselves to the pill. Perhaps none are more lingering than the myth that birth control pills can lead to weight gain. What’s the truth about birth control pills and weight gain?
Read the Birth Control Pills and Weight Gain article > >
Prescription method
The type of diaphragm that works best for you will depend on your vaginal muscle tone and the shape of your pelvis. Diaphragms come in different sizes, so you must visit a health professional to be fitted and get a prescription for the right size and type of diaphragm. At this visit, you will be taught how to use and care for the diaphragm. A return visit with the diaphragm already in place is usually needed to be certain that you are using it correctly.
You will need to be refitted for the right size of diaphragm after:
- Pregnancy. Pregnancy and childbirth can change the size of the cervix or vagina.
- Major weight gain or loss.
A small weight gain or loss or a therapeutic abortion usually does not require a new diaphragm size.
Replace your diaphragm every 1 to 2 years to avoid an unintended pregnancy. With time and repeated use, small holes can form in the rubber. Rubber can also weaken over time and tear more easily.
Effectiveness in preventing pregnancy
On average, the diaphragm user failure rate is 16%. This means that 16 women in 100 become pregnant in the first year of typical use. Not using the diaphragm with every act of intercourse is the most common reason for failure. The "perfect use" failure rate is 6%, with a pregnancy in 6 of every 100 women who carefully use the diaphragm every time they have sex.1
Effectiveness in preventing sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)
Diaphragms do not fully protect against sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), including infection with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Also, the use of spermicides with nonoxynol 9 may increase your risk of getting HIV/AIDS. So be sure to use a condom for STD protection unless you know that you and your partner are infection-free.
Advantages of the diaphragm
- It does not affect future fertility for either the woman or the man.
- It is used only at the time of sexual intercourse.
- It is safe to use while breast-feeding.
- It is less expensive than hormonal methods of birth control.
- It can be used by women who have health problems that would make estrogen use dangerous, and by women who smoke.
Disadvantages of the diaphragm
WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise
Today in Birth Control
WebMD Special Sections
Health Solutions From Our Sponsors
©2005-2013 WebMD, LLC. All rights reserved.
WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. See additional information.