Diaphragm - Advantages | Disadvantages
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Diaphragm Birth Control

There are different types of birth control devices in the market today. Women who don’t want to use pills can use something called a diaphragm birth control.

A diaphragm is a shallow, dome shaped rubber disk with a flexible rim that fits nicely within the vagina as it is able to cover the cervix which prevents the sperm from every reaching the uterus. It should be inserted prior to intercourse and covered with spermicidal. The spermicidal works by killing the sperm thus making it impossible to fertilize the egg.

Women who choose to use the diaphragm may keep it in there for 24 hours. You just have to make sure to insert spermicidal every two hours or before engaging in sexual intercourse again.

The general rule for using this device is that it must be kept in place for the next 6 hours after intercourse before it is removed.

Before you insert the diaphragm, it is best to empty your bladder and wash your hands with soap and water. The device itself should be checked for leaks by filling it with water or holding up in the light. If everything looks good, this is the time that you apply spermicidal on the inner and outer layers of the diaphragm. The most important is around the rim.

The user will then insert this by standing with one food elevated using a chair or step, while lying down or squatting. The diaphragm must be folded inward towards the middle and inserted into the vagina as far as possible.

The diaphragm birth control device cannot protect you 100% from getting pregnant. It also cannot protect you from sexually transmitted diseases such as Chlamydia, gonorrhea, herpes or HIV.

There are advantages and disadvantages of using the diaphragm.

Advantages of Using Diaphragm

  • When used perfectly, only 6 couples in 100 become pregnant the first year using a diaphragm.
     

  • The diaphragm gives the woman control.
     

  • The diaphragm often comes in a discreet portable container.
     

  •  The diaphragm can be put in within 6 hours of initiation of sexual intimacy, but spermicide should be inserted every two hours.
     

  • The diaphragm can be left in place and used for multiple sexual acts within a 48 hour period.
     

  • Your partner can insert the diaphragm as part of lovemaking.
     

  • There are no hormones involved, and thus, there are no hormonal side effects.
     

  • The use of the diaphragm does not affect future fertility.
     

  • Provides an opportunity for women to better know their bodies.
     

  • The male partner does not have to 'pull out' immediately after ejaculating.
     

  • Intercourse during a woman's period is less messy. The diaphragm holds back menstrual blood. Women who have had Toxic Shock Syndrome are recommended against using a diaphragm during menstruation.
     

  • The diaphragm may slightly reduce the risk for Sexually transmitted infections including; cervical infections, including gonorrhea, chlamydia, human papilloma virus (HPV), and pelvic inflammatory disease (PID).
     

  • It may be used during breastfeeding after a woman's vagina and cervix have returned to non-pregnant shape..

Disadvantages of Using Diaphragm

  • You must be fitted for a diaphragm by a clinician.
     

  • Insertion of the diaphragm may interrupt sex.
     

  • Using the diaphragm increases your risk for urinary tract and yeast infections.
     

  • If left in too long, the diaphragm slightly increases your risk for a serious infection called toxic shock syndrome. If you don't leave your diaphragm in for more than 48 hours.
     

  • Some women find the diaphragm unattractive.
     

  • If you do not like touching your vagina, the diaphragm may not be a good method for you.
     

  • It is difficult for some women to insert a diaphragm correctly.
     

  • The diaphragm may slip out of place during sex. If you change positions, you may want to check to see that the diaphragm is still covering the cervix.
     

  • A new fitting may be necessary after having a baby, an abortion, miscarriage, or gaining or losing 15 pounds.
     

  • The diaphragm must be left in place at least 6 hours after the last act of intercourse..

    TSS or toxic shock syndrome

    Is a potentially fatal disease that has been associated with this device and with vaginal tampons. Some of the symptoms include diarrhea, high fever and vomiting.

    Diaphragms come in different sizes so this has to be fitted first before this can be purchased by prescription from the drug store. Some HMO’s may cover the purchase of this device and one example is Medicaid. If you are a member of another, you should inquire if they will pay for it.

    A diaphragm costs around $30 to $50 and must be replaced every 2 years. As for the spermicidal, you will have to spend about $.50 to $1.50 per use.

    When you are done using your diaphragm for birth control, this has to be washed with soap and water then left to dry. Afterwards, you must dust this with corn starch before you put this back into its container. The diaphragm must be kept in a cool and dry place away from sunlight. You must never wash it with harsh or perfumed soaps or dust it with perfumed powders as this may damage the device.


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