Diaphragm

THE DIAPHRAGM

Blocking sperm for up to 30 hours with spermicide.1

IT’S ALL ABOUT THE FIT

The diaphragm is a simple barrier that stops sperm from reaching the womb. It is a dome-shaped flexible disc with a flexible rim and is made from latex rubber or silicone. It must be placed into the vagina before you have sex. Wash your hands, fill the diaphragm with spermicide, and add some around the edges to be safe. Then fold it in half and place it as you would place a tampon, pushing it up until it covers your cervix.

The great thing about the diaphragm is that you can be organized or last minute. It can be left in place for up to 24 hours before sex, but if you have sex more than once you should apply more spermicide. You should also leave the diaphragm in for at least six hours after sex. Your doctor or nurse may conduct an initial fitting to make sure you have the correct size, but after that it's up to you. Other than making sure it is placed properly, you should also check it from time to time to make sure it isn't damaged. You should also have the diaphragm checked by a doctor or nurse after childbirth, or if you lose a significant amount of weight, just to make sure it still fits correctly.

Diaphragm

HOW IT MEASURES UP

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83%

EF­FI­CACY WITH TYPICAL USE

The diaphragm is mostly self-administered with a prescription. It requires proper placement, and the use of spermicides, to work most effectively. We're all human and we're not all perfect all the time, and with typical use the diaphragm is fairly effective.

88% 88%

EF­FI­CACY WITH TYP­I­CAL USE

The diaphragm is mostly self-administered with a prescription. It requires proper placement, and the use of spermicides, to work most effectively. We're all human and we're not all perfect all the time, and with typical use the diaphragm is fairly effective.

View 'Perfect' Use Efficacy Rate

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84%

EF­FI­CACY WITH PERFECT USE

The diaphragm is mostly self-administered with a prescription. If used perfectly every time – fitted correctly and used with spermicide – the diaphragm is a fairly effective, non-hormonal method of birth control.

94% 94%

EF­FI­CACY WITH PERFECT USE

The diaphragm is mostly self-administered with a prescription. If used perfectly every time – fitted correctly and used with spermicide – the diaphragm is a fairly effective, non-hormonal method of birth control.

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HORMONES

No. The diaphragm is hormone-free and works best when it is used with spermicide.

EASE OF USE

The diaphragm can be placed in the vagina up to 24 hours before1 you have sex, and must be left in place for at least six hours after you have sex.

YOUR PERIOD

The diaphragm has no impact on your period.

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FAQ Questionmark

Can a diaphragm get lost or stuck inside me?

There is no reason for a diaphragm to get lost or stuck inside the body. Your doctor or nurse should make the initial fitting to ensure you have a diaphragm that is the right fit for you, and you should practice how to put it in and how to take it out with them. You should also return to your doctor or nurse every six months to check your diaphragm still fits properly.

FAQ Questionmark

What happens if I want to have sex spontaneously?

The diaphragm can be placed immediately before, or up to 24 hours before you have sex.1

FAQ Questionmark

Why shouldn’t the diaphragm be left in place for more than 30 hours at a time?

Wearing a diaphragm for longer than 30 hours without removing it can promote the growth of bacteria inside the vagina. Bacteria can cause toxic shock syndrome, which is a rare but serious infection.

FAQ Questionmark

Can I use the diaphragm during my period?

You should not use a diaphragm or cap during your period as there is a possible link with toxic shock syndrome (TSS), a rare condition that can be life threatening.1

FAQ Questionmark

What do I do if the diaphragm comes out during sex?

Simply re-position the diaphragm after applying more spermicide. If the diaphragm comes out after your partner has ejaculated, or if you do not feel it was positioned properly during sex, visit your doctor or nurse to discuss whether you need emergency birth control.

FAQ Questionmark

Can I have sex more than once after I have placed my diaphragm?

Yes. If your diaphragm is properly placed it will remain in position, but you will need to apply more spermicide each time you have sex.

FAQ Questionmark

What happens if I cough when my diaphragm is in place?

You may experience some pain or discomfort if you cough while your diaphragm is in. In rare cases, other complications, such as musculoskeletal problems or hiatal hernia, may occur.

FAQ Questionmark

How does spermicide work in relation to the diaphragm?

Adding spermicide to your diaphragm before placing it in your vagina makes it more effective. Spermicide has chemicals that stop sperm from moving so they can't get to an egg. The diaphragm keeps the spermicide in place, near your cervix.

HAVE MORE QUESTIONS?

Start preparing for the next appointment with your doctor or nurse today!

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

301

The number of hours the diaphragm can be worn at a time.

18822

The year in which Dr. C. Hasse (pseudonym Wilhelm Mesinga) is credited with inventing the diaphragm.2

6

The minimum number of hours the diaphragm must stay in place after having sex.

PROS

  • Self-administered – you can fit and remove it yourself.1
  • Does not interrupt sex since you can put it in a few hours in advance.1
  • No need to wear it all the time – only needs to be used when you want to have sex.1
  • Hormone-free – it can be an option for people who experience unwanted effects from hormones.3
  • May be used while breastfeeding.3
  • Hormone-free – it can be an option for people who experience unwanted effects from hormones.3
  • May be used while breastfeeding.3

CONS

  • Not the most effective birth control with typical use.
  • Requires reapplication of spermicide every time you have sex.5
  • No protection against HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs).1,4
  • You have to see a doctor to get one.4
  • May not be the right option if you are uncomfortable with fitting and removing it from your vagina.5
  • May be felt during sex by you and your partner if it’s not placed correctly.
  • Side effects may include irritation, allergic reactions, and urinary tract infections. If left in place for more than 24 hours there is also a risk of toxic shock syndrome.4
  • You have to see a doctor to get one.4
  • May not be the right option if you are uncomfortable with fitting and removing it from your vagina.5
  • May be felt during sex by you and your partner if it’s not placed correctly.
  • Side effects may include irritation, allergic reactions, and urinary tract infections. If left in place for more than 24 hours there is also a risk of toxic shock syndrome.4

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Is It Okay?

CONSIDER THIS

Your diaphragm must cover your cervix fully to work. If you feel your diaphragm doesn’t fit properly, consult your doctor or nurse. They will be able to advise about the correct fit. In the meantime, consider using an alternative method of contraception such as a condom

KNOW YOUR OPTIONS

THE
IUS

The Hor­monal Coil is a small, soft T-shaped plas­tic frame that re­leases low lev­els of a prog­estin hor­mone for up to 3 to 6 years. It is given with a pre­scrip­tion and placed in your womb by a doc­tor or nurse.

Image of an IUS

THE
IUD

The Hor­monal Coil is a small, soft T-shaped plas­tic frame that re­leases low lev­els of a prog­estin hor­mone for up to 3 to 5 years. It is given with a pre­scrip­tion and placed in your womb by a doc­tor or nurse.

Image of an IUD

THE
IMPLANT

A small, flexible silicone rod that releases hormones for up to 3 to 5 years. It is given with a prescription and placed under the skin of your upper arm by a doctor or nurse.

Image of the Implant

THE
PILL

A small tablet containing one hormone, or a combined pill containing two hormones, that is self-administered with a prescription and needs to be swallowed at the same time each day.

Image of birth control pills

THE
INJECTION

A shot containing hormone(s) that is given with a prescription and administered by a doctor or nurse every 1 or 3 months.

Image of an Injection

THE
PATCH

A small, thin, skin-colored plastic square that sticks to the skin and releases hormones. It is given with a prescription and can be self-administered once a week.

Image of the Patch

THE
DI­APHRAGM

A silicone cup placed in the vagina that prevents sperm from reaching the womb. Though some are fitted by a doctor or nurse, most are self-administered with a prescription up to 24 hours before sex.

Image of a Diaphragm

THE
RING

A small, flexible ring that is self-administered with a prescription and placed in the vagina, where it releases hormones for 3 weeks.

Image of a Ring

THE
FEMALE CONDOM

An internal condom that works in the same way male condoms do, though it is placed in the vagina. It is self-administered and bought over the counter.

Image of Female Condom

THE
MALE CONDOM

A sheath placed over the erect penis to stop sperm from reaching the vagina, it is also the only method that helps lower the risk of STIs. It is self-administered and bought over the counter.

Image of a Male Condom

THE
SPONGE

A small, round piece of foam with a nylon loop that is placed in the vagina right before intercourse. It is bought over the counter and is self-administered.

Image of a Sponge

NATURAL
PLANNING

Self-directed methods of avoiding pregnancy that include menstrual cycle tracking and body temperature measurements to identify fertile days.

Natural Planning

SPERMICIDE

Creams, films, foams, gels and suppositories that contain chemicals to stop or kill sperm. These are bought over the counter and are self-administered.

Image of spermicide

WITHDRAWAL

Also known as ‘the pull-out method’, this self-directed method involves withdrawing the penis prior to ejaculation to avoid pregnancy.

Image of a timer for the withdrawal method

MALE
STERILIZATION

A medical procedure performed by a doctor or nurse that blocks the tubes carrying sperm.

Icon representing male sterilization

FEMALE
STERILIZATION

A medical procedure performed by a doctor or nurse that blocks the fallopian tubes and removes the possibility of pregnancy.

Icon representing female sterilization
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Last updated on 21/02/2020

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