Contraceptives

Some contraceptives can be downright frustrating to use, others can bring on an attack of the giggles -you’ll know what I mean if your diaphragm has ever flipped itself across the room! I have discovered some very clear sets of instructions on ‘How To” use various types of contraceptives so I thought I’d start the year by going back to basics and featuring them on my site. The tips may be useful to ‘first timers’ and may save a lot of fumbling about for those of you who still have trouble.
The link to the instructions is below (they were prepared for handing out to patients by doctors) but here are a few pros and cons on the first type- the diaphragm- to give you a good basis for further discussion with your doctor.

Contraceptive Type- The Diaphragm

Advantages:

• reasonably effective (if used perfectly, approx. 6 out of 100 women get pregnant each year using a diaphragm)
• does not contain hormones so no hormonal side effects
• it can be put in several hours before any sexual activity
• the woman is in charge of birth control
• your partner can put it in as part of your lovemaking
• his penis can stay inside you after ejaculation
• intercourse during your period is less messy as the diaphragm holds the blood

Disadvantages:

• you must be fitted for a diaphragm by your doctor initially
• you must wash your hands with soap and water before inserting your diaphragm
• you MUST also use a spermicide
• if not put in prior to sex, insertion may interrupt sex
• you increase the risk of getting a urinary tract infection
• some women find a diaphragm unattractive and difficult to put in correctly
• a diaphragm must NOT be left in for more than 48 hrs or there is a slight risk of toxic shock
• a diaphragm must be left in place for 6hrs after the last intercourse
• the diaphragm may slip during various sexual positions so you make sure your cervix is still covered
• you may need a fitting for a different size after having a baby, an abortion, miscarrying or gaining more than 15 pounds

Diaphragms are used with spermicides for extra protection - spermicides kill sperm but read the warnings about Nonoxynol 9 before buying this one.
GO HERE for diagrams and instructions on How To Use a Diaphragm- they also explain what a diaphragm is, how to store it and how it works to prevent pregnancy.

Sources: www.contraceptiononline.org

Emory Department of Gynecology & Obstetrics