Greves says she doesn’t think diaphragms are the best option for everyone due to their higher rates of failure, but says it’s a good choice for women who can’t use hormonal birth control and don’t want to get a copper IUD. “If combined with perfect condom usage, that can help reduce the failure, as well,” she says.
How to get a diaphragm
The process of getting a diaphragm is pretty simple, says Greves. You get fitted for one by your ob-gyn, learn how to place it in a follow-up visit, and then it’s good for the next two years. It’s also inexpensive, she points out—diaphragms cost anywhere from $0 to $75, per Planned Parenthood. Your health insurance might cover your diaphragms, as well.
If you’re interested in trying out a diaphragm, make sure talk to your doctor. He or she should be able to help you decide whether it’s the right method of birth control for you.
How to use a diaphragm
To use a diaphragm, you either sit down or elevate one leg to change the angle of your pelvis, squirt some spermicidal jelly or lube into the inside part, fold it up, and then slide it into your vaginal canal before sex (while you're at it, put some spermicide directly into your vagina for good measure). The back rim should fit into the posterior part of your vagina behind your cervix, and the front should fit nicely behind your pubic bone, Shepherd says. Six hours after you have sex, you can remove the diaphragm (it’s a good idea to wait because sperm can swim around the barrier if you remove it sooner). Then, Dr. Shepherd says, you wash it with soap and water, and you’re good to go. It sounds simple once you get the hang of it, and it is.
Other Facts About Diaphragms
Before you jump into using a diaphragm, here are a few additional things to know:
- Diaphragms do not protect against sexually transmitted diseases.
- They should never be worn while you are on your period.
- Never apply petroleum jelly or oil-based creams, such as Monistat, while using a diaphragm—these will cause small holes to form in the diaphragm and reduce its effectiveness.
- If you have intercourse repeatedly throughout one period of wearing the diaphragm, spermicide should be applied each time.
- If you leave a diaphragm in for more than 24 hours, you are at risk for irritation, infection and even Toxic Shock Syndrome—so don't forget it's in there.
My Personal Experience Using Diaphragms
Before I had my son, I was a diaphragm user, so I kind of get it. I knew I wanted to try to get pregnant in six months or so, and wanted to explore a hormone-free birth control method that wasn’t condoms. So I tried out the little silicone cup. I have mixed thoughts about my experience—I loved not having to take a daily pill but wasn’t totally sure that I was putting in the diaphragm the right way. You also have to leave the diaphragm up there for hours after having sex, so, when my husband and I engaged in a little pre-work fun, I had remove the device at the office and wash it out in the bathroom sink while praying none of my coworkers caught me in the act.
