The Diaphram And Spermicide
Written by Jane Carrasco
Many women use a diaphragm to control their fertility.
What Is A Diaphragm?
The diaphragm is a barrier method of contraception that is available by prescription only and must be sized by a health professional to achieve a proper fit. To keep from getting pregnant, it is important that you use your diaphragm correctly and that you use it every time you have sex. It can be put in up to several hours in advance of sex and they are safe.
Great advantages to using a diaphragm are there are no hormones and so there are no hormone side effects. When used correctly, only six women in 100 women will become pregnant the first year using a it.
The diaphragm has a dual mechanism to prevent a pregnancy. It is a dome-shaped rubber disk with a flexible rim that covers the cervix so sperm cannot reach the uterus and a spermicide applied within the diaphragm before insertion kills sperm.
The diaphragm should be left in place for at least six hours after the last intercourse to protect against conception. For intercourse after the six-hour period, or for repeated intercourse within this period, fresh spermicide should be placed in the vagina with the diaphragm still in place.
Your doctor may have you practice putting it in and taking it out while you are in his office. He may want to check to see that the diaphragm fits right. The diaphragm is inserted into place right before you have sex or up to 6 hours before you have sex.
The disadvantages to using a diaphragm are as follows:
# You cannot use your diaphragm while you are menstruating.
# You have to have it available when you want to have sex. You have to take it with you on vacations or away from home.
# Inserting the diaphragm may interrupt sex.
# It may slip out of place during sex.
# A diaphragm does not protect from HIV/AIDS or other STD's. Use a condom along with the diaphragm for added protection.
# A woman is at risk of toxic shock syndrome (TSS) if the diaphragm is left in for more than 24 hours. TSS is a rare yet potentially fatal condition and symptoms include fever, stomach upset, a sunburn like rash and a drop in blood pressure.
# A new fitting may be necessary after having a baby, gaining more than fifteen pounds.
# A diaphragm can increase a woman's risk for urinary tract infections.
The diaphragm could put you at risk of Toxic Shock Syndrome if it is used incorrectly.
Disclaimer
The information provided herein should not be used for diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical practitioner should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. The content provided is intended strictly for informational purposes to help patient understanding of medical terms and conditions.