Home > Health Guides by Topic > Sexuality & Sexual Health > Contraception/Birth Control > Diaphragms Diaphragms:
A Guide for Teens
What is a diaphragm?
A diaphragm is a soft, rubber dome with a flexible rim. It forms a barrier to stop sperm from reaching your cervix, so you won't get pregnant. It is always used with spermicidal cream or gel. The gel has a label that says it is to be used with the diaphragm. The dome covers your cervix, so that the spermicidal gel on the dome is near your cervix.
| Out of 100 women using a diaphragm | |
| Typical use: 20 women become pregnant |  |
| Perfect use: 6 women become pregnant |  |
If you decide to use a diaphragm, you need to use it every time you have sexual intercourse. Women using a barrier method, such as a diaphragm or sponge, should be aware of the very low risk of getting toxic shock syndrome (TSS). Also, women who are allergic to nonoxyl-9 should not use any vaginal barrier method that contains spermicide or works with spermicide.
Where can I get the diaphragm?
If you want to use a diaphragm, you need to get fitted for one by your health care provider. The diaphragm is then available by prescription. It costs between $30-$50. The gel or cream is bought over-the-counter in a drug store.
How do I use the diaphragm?
You can insert the diaphragm just before sexual intercourse or up to two hours before intercourse. Wash your hands first. Before you insert the diaphragm, you need to cover the inside dome and rim with a tablespoon of the spermicidal gel. Insert the diaphragm deep into your vagina, just as your health care provider taught you. Make sure that it is in the right place inside of you. It should be completely covering your cervix and the rim should be behind your pubic bone.
Do not remove the diaphragm until 6 hours after intercourse. If you have intercourse again before it is time to take the diaphragm out, you still shouldn't remove it. Instead, use a condom as additional protection. You shouldn't keep the diaphragm in for longer than 24 hours (even better if you remove by 12 hours) after intercourse. Wash your hands before you remove the diaphragm. Remove it by sticking your index finger under the rim and gently pulling it out. Wash the diaphragm very well with soap and warm water, and then dry it. Put it back in its container and leave it there until you need to use it again.
You should not use a diaphragm during your menstrual period. Use a condom instead.
What if I need more lubrication?
If you need more lubrication, you can use a vaginal lubricant (such as K-Y Jelly). Do not use any oil-based products (such as baby oil, suntan oil, or vegetable oil) since they can break down the material of the diaphragm and make it less effective.
How effective is the diaphragm against pregnancy?
If women use the diaphragm every time they have sexual intercourse and follow instructions every time, it is 94% effective. This means that if 100 women use the diaphragm all the time and always use it correctly, 6 women will become pregnant in a year.
It's obvious that the diaphragm is most effective against pregnancy when it is used all the time and always used correctly. The typical woman may not use the diaphragm every time she has sexual intercourse and/or may not always use it correctly. If women use the diaphragm, but not perfectly, it is 80% effective. This means that if 100 women use the diaphragm, 20 or more women will become pregnant in a year.
Does the diaphragm protect against STDs?
No. It is important to use condoms for STD and HIV protection.
Can I douche?
You shouldn't douche after intercourse, because douching can cause pelvic infections. (If you do decide to douche, you should wait 6 hours after intercourse so that the spermicide does not get washed away.)
Do I ever need to get a new diaphragm?
Yes. The diaphragm should be replaced every so often, at least every 2 years. Also, if you have gained or lost more than 10 pounds, have had a baby, or if the diaphragm does not fit well, you probably need to get a new diaphragm. See your health care provider and discuss it with him/her. He/she will fit you for a new one.
Are there any problems with the use of the diaphragm?
Using a diaphragm can get messy. Also, some women may be allergic to the material of the diaphragm or to the spermicide that you use with the diaphragm. Also, women may be more likely to get a urinary tract infection. Frequent use of spermicide may cause irritation of the vagina wall and increase the risk of acquiring HIV.
What if I have problems with the diaphragm?
If you have any problems when using the diaphragm, call your health care provider. You should definitely call your health care provider if you have any of the following problems:
Can any woman use the diaphragm?
No. If you have an allergy to latex or a change in the shape or elasticity of your vagina from surgery or congenital problems such as spina bifida, you should not use the diaphragm. If you have frequent urinary tract infections using a diaphragm, your health care provider may suggest another birth control method.
Should I use any other type of contraception with the diaphragm?
You should always use the spermicide that is meant to be used with the diaphragm. It is also a good idea to use a male condom when you are using the diaphragm. This will increase the effectiveness and protect you against STDs.
Updated: 10/13/2009
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