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A diaphragm is an mechanical
intra vaginal barrier Diaphragms come in a range of sizes and three types,
coil spring, flat spring and arcing spring.
A trained health care provider
fits you for a diaphragm, selecting the correct size and type for your
anatomy.
How does it work?
Diaphragms prevent sperm from
mixing with cervical mucus and entering the cervical canal thereby preventing
sperm feritilising eggs. In addition spermicide provided added protection
and is used with your diaphragm.
What
are the advantages?
- They are effective if used
properly and every time you have intercourse
- There are no side effects
unless your allergic to rubber or to spermicide.
- They are immediately reversible
form of contraception
- They are low cost after
the initial outlay. A diaphragm lasts several years with care.
- The diaphragm can be inserted
anytime and worn more or less all the time so that it's use need not
interfere with sexual arousal.
- They are good if you need
contraception only occasionally or for short periods now and then. Some
women use a diaphragm or cap during their fertile time if they relying
on fertility awareness (natural birth control) for contraception.
- They do offer some protection
against those STD's that affect the cervix and upper reproductive tract
(cervical wart virus, gonorrhoea and chlamydia)
- Many women wear a diaphragm
if they have sex during menstruation to save soiling the sheets. it
will hold an hour or two of average menstrual flow without leaking.
What
are the disadvantages and common side-effects?
- They must be fitted by
someone trained to do so.
- Some women don't like putting
anything into their vagina
- Not every women is anatomically
suited to the available range of shapes and sizes
- Some women have problems
with inserting the diaphragm
- Occasionally the suction
of the rim may lead to irritation of the vaginal lining.
- Diaphragms in their plastic
storage containers are rather too bulky for the average pocket or purse.
This is not true for a cap.
How
reliable is it?
As with the Cervical caps,
Diaphragms are between 92% and 96% effective at preventing pregnancy if
used according to instruction.
Where
can you get a diaphragm?
Diaphragms are initially available from GP's, Family Doctors, Family planning
clinics, (UK), Planned parenthood (USA), gynaecologists. After initial
fitting, in many countries replacements are available over the counter
without a prescription.
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