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Diaphragms and cervical caps are reversible barrier methods of birth control that are available only by prescription. Both are soft rubber barriers that are intended to fit securely over the cervix. Both are used with a contraceptive cream or jelly.

The diaphragm is a shallow, dome-shaped cup with a flexible rim that fits securely in the vagina to cover the cervix.

The cervical cap is thimble-shaped, smaller than the diaphragm, and fits snugly over the cervix itself.

How Diaphragms and Cervical Caps Work

If you choose the diaphragm or cervical cap, you must coat it with spermicide and insert it deep into the vagina before intercourse. Each blocks the entrance to the uterus, and the jelly or cream immobilizes sperm, preventing it from joining the egg.

The diaphragm can be inserted up to six hours before intercourse and may be left in place for 24 hours. Each time sex is repeated, more jelly or cream must be inserted in the vagina (without removing the diaphragm).The cervical cap may be left in place for up to 48 hours. Using additional spermicide with the cap is optional.

Effectiveness of Diaphragms and Cervical Caps

Of 100 women who use diaphragms, 18 will become pregnant during the first year of typical use. Six will become pregnant with perfect use. Of 100 women who have not given birth and who use the cervical cap, 18 will become pregnant during the first year of typical use. Nine will become pregnant with perfect use. Of 100 women who have given birth and who use the cervical cap, 36 will become pregnant during the first year of typical use. Twenty-six will become pregnant with perfect use. You may increase protection by checking that the cervix is covered every time you have intercourse.

Diaphragms and cervical caps may provide some protection against certain sexually transmitted infections, including chlamydia and gonorrhea.

Advantages of the Diaphragm and Cervical Cap

• Once learned, insertion is easy. Insertion can be part of bedtime routine, or it can be shared by both partners during sex play.

• If properly placed, the devices are generally not felt by either partner during intercourse.

• These barrier methods may reduce the risk of developing cervical cancer.

Who Can Use Diaphragms and Cervical Caps

Diaphragms can be worn by most women when they are not menstruating. They are not recommended for women who have:

• poor muscle tone of the vagina or a sagging uterus

• a history of toxic shock syndrome

• recurrent urinary tract infections

Cervical caps can be worn by most women when they are not menstruating. They can be used by women whose pelvic muscles are too relaxed to hold a diaphragm in place. Some women cannot be fitted with existing sizes.

Compared to the diaphragm, the cervical cap may be more difficult and time-consuming for a professional to fit and for a woman to learn to insert and remove.

Women who are not comfortable touching their genitals will probably not like the diaphragm or cervical cap.

It is not wise to use a diaphragm or cervical cap during any kind of vaginal bleeding, including menstruation. Infection may result.

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This entry was posted on Wednesday, March 25th, 2009 at 10:57 am and is filed under Women's Health. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.