Any method of protection is good even if every woman can avoid an unplanned pregnancy. When a man does not want to use a condom, his partner can use a contraceptive diaphragm, which helps prevent sperm from entering the uterus. It is a shallow soft cap with a silicone or latex flexible rim. What are the advantages and disadvantages of this method?
Benefits
A female barrier contraceptive in the form of a semi-oval latex sphere with a flexible rim is used as a reliable barrier to male sperm. The partner can independently put and remove a cap. The main advantages of this contraceptive method are:
- the possibility of repeated use by a woman, in contrast to male barrier contraceptives;
- a contraceptive diaphragm is not necessary to enter immediately before sexual intercourse (you can at any time six hours before the act);
- there is no negative effect on the woman’s body;
- You can safely use when breastfeeding.
The diaphragm, like the male condom, does not have high efficiency (in a hundred women a year from 4 to 17 cases of pregnancy using this method), however, this value can be improved by using additional special medication spermicides.
A photo of the contraceptive diaphragm is presented below.
An ointment or cream that can kill sperm should be squeezed into the cap and then inserted into the vagina. In this case, you can significantly increase efficiency due to the following action:
- improved contact of the contraceptive with the uterine neck, which prevents the penetration of sperm;
- disposal of sperm that managed to fall under the flexible rim of the contraceptive.
If we add to this complex of preventive measures some natural methods of family planning (cervical, temperature, symptothermal and calendar), then the probability of an unwanted pregnancy is minimized.
Instruction manual
A woman who finds out about this method raises the main question: how to use a contraceptive diaphragm? It has a simple administration technique. You just need to clearly and accurately follow the medical recommendations or carefully read the instructions for the tool.
Training
Before introducing a female contraceptive diaphragm, you need to prepare as follows:
- to go to the toilet in a small way, completely emptying the bladder;
- then wash with an intimate gel, wash hands with soap;
- to visually assess the integrity of the product, the absence or presence of defects, tears and holes;
- apply spermicide cream to the inner wall of the latex cap.
How to insert and remove a contraceptive?
You must understand what a contraceptive diaphragm is: this method of barrier protection creates a barrier to the male sex cells on the way to the female reproductive organs.
You just need to enter the cap correctly, for which the following actions are performed:
- choose one of the poses (lying on your back, squatting or standing with your foot raised on the toilet seat or chair);
- squeeze the rim of the diaphragm with two fingers;
- insert the diaphragm into the vagina, push up;
- bring a finger to the neck, trying to cover it with a cap.
How to insert a contraceptive diaphragm is described in detail in the instructions.
Time factor when using the contraceptive method
It is necessary to take into account the time factor: if six hours pass after the introduction of the drug, spermicide cream is added to improve its effectiveness. After an intimate connection, the latex cap should be left for another six hours in the vagina.
It is not difficult to remove the cap from the vagina : insert the tip of the finger into the vagina, then pick up the rim and pull the contraceptive out. Then it must be washed with soap and dried for next use.
This also confirms the instruction for contraceptive diaphragm.
Disadvantages of the contraceptive method
Female barrier method of contraception, like any other methods, has certain disadvantages. These include:
- The diaphragm is not suitable for all women, especially this applies to the installation process, as some are uncomfortable to touch themselves. Also, during intercourse, the diaphragm may shift, which can cause an unwanted pregnancy. It also does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases.
- Significantly lower effectiveness compared to other modern contraceptive methods.
- The need for knowledge about the woman’s own anatomy and certain skills.
- The need to visit a doctor to choose the right contraceptive in size depending on the size of the neck and vagina.
Women should be aware that using a diaphragm contraceptive increases the likelihood of developing an infection. Using it as a contraceptive, a woman increases the risk of recurrent cystitis (inflammation of the bladder) and urethritis (pathology of the urethra) due to strong pressure on the urethra of the rim of the diaphragm.
Urinary tract infections occur when bacteria enter the bladder through the urethra. Installing the drug inside the uterus is one of the methods to increase the likelihood of bacteria entering the urethra. They enter the mucous membrane of the bladder, causing infections of the urine excretion pathways. Since they are attached to the epithelium of the urinary tract, you can not get rid of them during urination.
UTI, fortunately, responds well to drug treatment. However, their reappearance is also quite possible.
- You need to know that the likelihood of toxic shock syndrome also increases. If women use the diaphragm, they are at risk of bacterial infections, since insertion and removal of the diaphragm are invasive procedures. When the diaphragm is used as a contraceptive method, toxic shock syndrome is possible, but not often.
Toxic shock syndrome refers to a condition where bacteria release toxins in the body and cause shock symptoms, such as dizziness and hypotension.
This complication is fortunately prevented by thorough hand hygiene before removing or installing a contraceptive. In addition, you must not forget to pull out the diaphragm. It can not be left more than eight hours after an intimate relationship, since otherwise the likelihood of complications increases.
- An allergic reaction to latex or spermicide cream may occur.
Contraindications to the use of the described method of contraception
This method (contraceptive diaphragm) cannot be used in the following cases:
- with inflammation in the bladder or vagina;
- in the presence of uterine neck hypertrophy or deformation;
- with prolapse and prolapse (prolapse) of the pelvic organs;
- with menstruation;
- for two weeks after a medical abortion and for forty days after birth.
Many contraceptive methods that are offered by doctors do not always suit a married couple. For example, a man does not want to use a condom, or a woman is afraid of weight gain due to the use of hormonal drugs and cannot use intrauterine contraception because of contraindications.
Since couples are young and want to have a baby in the future, they cannot resort to medical sterilization. In this case, the diaphragm combined with spermicides is an excellent method.
If sexual life is infrequent, in the postpartum period or older age with reduced reproductive ability, a woman can effectively and easily use the barrier contraceptive method without fear for health.
Reviews about contraceptive diaphragm
Many girls say that if you choose between the risk of pregnancy and taking hormonal pills or the simple risk of pregnancy (when using the diaphragm), it is better to choose the second.
Some women mention that this method does not protect 100% from pregnancy and infections, therefore they are additionally advised to resort to Veromistin Silver after an intimate connection, even if it was with a condom. This provides a double guarantee against sexually transmitted diseases.
Many say that it is inconvenient to insert the diaphragm and smear it with a spermicide after intercourse.
Conclusion
Aperture is effective at a maximum of 96% with proper use. Its use needs to be supplemented with spermicides (added between sexual intercourse). The contraceptive should not be removed immediately after intercourse.
Women are allowed to use the diaphragm repeatedly. When removing it, you need to rinse it well, store it in a special case, which is sold with the contraceptive. Store in a cool place.
It is forbidden to use for diseases of the uterine neck, as well as in the presence of several partners.
We reviewed the instructions for contraceptive diaphragm. What is it is now clear.