Medical Guides - Contraception (Diaphragms)

The Diaphragm and Caps
These are soft rubber domes that are inserted into the vagina to cover the cervix. Thus they act as a barrier to sperm. Unlike IUCDs , diaphragms can be inserted by the women using them, therefore avoiding the necessity for professional insertion. They are not very commonly used in New Zealand.

Effectiveness
Diaphragms and caps report a success rate of about 90%. This is less than an IUCD as the efficacy depends on the way the diaphragm is inserted and whether or not it is accomodated without allowing leakage.

Advantages

Non hormonal.
Provide some STD protection.
Reversible.

Disadvantages

They require skill to master their use.
Not as effective as many other methods.
Must be placed in vagina before intercourse and left there for up to 8 hours afterwards.
Must be used with spermacidal jelly.
A doctor or family planning nurse must first fit the correct size.
Not all doctors are familiar enough to fit these devices.

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