Birth Control: How to Use Your Diaphragm or Cervical Cap
It is woman’s pride to bear children. But it is the intelligence in her that decides when to bear a child and how many. Contraception methods empower her to have children when she wants to. Among the many contraception methods available, there are certain methods, which have to be taken by women only. One such contraceptive is the Diaphragm.
About Diaphragms
Diaphragms and cervical caps are contraceptive methods which usually prevent the fertilization of the ovum by sperm. A diaphragm is a dome shaped cup that has to be fitted over the cervical opening to prevent the entry of sperms into the vagina. Similarly, the cervical cap is a reusable deep cup that prevents the entry of sperms into the uterus. If placed properly, these methods have proved to be effective to stop unwanted pregnancies.
Using the diaphragm
Diaphragms should be used correctly for contraceptive benefits. If it is not placed properly in the birth canal, then a sexual intercourse may result in pregnancy.
Getting your diaphragm ready for use
One teaspoon of spermicidal cream or gel must be applied in the diaphragm cup before using it. This gel should also be smeared along the rim of the cup. The spermicidal gel kills the sperms that try to enter the vagina during sexual intercourse .This way pregnancy can be avoided.
Diaphragm insertion
The diaphragm can be inserted into the vagina while standing with a leg on a chair or while lying down or squatting. Care must be taken that the legs are wide open to facilitate proper insertion. Bending knees will help in inserting the diaphragm in proper place. Folding of the flexible diaphragm in half with the dome pointing downwards must be done. With the other hand the vagina is opened. The folded diaphragm is now inserted deep into the vagina and pushed as far as it can go. The rim of diaphragm is pushed with a finger upwards behind the pubic bone.
Checking for diaphragm placement
The cervix is felt with the finger through the diaphragm. The cervix will not feel bony but will be firm. The dome is not in the right place, if the cervix cannot be felt or if the diaphragm is not covering the cervix. In such a case, the diaphragm must be removed and more spermicidal gel must be added and then inserted again properly. To know if the diaphragm is properly seated, one must check if it is falling out when using the toilet, squatting, walking around or coughing. If it doesn’t, then it means that the front rim of the diaphragm is in proper place.
After sexual intercourse
After sexual intercourse, the diaphragm must be left in place for at least 6 hours. In case sex happens again within 6 hours diaphragm must not be removed. More spermicidal gel must be placed into the vagina. The diaphragm must be removed only after 6 hours to 12 hours after sexual intercourse. There can be infection if the diaphragm is left in vagina for more than 24 hours. Irritation or a complication called as toxic shock syndrome( illness due to bacterial toxins) can also occur. Douching (rinsing vagina with water) should be avoided while diaphragm is still in the vagina. When the diaphragm is being removed, the finger should hook the front rim and pulled out carefully to avoid a tear in the diaphragm.
Diaphragm care
After removal of the diaphragm, it must be washed with water and mild soap, and allowed to dry. It has to be stored in a cool dry place away from sunlight. It has to be kept in a container. To check if there are any leaks in the diaphragm, one must fill the dome with water and observe. Every 1 to 2 years the diaphragm must be replaced and must be checked if it is fitting properly as the dimensions of a woman’s vagina changes if she had a baby, gained weight or underwent any pelvic surgery.
Calling your doctor
The doctor needs to be called if one experiences pain during urination, trouble urinating, frequent urination, discharge from vagina or itching in vagina accompanied by high fever which is a symptom of toxic shock syndrome. If the diaphragm is not fitting properly or it has a hole in it, then one must consult the doctor for replacement of the diaphragm as using an ill fitting or leaking diaphragm can cause pregnancy.
Cervical Caps
A cervical cap is a reusable contraceptive aid that prevents the entry of sperms in to the uterus. It is shaped in the form of a cup which is inserted over the cervix. It stays in place due to suction and can be removed by pulling the strap that is attached to it. Cervical cap does not helps in preventing sexually transmitted diseases. The cervical cap approved by the FDA (food and drug administration) is Femcap which is made of silicone rubber.
The cervical cap should be inserted before sexual intercourse. One must apply a spermicidal gel to the edge and bowl of the cervical cap. A half teaspoon of spermicidal gel should also be applied to the groove of the cap. The cap must be pinched so that it folds into half and then it must be inserted into the vagina and pushed downwards into the rectum. The cervical cap must be pushed in such a way that the cap covers the cervix completely. To check if it is inserted properly one must use the finger to feel the dome in the vagina. During normal activities like squatting or urinating the cervical cap must not come out. It has to be left in vagina for at least 8 hours after sexual intercourse.
The cervical cap must be left in place for at least 8 hours after which the strap attached to the cap must be pulled to remove the cap. It can be left in the vagina for 48 hours, unlike the diaphragm. The cervical cap must be washed in warm water with mild soap. It has to be kept dry in a protective box.
Calling your doctor
Irritation can occur in the cervix due to the spermicidal gel. In such cases, one must consult the doctor. There is also a chance of pungent discharge from the vagina due to infection. Allergic reaction to the cervical cap can also occur. In all such cases the doctor must be consulted.
Birth control
Casanova (1725 AD- 1798 AD) who was well known for his sexual escapades had written in his memoirs that he attempted to use an empty rind of a lemon half as a cervical cap. Perhaps this was one of the first primitive caps accounted. The diaphragm and cervical caps have been effectively acting as birth control devices but one must remember that they do NOT prevent sexually transmitted diseases including HIV.
