What is a diaphragm?
A diaphragm is a shallow, dome-shaped rubber disk with a flexible rim that fits within the vagina and covers the cervix so sperm cannot reach the uterus.
How is it used?
- The diaphragm must be covered with spermicide and placed within the vagina to cover the cervix.
- The diaphragm acts by blocking the cervix and preventing the sperm from entering the uterus. The spermicide acts by immobilizing and killing the sperm, making it unable to fertilize an egg.
- The diaphragm may be left in place for 24 hours, but more spermicide must be inserted every two hours, or every time sexual intercourse is repeated.
- The diaphragm must be left in place for six hours after sexual intercourse before you can take it out.
No. The diaphragm protects against certain STIs, including gonorrhea and chlamydia, but does not protect against others such as HIV and herpes.
Does it protect against pregnancy?
What are the chances of getting pregnant while using a diaphragm?
- Typical use: 20 percent
- Perfect use: 9 percent
- The diaphragm is often not felt by either partner during sex.
- The diaphragm is easier for women to learn to insert and remove than a similar contraceptive device, the cervical cap.
- If the diaphragm is left inside the vagina for more than one day (24 hours), the female runs the risk of toxic shock syndrome (TSS), a serious bacterial infection (as with tampons).
- Mild allergic reactions to the rubber or spermicide occasionally occur.
- Diaphragms must be initially fitted by clinicians and then purchased by prescription from a drugstore or clinic.
- Diaphragms are more expensive than pills initially, but this is a one-time cost.
- Cost of purchase is covered by Medicaid.
Back to top
Additional Outside Sources
Below are sources PAMF accessed when researching this topic. PAMF does not sponsor or endorse any of these sites, nor does PAMF guarantee the accuracy of the information contained on them.
Planned Parenthood. Birth Control [Online].
womenshealth.gov Birth Control Fact Sheets [Online].