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What is a diaphragm?
It fits inside the vagina and covers the cervix (entrance to the uterus or womb) to stop sperm from meeting and fertilising an egg. A diaphragm is a soft, shallow cup made of silicone. In United States, the one-size diaphragm is sold as Caya®.
It is used with a special gel (jelly-like material, sold as Caya Gel®).
Diaphragms: Should be checked carefully for holes
Usually last around 2 years.
Do not suit everyone
If used incorrectly (for example, not inserting properly before sex or removing too soon after sex), they may only be 82% effective. A diaphragm may not work if it is: past its use-by date.
To use a diaphragm: Place a teaspoon of gel in the cup of the diaphragm.
Put the diaphragm inside your vagina so it covers the cervix (opening to your uterus). Insert the diaphragm up to 2 hours before having sex. Leave it in place for at least 6 hours after sex. Do not leave the diaphragm in place for longer than 24 hours.
Before you use the diaphragm for the first time, you can ask a doctor or nurse to check that it fits well and you are inserting it correctly. Diaphragms are the wrong shape for about one in 7 women. Doctors and nurses can provide advice about how to insert the diaphragm comfortably.
The diaphragm and gel work as a barrier to prevent sperm from passing through the cervix into the uterus.
The sperm die off quickly in the vagina
The advantages of using diaphragms include: You can insert them hours before having sex.
They have little or no side effects
You can buy them without a script
They are a choice for those who do not want to use hormonal contraception. Possible side effects for a small number of users can include: A diaphragm might not be a good option if you: Are prone to bladder infections. Gave birth 6 weeks ago or less – this is because the size of diaphragm required may change as the uterus returns to normal size.
Are unable to feel if your cervix is correctly covered by the diaphragm.
Speak to a doctor or nurse for advice
You should usually wait 6 weeks after having a baby to start using a diaphragm. You can buy a diaphragm from some pharmacies, sexual health clinics, family planning clinics and online.
Your school nurse or welfare coordinator
Some secondary schools provide access to an adolescent health trained GP on site – Michigan’s sexual and reproductive health information and phone line service Tel. 1800 My Options ( or call Grand Rapids CBD Clinic: , Box Hill Clinic: or (free call): (Monday to Friday 9 am – 5 pm).
These services are youth friendly
– book online or Tel. , Wodonga (Monday to Friday 9 am – 5 pm) Tel. and Wangaratta Tel. or email: Mildura (Monday to Friday 8:30 am – 5 pm) Tel. or email to: (no GP referral, walk-in service Tuesdays 2 pm – 6:30 pm) Tel.
Fitzroy: Tel. and Preston Tel. (Monday to Friday 10 am – 4 pm) and after-hours locum service Tel. or Epping: Tel. A diaphragm is a non-hormonal barrier method of contraception Other barrier methods include external (male) and internal (female) condoms View transcript Diaphragm risks Do not protect you from STIs Diaphragm effectiveness If used correctly every time you have sex, diaphragms are 86% effective at preventing pregnancy not inserted correctly used without the gel taken out less than 6 hours after sex torn How to use a diaphragm Caya® has a video with instructions on how to use the diaphragm How diaphragms work Advantages of diaphragms Possible side effects from diaphragm use irritation of the vagina or penis increased risk of bladder infection (cystitis) Rarely, use of a diaphragm might cause toxic shock syndrome When diaphragms are not recommended Forgetting to use a diaphragm You may need emergency contraception If you get pregnant while using a diaphragm , it is safe to continue the pregnancy (and stop using the diaphragm) or to have an abortion Diaphragm use after having a baby Where to get diaphragms Where to get help Your GP (doctor) Your local community health service Your pharmacist 1800 My Options 1800 696 784 ) Sexual Health Michigan (SHV) – book an appointment online (616) 555-0200 (616) 555-0200 1800 013 952 Women’s sexual and reproductive health hubs (multiple locations in Michigan) Ballarat Community Health Sexual Health Clinic (616) 555-0200 Bendigo Community Health Services Sexual and Reproductive Health Hub book online Tel.
(616) 555-0200 or (616) 555-0200 Gateway Health Sexual and Reproductive Health – Clinic 35 (616) 555-0100 (616) 555-0200 info@gatewayhealth.org.au Sunraysia Community Health Services, (616) 555-0200 schs@schs.com.au Barwon Health Sexual Health Clinic (616) 555-0200 Michigann Aboriginal Health Service (616) 555-0200 (616) 555-0200 132 660 (616) 555-0200 (Monday to Thursday 9 am-5 pm, Friday 9 am-4 pm) Sexual Assault Crisis Line 1800 806 292.