Live Life Team
The diaphragms and caps are the barrier methods belonging to the contraception. They both get set inside the vagina and do not let the sperm pass through the entrance of the womb. These are made up of soft domes made up of latex or silicone. The caps are smaller in size and made up of latex or silicone itself. These need to be used together for maximum affectivity. The statistics show that if they are used properly, they can be effective up to 92-96% of cases in preventing the pregnancy. There are other methods also available in the market which can be used for the same purpose like oral contraceptive pills. For making them more effective, diagraph and caps are used in combination with spermicide, a chemical that kills the sperm. In case if some women are not able to take pills for preventing pregnancy; they can use it.
Who can use
Most of the women should be able to use it apart from the ones with unusual shaped cervix, weakened vaginal muscle, an allergy to latex, toxic shock syndrome, any urinary tract infection or any other vaginal infection. If a lady is not able to hold diaphragm they can try using caps. If there is vaginal infection, then its better not to use diaphragm or cap till the infection gets cleared up completely. In case if a lady is sexually active with multiple partners, then also it’s better not to use them.
Where I can get it
These are available over the counter from the local pharmacy store. For the first time use, it would be better for the doctor to do a vaginal assessment and then prescribe the correct sized diaphragm or cap suiting the size, since all woman’s vagina are different in shapes and sizes. It can also be used when the couples are thinking about family planning. With the proper nursing given, it will help them in understanding about the size and suitability of cap.
How it works
Diaphragms are flexible in nature and cover the sides with spermicide and prevent any sperms from leaking around the edges. The cap is a thick rim that allows it to stay in place and should fit properly on the cervix. Before using the diaphragm, one should first need to cover the sides with a small amount of Spermicide to avoid any kind of leakage. It is easily removable. In case of weight increase, you need to change the size of the cap as well as diaphragm.
Advantages
Convenient to use and also no associated health risks with good amount of protection if used well. It needs to be used before having sex with the partner. There are no side effects.
Disadvantage
Not fully effective and limited protection towards HIV. Sometimes; they are messy to use. It can cause bladder infections in worst cases. The condition of bladder infection can also lead to irritation, at times to the women using it, and in rare cases, to both the persons getting together sexually.
