Diaphragms

Diaphragms are domes made of rubber, silicone, or latex. They are kept in shape by a bendy frame that is covered in silicone. Some diaphragms come in different sizes. 

You can put a diaphragm inside your vagina before you have sex. It covers your cervix — stopping sperm from getting through to your egg.

It's best to use spermicide with your diaphragm. Put the spermicide in and along the edges of your diaphragm, before putting your diaphragm into your vagina.

The diaphragm is held in place by your pelvic muscles. 

How to use a diaphragm

Typically, the diaphragm is 84% effective at preventing pregnancy. That means 16 out of every 100 people using a diaphragm will become hapū every year.

A diaphragm can be 94% effective if used correctly — with spermicide — every time you have sex. That means 6 out of every 100 people who use a diaphragm will become hapū each year.

It’s a really good idea to use your diaphragm with another contraception type — like condoms — to reduce your risk of becoming hapū. Condoms also protect you from most STIs.

You use your diaphragm every time you have sex.

Your diaphragm should last for 1-2 years. If you take care of it, you can use your diaphragm over and over again.

You should have your diaphragm checked:

• Every year
• After any pregnancy or vaginal surgery
• If you gain or lose more than 3 kilograms 
• If you have any problems with it

Advantages:

• You only have to use it when you have sex
• It's hormone-free
• Few side-effects
• Protects your cervix — the diaphragm can prevent cancer of the cervix
• Doesn't affect your menstrual cycle

Disadvantages:

• Doesn’t prevent STIs
• You have to use it every time you have sex
• Putting it in can interrupt sex
• Can be hard to use correctly
• Can irritate your bladder — causing an infection
• Spermicide is messy or irritating
• Some people are allergic to spermicide

Most people get no side effects from their diaphragm. Side effects can include:

• Irritation from spermicide — the chemical in most spermicides, nonoxynol-9, has some risks. If you use spermicide many times a day, it can irritate your vagina and increase your risk of HIV and other sexually transmissible infections (STIs)
• A very rare allergic reaction to the material your diaphragm is made from
• Urinary tract infections (UTIs). Check with us if this happens to you — you may need a different size diaphragm
• Toxic shock syndrome — a rare side effect from leaving your diaphragm in too long 

It's really important to use spermicide with your diaphragm. Spermicide is a jelly that kills sperm.

Before you have sex, wash your hands with mild, unscented soap and water. Put spermicide onto your diaphragm. Put your diaphragm into your vagina so that it covers your cervix.

Keep your diaphragm in your vagina, covering your cervix, while you have sex. Wait for least six hours after sex before you take your diaphragm out.

Six or more hours after having sex:

• Remove your diaphragm
• Wash and dry your diaphragm
• Put your diaphragm away somewhere safe

You can put your diaphragm in 1-2 hours before having sex, or immediately before sex.

Keep your diaphragm in your vagina, covering your cervix, while you have sex. Wait for at least six hours after sex before you take your diaphragm out.  

Don’t leave your diaphragm in for more than 24 hours.

If your diaphragm fits you properly, you shouldn't feel it during sex. The person you have sex with probably won’t feel your diaphragm either. 

Diaphragms give you very little protection from STIs.

It’s a good idea to use condoms and lube when you have sex with a diaphragm in. If you want to be safe, get an STI check before and after you have sex with a new person.

A diaphragm won't stop pregnancy if it’s not put in right — or if it moves during sex. If you take your diaphragm out sooner than six hours after sex, you might become hapū.

Diaphragms and spermicide are not available in Aotearoa.

If you have a diaphragm that’s in good order, you can keep using it.

You’ll have to buy spermicide online and have it sent to Aotearoa.

We have a very small number of clinicians who are trained to fit diaphragms. It’s possible that we may be able to help you check the fit of your diaphragm. When you make your appointment with us, let us know it’s about your diaphragm.
 
Anyone can visit our clinics. If you want to talk to us, we are here to talk to you. 

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