Diaphragms 101

As awareness grows about the dangers of  hormonal birth control, more women are looking to barrier contraceptives as an alternative contraception method. Although diaphragms were once almost pushed into oblivion, a growing trend is moving back towards this often overlooked hormone free birth control solution. 

Milex OmniFelx Diaphragm

 The traditional diaphragm is shaped like a dome with a spring molded into the rim and is made of silicone or soft latex. The spring creates a seal against the walls of the vaginal canal to block sperm from entering the cervix. A spermicide or alternative contraceptive gel placed around the perimeter of the diaphragm to helps insure a tight suction and to seal any openings that sperm could get through. 

According to contraceptive technology, the method failure rate of the 'traditional' diaphragm used with spermicide is 6% per year. Thats a whopping 94% effectivness! 

 However, annual pregnancy rates of 10% to 39% of diaphragm users have also been reported.The large variation in statistics is a result of the high risk for user error with a diaphragm.
 

Diaphragms are not hard to use, but they must be used correctly to be effective. This is not a set it and forget it birth control. Sizing is critical, and you must be measured by a doctor or qualified health practitioner. Sizing of the vaginal canal does change, so if you gain or loose a significant amount of weight, or if you give birth, it's important to be refitted. 

Another factor in correct use is placement. Have your doctor show you the proper placement so you can get used inserting it correctly. If you take these steps, there is no reason why you should not enjoy high efficiency with a a diaphragm. 

Diaphragms, unlike cervical caps,  are equally effective for women who have given birth as they are for women who have not. So if you are breastfeeding and want to avoid hormones, a diaphragm is the way to go. 

Caya Diaphragm

The Caya diaphragm is the newly designed 21st century diaphragm that is making waves around the world. It is FDA,EU, and Health Canada approved is enabling more women then ever to finally make the switch to hormone free birth control. It is made of thinner yet stronger materials, has a more flexible frame, and a radically different shape that makes it easier to insert and remove.

Caya is suitable for women who would use diaphragm sizes 65mm-80mm. It is important to be measured to make sure you fall within that size range. If you do, Caya eliminates the need for frequent resizing. 

Like all other diaphragms, Caya must be used with a spermicide or contraceptive gel. 

Many women and their partners experience side effects from Nonoxynol-9 spermicide, and some sources have suggested the spermicide may actually be unnecessary. Studies on this matter however, are greatly lacking. One study reported a 24% rate of actual pregnancy per year among women using the diaphragm without spermicide. But the women in this study were not fitted individually by a clinician and were instead all given a 60mm diaphragm— so these results are obviously unreliable.  

Unfortunately, there are not enough studies that accurately assess the importance of a contraceptive gel. Our recommendation? This is one area where it's not worth risking it. Always use your diaphragm with a contraceptive gelfor maximum protection.

If you don't want to expose yourself to the toxic ingredients in N-9 spermicides, or if you experience irritation, ContraGel is an all natural spermicide gel alternative. 

Natural Spermicide Alternative

Using diaphragms has been known to increase the risk of contracting urinary tract infections (UTIs). Urinating before inserting the diaphragm and also after intercourse may reduce this risk.  The increased risk of UTIs may be due to the diaphragm applying pressure to the urethra, which is common if the diaphragm is too large. Additionally, Nonoxynol-9 is itself associated with an increased risk of UTI, so if you are prone to UTIs, use ContraGel in place of spermicide.

A very rare side effect of diaphragm use is toxic shock syndrome. This occurs almost exclusively when the diaphragm is left inside the vagina for over 24 hours.

Those allergic to latex or who's partners are allergic to latex should choose a silicon diaphragm, such as the Milex OmniFlex.