Diaphragm

Inserting and removing a diaphragm is pretty straightforward once you get the hang of it. To prevent pregnancy, it needs to be filled with spermicide, cover your cervix, and stay in place for 6 hours after sex. You might want to practice putting it in and taking it out a few times before sex so you are a pro when you need it.

Inserting a diaphragm is pretty straightforward once you get the hang of it. To prevent pregnancy, it needs to be filled with spermicide and cover your cervix. You might want to practice putting it in and taking it out a few times before sex, so you are a pro when you need it.

The irritation could actually be from an allergy or sensitivity to spermicide. If the irritation is mild, you might try another type of spermicide.

No, the diaphragm does not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs). The best way to prevent STIs if you’re having sex is using a condom or internal condom. Dental dams, gloves, some vaccines (HPV and hepatitis B vaccines) and daily medications, such as PrEP for the prevention of HIV also offer STI protection. If you’re concerned about both pregnancy and STIs, doubling up with the diaphragm and condoms is a great option.

People usually don’t feel the diaphragm inside of them when it’s inserted correctly.

If you have health insurance—whether it’s through your parents, school, job, the Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace, or Medicaid—chances are good that you’ll be able to get a diaphragm with no out-of-pocket cost.

If you don’t have health insurance, it’s true that the cost of a diaphragm can be high. But with proper care—and if you don’t gain or lose a lot of weight—you can keep your diaphragm for years, it can end up being pretty cheap over time. If that isn’t an option for you, the manufacturer of the diaphragm offers a discount. You can also check with the family planning clinics around you and find out if they offer discounts or payment plans for the diaphragm.

Most people with a penis are not able to feel the diaphragm during sex, but it’s possible.

No, you can’t take it out immediately. You have to leave it in place for at least 6 hours after sex.

You can pick up a diaphragm at the pharmacy (or have it mailed to you), but only after visiting a health care provider to get a prescription (and making sure the pharmacy has it in stock). Depending on the type of diaphragm you are using, you might need to see a provider first to get fitted.

When inserting a diaphragm, get comfy and start with it facing up, like a little bowl full of spermicide. Pinch the sides together and push it as far up and back into your vagina as you can, then use your fingers to make sure it covers your cervix. If it’s uncomfortable, the diaphragm may be the wrong size or not inserted quite right.

If your diaphragm is in and you want to have sex again, just add more spermicide all the way into your vagina without taking your diaphragm out. You’ll need to keep your diaphragm in for 6 hours after the last time you have sex. But don’t leave a diaphragm in your vagina for more than 24 hours at a time.

You should check your diaphragm regularly for holes or tears by filling it with water and checking for tiny leaks. If you see one, replace your diaphragm immediately (and you might want to take a pregnancy test if you think you used it while it was damaged).

Even diaphragms without tears should be replaced every 2 years. If you are using a sized diaphragm, you need to be refitted after pregnancy or if you lose or gain 10 or more pounds.