KissMeGoodnight
Article Series: Birth Control
What Are My Birth Control Options?
Birth
Control - The Diaphragm
There
are different types of birth control devices on the market
today. Women who don't want to use pills
can use something called a diaphragm.
A
diaphragm is a shallow, dome shaped rubber disk with a
flexible rim that fits nicely within the vagina as it is
able to cover
the cervix which prevents the sperm from every reaching the
uterus. It should be inserted prior to intercourse and covered
with spermicide. The spermicide works by killing the sperm
thus making it impossible to fertilize the egg.
Women who choose to use the diaphragm may keep it in there
for 24 hours. You just have to make sure to insert spermicide
every two hours or before engaging in sexual intercourse again.
The general rule for using this device is that it must be
kept in place for the next 6 hours after intercourse before
it is removed.
Before you insert the diaphragm, it is best to empty your
bladder and wash your hands with soap and water. The device
itself should be checked for leaks by filling it with water
or holding up in the light. If everything looks good, this
is the time that you apply spermicide on the inner and outer
layers of the diaphragm. The most important is around the rim.
The user will then insert this by standing with one food elevated
using a chair or step, while lying down or squatting. The diaphragm
must be folded inward towards the middle and inserted into
the vagina as far as possible.
The diaphragm birth control device cannot protect you 100%
from getting pregnant. It also cannot protect you from sexually
transmitted diseases such as Chlamydia, gonorrhea, herpes or
HIV.
There are advantages and disadvantages of using the diaphragm.
The advantage of using one is that it is easy to insert and
remove and your sexual partner will not even feel it during
sex.
The disadvantage of using it is if the female forgets to remove
it after 24 hours, she may experience toxic shock syndrome
or TSS. There are also side effects like the user may experience
an irritation in the vagina or the surrounding skin and there
may be a foul smell.
TSS or toxic shock syndrome is a potentially fatal disease
that has been associated with this device and with vaginal
tampons. Some of the symptoms include diarrhea, high fever
and vomiting.
Diaphragms come in different sizes so this has to be fitted
first before this can be purchased by prescription from the
drug store. Some HMO's may cover the purchase of this device
and one example is Medicaid. If you are a member of another,
you should inquire if they will pay for it.
A diaphragm costs around $30 to $50 and must be replaced every
2 years. As for the spermicide, you will have to spend about
$.50 to $1.50 per use.
When you are done using your diaphragm, this has to be washed
with soap and water then left to dry. Afterwards, you must
dust this with corn starch before you put this back into its
container. The diaphragm must be kept in a cool and dry place
away from sunlight. You must never wash it with harsh or perfumed
soaps or dust it with perfumed powders as this may damage the
device.
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KissMeGoodnight.com
: 2008
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