My Doctor Online The Permanente Medical Group
Are you having back pain with any of the following?
- Severe pain, weakness or tingling in your leg(s).
- Difficulty stopping urination or loss of control of bladder or bowels.
- Unexplained fever, nausea or vomiting.
- A history of cancer or unexplained weight loss.
We understand that you are experiencing one or more of the health issues that might be impacting your back pain.
We recommend that you discuss these health issues with your doctor before proceeding with this program.
Once you are cleared by your doctor to do this program, we hope it helps you find relief from your back pain.
Diaphragm
The diaphragm is a shallow latex cup that a woman inserts into her vagina before intercourse. It covers the cervix and prevents sperm from traveling through the uterus to the fallopian tubes. Nothing shows on the outside of the body. You should use the diaphragm with spermicide, either as a gel or a foam. The risk of pregnancy is 20 percent, about the same as with condoms.
There are other methods that are similar to the diaphragm that can be used to prevent pregnancy. Cervical caps and Femcaps are smaller than a diaphragm, but they all prevent pregnancy by covering the cervix and preventing sperm from entering the uterus.
Risk of pregnancy
The diaphragm is a moderately effective method of birth control. The risk of pregnancy with the diaphragm is about 20 percent, about the same as with condoms.
Advantages
- You can put it in up to 24 hours ahead of time and it will still work. Many people like this because it doesn't interrupt sex.
- It is more discrete than the male or female condom. Nothing shows outside the vagina.
- You and your partner will probably not feel the diaphragm during sex.
Disadvantages
- It does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases.
- A woman must be comfortable inserting the diaphragm.
- It is made out of latex which some people are allergic to.
- You have to leave it in for at least 8 hours after sex.
- It has to be fitted by a doctor. You may need a different size after pregnancy or a significant weight change.
- Other methods of birth control are more effective.
How to use a diaphragm
Always check the diaphragm before using it to make sure it has no holes or tears. You can insert the diaphragm and spermicide up to 24 hours before you have sex. But if you do insert it that far in advance, we recommend that you put fresh spermicide into the vagina before you have sex.
To insert the diaphragm
- Put about one tablespoon of spermicidal cream or gel in the cup of the diaphragm and spread it on the inner cup up to the rim.
- Dry your hands and find a comfortable position to insert your diaphragm. Try standing with one foot raised on a chair, sitting with your knees apart, or lying down with your knees bent.
- Use one hand to separate the lips of your vagina. With your other hand, squeeze the diaphragm closed, and insert it into the vagina. Push the back rim past the cervix and then press the front rim up behind the pubic bone. Make sure you can feel that the cervix is covered by the diaphragm. Plastic insertion devices to help guide the diaphragm into place are available.
To remove the diaphragm
- Leave the diaphragm in for 8 hours after intercourse.
- After 8 hours, insert your finger into your vagina, up and over the top of the diaphragm rim and slightly to one side. Hook your finger firmly on the rim of the diaphragm and break the suction.
- Pull the diaphragm down and out.
After removing your diaphragm:
- Wash it with warm water and a mild soap such as Ivory. Steer clear of perfumed soaps - the ingredients may weaken the rubber. Dry your diaphragm thoroughly with a towel.
- Do not use baby powder or other talc powders because they may weaken the rubber.
- Store the diaphragm in its plastic case and keep it away from heat sources.
With time and use, the rubber of the diaphragm may darken, but it will stay elastic as long as you take good care of it. We suggest getting a new diaphragm approximately every two years, or being refitted after giving birth or gaining a lot of weight.
If you have an emergency medical condition, call 911 or go to the nearest hospital. An emergency medical condition is any of the following: (1) a medical condition that manifests itself by acute symptoms of sufficient severity (including severe pain) such that you could reasonably expect the absence of immediate medical attention to result in serious jeopardy to your health or body functions or organs; (2) active labor when there isn't enough time for safe transfer to a Plan hospital (or designated hospital) before delivery, or if transfer poses a threat to your (or your unborn child's) health and safety, or (3) a mental disorder that manifests itself by acute symptoms of sufficient severity such that either you are an immediate danger to yourself or others, or you are not immediately able to provide for, or use, food, shelter, or clothing, due to the mental disorder.
This information is not intended to diagnose health problems or to take the place of specific medical advice or care you receive from your physician or other health care professional. If you have persistent health problems, or if you have additional questions, please consult with your doctor. If you have questions or need more information about your medication, please speak to your pharmacist. Kaiser Permanente does not endorse the medications or products mentioned. Any trade names listed are for easy identification only.