You’ll be advised how to use these when you are fitted. Here are my tips.
• When you first get your diaphragm or cap, spend half an hour putting it in, checking its position and taking it out. If you don’t get the knack, go back to your doctor or clinic in case you’re not on the right track. Practice until you can do the job easily and confidently. Then you won’t be tempted to leave the device in the cupboard.
• You can wear a diaphragm with the dome facing up or down. Caps should be worn with the hollow side fitting over the cervix.
• After insertion, always check that your cervix is covered by the device.
• If you’re living with your partner I suggest putting your cervical barrier in regularly at the same time each day. Around the same time next day take it out, wash it, and put it back in. Thus you’re wearing it just about all the time.
• You can take the diaphragm out earlier, as long as it’s three hours or more since ejaculation.
• Diaphragms left in for more than a couple of days develop an odd, unpleasant odour. A daily wash with plain soap and water seems to prevent this. There have been reports of toxic shock associated with diaphragms being left in place for more than 36 hours. Daily washing reduces the risk of this rare event.
• Continuous use during menstruation is not recommended. If you have sex during a period, remove your cap or diaphragm as soon as convenient after three hours.
• Cervical barriers provide effective contraception without spermicide, but if you choose to use it:
1 put spermicide only on the side facing the cervix. Don’t put any on the rim; it may interfere with suction attachment of a cap or cause a diaphragm to slip
2 limit the amount of spermicide so that it won’t spill over the rim when the barrier is in place
3 there’s no need to put extra spermicide in your vagina before sex (if the barrier is inserted in advance) or if sex is repeated.
• The device will be most reliable if you use it every time you have intercourse.
• If you suspect that your barrier may have slipped out of place during use, consult a doctor or family planning clinic within 48 hours to see if ‘morning-after’ contraception is advisable.
• When not in use, wash and dry the barrier, wrap in cloth or tissue and store in its container in a cool place.
• The size of your cervical barrier should be checked after pregnancy and delivery, if you lose or gain more than 3 kg, or if you or your partner can feel it when it’s in place.
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