Contraception

Methods of Contraception: Contraceptive Methods for Women

Diaphragm and Jelly
The diaphragm is a small, flexible, bowl-shaped device made of rubber that fits closely over the cervix, where it mechanically blocks the sperm cells from entering the uterus. In order to increase its effectiveness, the diaphragm is used together with a spermicidal jelly or cream, which is put inside it and spread around its rim. Since different women are built differently, diaphragms come in different sizes and have to be fitted by a doctor. (A woman should be rechecked for size every two years and after each pregnancy.) The doctor will also teach the woman how to insert the diaphragm properly.
The diaphragm is inserted up to six hours before sexual intercourse and must be left in place for at least eight hours afterwards, if the couple wants to engage in coitus again before that time, more cream or jelly must be inserted into the vagina (without removing the diaphragm, of course). After the diaphragm has been removed, it is washed with soap and water and can be used again.
Effectiveness: very effective when used with spermicidal jelly or cream.

Inserting the diaphragm. 1. Putting spermicidal jelly inside the diaphragm and on its rim.
2. Squeezing the diaphragm together for insertion.
3. Putting the diaphragm on the cervix and checking its correct position.