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Diaphragm use
Diaphragm and cervical cap * A diaphragm is a flexible rubber cup that is filled with spermicidal cream or jelly. * It is placed into the vagina over the cervix before intercourse, to prevent sperm from reaching the uterus. * It should be left in place for 6 to 8 hours after intercourse. * Diaphragms must be prescribed by a woman's health care provider, who determines the correct type and size of diaphragm for the woman. * About 5-20 pregnancies occur over 1 year in 100 women using this method, depending on proper use. * A similar, smaller device is called a cervical cap. * Risks include irritation and allergic reactions to the diaphragm or spermicide, and increased frequency of urinary tract infection. In rare cases, toxic shock syndrome may develop in women who leave the diaphragm in too long. A cervical cap may cause an abnormal Pap test.
Dr. Jeff Livingston reviewed this
24 year experience in Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Related questions
A 39-year old asked:
Do you need to wear a diaphragm to use spermicide or can they be used independently?
1 doctor answer • 2 doctors weighed in
A 38-year old asked:
Why don't more people use diaphragms for birth control?
1 doctor answer • 2 doctors weighed in
A 39-year old asked:
How should I use the diaphragm?
1 doctor answer • 2 doctors weighed in
A 46-year old asked:
Ladies that use a diaphragm or cervical cap.?
1 doctor answer • 5 doctors weighed in
A 24-year old asked:
Is it safe to use a diaphragm and condoms together? I've heard this can increase the chance of them breaking.
1 doctor answer • 2 doctors weighed in
A 39-year old asked:
Do docs use the diaphragm of a stethoscope to assess for femoral pulses ?
1 doctor answer • 4 doctors weighed in
A 41-year old asked:
Can I use my diaphragm if also using cream for yeast infection?
1 doctor answer • 4 doctors weighed in
A 38-year old asked:
Do all diaphragms work the same?
3 doctor answers • 6 doctors weighed in
A 53-year old female asked:
Tearing pain in diaphragm left side?
1 doctor answer • 2 doctors weighed in
A 35-year old asked:
When should you remove the diaphragm?
4 doctor answers • 12 doctors weighed in
A 26-year old asked:
Do I ever need to refit the diaphragm?
2 doctor answers • 6 doctors weighed in
A 38-year old asked:
How does a diaphragm work in the body?
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A 39-year old asked:
When do you need to get a new diaphragm?
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A 46-year old asked:
Why does food get stuck in my diaphragm?
1 doctor answer • 2 doctors weighed in
A 53-year old asked:
What are some advantages of the diaphragm?
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A 34-year old asked:
What are some disadvantages of using the diaphragm?
2 doctor answers • 2 doctors weighed in
A 28-year old male asked:
What is the definition or description of: diaphragm?
1 doctor answer • 3 doctors weighed in
A 32-year old asked:
How do I know if i've correctly placed my diaphragm?
2 doctor answers • 2 doctors weighed in
A 30-year old asked:
What can cause the area around your diaphragm to hurt ?
1 doctor answer • 1 doctor weighed in
A 35-year old asked:
Please suggest what type of tissue makes up the diaphragm?
1 doctor answer • 1 doctor weighed in
A 29-year old male asked:
Diaphragm and lateral sulci is unremarkable,what it's means?
2 doctor answers • 3 doctors weighed in
A 45-year old asked:
What causes pain in the diaphragm and how can the pain be relieved?
1 doctor answer • 3 doctors weighed in
A 41-year old asked:
Which organs are located on the left side of the body close to the diaphragm?
1 doctor answer • 1 doctor weighed in
A 34-year old male asked:
I have pains around my diaphragm area all the way from the front to the back ?
1 doctor answer • 1 doctor weighed in
A 29-year old female asked:
I have pain in the middle of my back and right around my diaphragm which has lasted about a week. What are potential causes of this? Is this somethi
1 doctor answer • 1 doctor weighed in
A 37-year old asked:
Help docs! i'm trying to find out what causes the diaphragm to become paralyzed?
1 doctor answer • 1 doctor weighed in
A 24-year old female asked:
Im experiencing what feels a left sided diaphragm spasm for over a week now, it is worse in the evenings and with meals, what could be the cause?
1 doctor answer • 1 doctor weighed in
A 25-year old male asked:
How to breathe from your diaphragm?
1 doctor answer • 2 doctors weighed in
A 40-year old asked:
How does your diaphragm help you breathe?
2 doctor answers • 6 doctors weighed in
A 45-year old female asked:
What can I do for a paralysed diaphragm
1 doctor answer • 1 doctor weighed in
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