Diaphragm (birth control)

Diaphragm
An arcing spring diaphragm in its case, with a quarter added for scale.
Background
TypeBarrier
First use1880s[1]
Failure rates (first year with spermicide)
Perfect use6%[2]
Typical use12%[2]
Usage
ReversibilityImmediate
User remindersInserted before sex with spermicide.
Left in place for 6–8 hours afterwards
Clinic reviewFor size fitting and prescribing in some countries
Advantages and disadvantages
STI protectionPossible
PeriodsCatches menstrual flow
BenefitsMay be reused 1 to 3 years
RisksUrinary tract infection, toxic shock syndrome (rare)

The diaphragm is a barrier method of birth control.[3] It is moderately effective, with a one-year failure rate of around 12% with typical use.[4] It is placed over the cervix with spermicide before sex and left in place for at least six hours after sex.[5][6] Fitting by a healthcare provider is generally required.[5]

Side effects are usually very few.[6] Use may increase the risk of bacterial vaginosis and urinary tract infections.[3] If left in the vagina for more than 24 hours toxic shock syndrome may occur.[6] While use may decrease the risk of sexually transmitted infections, it is not very effective at doing so.[3] There are a number of types of diaphragms with different rim and spring designs.[7] They may be made from latex, silicone, or natural rubber.[7] They work by blocking access to and holding spermicide near the cervix.[7]

The diaphragm came into use around 1882.[1] It is on the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines.[8][9]

  1. ^ a b Everett, Suzanne (2014). Handbook of Contraception and Sexual Health. Routledge. p. 62. ISBN 9781135114114. Archived from the original on 2017-09-24.
  2. ^ a b Trussell, James (2011). "Contraceptive efficacy" (PDF). In Hatcher, Robert A.; Trussell, James; Nelson, Anita L.; Cates, Willard Jr.; Kowal, Deborah; Policar, Michael S. (eds.). Contraceptive technology (20th revised ed.). New York: Ardent Media. pp. 779–863. ISBN 978-1-59708-004-0. ISSN 0091-9721. OCLC 781956734. Archived (PDF) from the original on 2013-11-12.
  3. ^ a b c Hillard, Paula J. Adams; Hillard, Paula Adams (2008). The 5-minute Obstetrics and Gynecology Consult. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. p. 240. ISBN 9780781769426. Archived from the original on 2017-09-24.
  4. ^ Wipf, Joyce (2015). Women's Health, An Issue of Medical Clinics of North America. Elsevier Health Sciences. p. 508. ISBN 9780323376082. Archived from the original on 2017-09-24.
  5. ^ a b "Contraception | Reproductive Health | CDC". www.cdc.gov. 21 June 2016. Archived from the original on 2 January 2017. Retrieved 1 January 2017.
  6. ^ a b c Helms, Richard A.; Quan, David J. (2006). Textbook of Therapeutics: Drug and Disease Management. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. p. 419. ISBN 9780781757348. Archived from the original on 2017-09-24.
  7. ^ a b c Corson, S. L.; Derman, R. J. (1995). Fertility Control. CRC Press. pp. 211–212. ISBN 9780969797807. Archived from the original on 2017-09-24.
  8. ^ World Health Organization (2019). World Health Organization model list of essential medicines: 21st list 2019. Geneva: World Health Organization. hdl:10665/325771. WHO/MVP/EMP/IAU/2019.06. License: CC BY-NC-SA 3.0 IGO.
  9. ^ World Health Organization (2021). World Health Organization model list of essential medicines: 22nd list (2021). Geneva: World Health Organization. hdl:10665/345533. WHO/MHP/HPS/EML/2021.02.