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How To Prevent Diaphragm Failure

By Dawn Stacey M.Ed, LMHC, About.com

Updated: September 07, 2007

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by the Medical Review Board

Diaphragm Success

Photo (c) ADAM

Contraception must be used consistently and according to instructions in order to attain maximum effectiveness. If you use a diaphragm, follow these suggestions in order to lower the chances of contraceptive failure.

If you have any questions about your birth control method, please contact your healthcare provider. You will lower your chances for birth control failure if you have a proper and thorough understanding of how to use your contraceptive.

Difficulty: Easy
Time Required: N/A
Here's How:
  1. Put spermicide inside your diaphragm AND around the rim EVERY time you use it.
  2. After inserting it, make sure that the diaphragm is covering your cervix (as directed by your doctor).
  3. Wait at least 6 hours after sex to remove diaphragm (do not take it out any sooner).
Tips:
  1. Remember to add additional spermicide into the vagina between each new sexual acts or if more than 2 hours have gone by since the diaphragm has been inserted.
  2. Diaphragms may fail if they are moved out of place by the penis thrusting against the cervix.
  3. Using a condom and spermicide with these devices (especially during your fertile period) can result in the greatest chances of contraceptive success.
What You Need:
  • Diaphragm
  • Spermicide
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