Advantages of the diaphragm
The diaphragm is a barrier (mechanical) method of contraception, thus preventing sperm from reaching the uterus: it does not cause any side effects typical of hormonal-release contraceptive methods, such as nausea, headache, breast enlargement, weight gain, etc.
The reversibility of the method is immediate, since the woman can decide at any time not to use the diaphragm. Again, the diaphragm has no effect on future female fertility: the woman can decide on a pregnancy at any time.
- It is a purely mechanical means that does not interfere with the normal functions of the reproductive system;
- it can be inserted a few hours before the report, so it does not interfere with its progress;
- the presence of the diaphragm is not perceived by either man or woman during sexual intercourse.
Disadvantages of the diaphragm
Taking stock, often the disadvantages deriving from the use of the diaphragm far outweigh the advantages: not by chance, the diaphragm represents a contraceptive method, so-called mechanical, by now in disuse.
First of all it must be reiterated that the diaphragm does not protect from sexually transmitted diseases, although many sources do not fully approve the above theory; therefore, this contraception could be chosen only by fixed or married couples, able to positively accept a possible pregnancy. Furthermore, the diaphragm does not guarantee a high guarantee of success, therefore it does not completely protect against a possible pregnancy; the risk coefficient could be reduced by the concomitant use of spermicide (a synthetic substance that neutralizes spermatozoa), but it is good to remember that these substances are not easily marketed and the cost is relatively high.
The use of the diaphragm is not recommended in women who are susceptible to bacterial infections, as it could favor urinary tract infections.
Considering that the diaphragm should be inserted into the vagina by the woman some time before the intercourse, it is necessary to program the sexual act, a decidedly unfavorable factor for the couple's affinity: one runs the risk of considering the sexual relationship only as a miserable act mechanic that must be consumed only at a certain time.
Again, the application of the contraceptive is not very simple, especially for young women with little experience: the method, therefore, requires a preliminary "training" phase by the gynecologist, who has the duty to instruct the woman on the correct modality of insertion and extraction of the diaphragm.
- We must think about inserting it before sexual intercourse;
- it is contraindicated in the presence of malformations or malpositions of the vagina or cervix (uterine prolapse, cystocele or rectocele), or in case of allergy to spermicidal creams;
- some consider the use of spermicidal products annoying;
- in the case of vaginal inflammation, the use of the diaphragm must be suspended until recovery.
Key points
To fix the concepts ...
| Contraceptive method | Contraceptive diaphragm |
| Description | Small soft rubber dome, mounted on a fairly foldable metal ring: the woman inserts the diaphragm near the cervix a few moments before intercourse |
| Features | Diaphragm body: soft silicone or latex dome Support: flexible metal Duration: 6 months-2 years It does not require medical prescription, but the woman must undergo a gynecological examination |
| Reliability | Poor (mainly depends on the correct application of the diaphragm):
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| Inserting the diaphragm (subject to medical training) |
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| Action mechanism | Barrier contraceptive which, by mechanical action, prevents sperm from reaching the uterus |
| Preservation of the diaphragm | After removal from the vagina, the diaphragm must be:
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| Advantages of the diaphragm | The diaphragm:
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| Disadvantages of the diaphragm | The diaphragm:
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