Any Diaphragm Users?

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-15-2004
Any Diaphragm Users?
7
Mon, 03-15-2004 - 7:10am
Hello,

I'm planning to switch birth control to something nonhormonal and am considering the diaphragm. I've been on oral contraceptives for 10 years and although I'm greatful for the reliable protection, I have in return put on weight and have no sex drive. There has to be a better way! Researching all my nonhormonal options I decided a diaphragm would be the way to go. My husband and I plan to start a family in a few years. The only person I know that has used a diaphragm is my mom so I thought I'd ask here if anyone is using this method. I am going to go to the doctor to get fitted for a Milex wide-seal arcing spring diaphragm. I like the idea of silicone as opposed to latex. The Oves looks interesting but I need something a little more permanent I can use on a regular basis. Anyone who has or does use a diaphragm could you share your experiences and what brand it is? Thanks

Julss

iVillage Member
Registered: 07-15-2003
Mon, 03-15-2004 - 7:44am
Well, I used a diaphragm for 6 months about 17 years ago, so I can't remember the brand.

My doctor explained how to put it in, then left the room so I could try it myself, and

came back to check that I had it in right, which I did. I took care of it faithfully,

and always used plenty of spermacide with it (gel, not cream, cream makes a mess!)

I didn't find it too much of an inconvenience, really. But, despite my habitual care, I

ended up with my daughter!

After I had her, I switched back to an IUD and have been using that ever since. I would

reccomend the Mirena. It reduces your period to almost nothing after a few months, and

sometimes your periods will even stop. It can also be left in for 5 years. I did try it

a couple of years ago, but I had the rare side effect of it making my migraines worse.

It secretes a VERY low dose of progesterone, and I am extremely sensitive to hormones.

Having said I recommend the Mirena, I'm still perfectly happy with the copper T.

Hope that helps!

iVillage Member
Registered: 12-30-2003
Mon, 03-15-2004 - 8:34am
Hi Julss, welcome!

It's good to see you here. You have already heard how I feel about my Milex. :)

Jill

      Jill

    

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-10-2004
Mon, 03-15-2004 - 11:25am
Hi,

I used the diaphragm for a year after I had my son. It was convenient. And more enjoyable than a condom. But, it is a pain to spread the spermicide and slide it in and take it out later. I would recommend it for a short time, like a year. If you are going to try to conceive later than this is good. But if you don't want any children consider the iud. I agree, it is great to use a non hormonal product! Beware that you have to get resized if your weight changes by 10 lbs. If you don't get resized you are at risk for pregnancy. Good luck!

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-15-2004
Mon, 03-15-2004 - 3:56pm
Thanks for the replies. Hi Jill! Nice to see you over here too. I'm pretty set on not taking any added hormones to prevent pregnancy even if that lowers my protection rate. I will be done with school within a year so we were thinking of waiting at least that long to start a family, but if it happened sooner I think we'd be okay with it. I must correct what I said originally about being on oral contraceptives for 10 years, I am on Norplant which is like some of the other birth control that contain hormones. Despite its bad rap I have found it to be fairly reliable with minimal side effects but I'm ready to try something more natural that won't affect my body so much. I thought about a copper IUD that contains no hormones but I am afraid of the possible pelvic inflammatory disease which could cause infertility. The IUD is definitely something I would consider after having our kids though. I called my local primary care and they suggested getting a papsmear done first since its been a while. Unfortunetly it may be hard to find a doctor to have the Norplant taken out due to being taken off the market. I was told I would have to be referred out through my insurance company to possibly a surgeon. I'll talk to the doctor on Wed. and see what they say about options. Anyway still determined to be hormone free!:)
iVillage Member
Registered: 07-15-2003
Mon, 03-15-2004 - 4:10pm
Julss, I just wanted to say that the threat of PID from an IUD is more due to having

multiple sex partners, which you obviously don't have! Good luck with whatever you

choose!

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-10-2004
Tue, 03-16-2004 - 8:45pm
Hi,

iud's do not cause pid's, only multiple sex partners cause that. Also, my doctor had me come in a week before my iud to have cultures taken. Then when they were negative, he inserted the iud. The iud is defintely something you want to use and leave alone. If you want to have kids soon, under a year, use a condom or diaphragm. Then later have the iud inserted. The copper iud does not have any hormones. So, feel good about that! Good luck!

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-15-2004
Wed, 03-17-2004 - 7:18am
I didn't know PID's weren't caused by the IUD itself so I guess that is good to know since I'm married and only have one sex partner:). There are other reasons why I hadn't considered it intially though like possible expulsion because I've never had kids and having to have it removed by a physician before trying to get pregnant. It would be horrible to have the IUD expelled, not know it, get pregnant, and then miscarry. Also the IUD when expelled can rupture the uterus. Although it's a small risk it's not something I'm willing to risk. That and the extra bleeding and cramping I've heard of. I had pretty heavy bleeding and cramping before getting on hormone-based birth control but at least my periods were very regular. I'd hate to see what it would be like if it was worse and irregular. Doctors also said I have a slight anemia problem. I think the IUD is an excellent method though for women who already have kids and need long term worry-free protection. I like the fact that you can breastfeed without worrying about anything getting into the milk. Yes, I worry way too much!:P Don't get me wrong I know diaphragms have their downside too but I think at this moment that is the right choice for me.

Happy St. Patrick's Day!