Having trouble with diaphragm

iVillage Member
Registered: 09-11-2004
Having trouble with diaphragm
1
Tue, 10-05-2004 - 4:44pm
Hi all, I'm back and I'm still in birth control hell. :( Anyway, I tried inserting the diaphragm and I have to say it's more difficult than I thought it would be. It was hanging and no matter how hard I tried to push it up so that it didn't hang to the point you could feel it I just couldn't. I've read the insert and all that but does this take practice or was it in the right way and I didn't know it? I mean I could feel it and it felt too low for what I thought and getting it out! UGH, that was a challenge in and of itself.

Also, has anyone ever used a diaphragm while they were on their period? I don't mean to sound gross but is sex messy with the diaphragm and while you're on your period or does the diaphragm pretty much keep the blood contained in the cup until its removed?

Any help and advice would be appreciated.

Nicole

iVillage Member
Registered: 12-30-2003
Tue, 10-05-2004 - 8:38pm
Hi Nicole, welcome back!

>> I tried inserting the diaphragm and I have to say it's more difficult than I thought it would be.

Your fitter should have given you time to insert and remove your D before the end of your fitting appointment to give you a bit of practice. If you can't get the hang of inserting/removal by yourself it would be a good idea to ask your fitter for some instruction time. Here are some things to remember: Find your cervix with your fingers, you are going to have to get the back part of the rim beneath and behind it. Notice the angle of your vagina, it is angled up and a bit back. That is the angle at which you should be inserting your diaphragm. When you get it in a bit angle the rim against the back wall of your vagina so that it will slip beneath your cervix. Once you have it all the way in push the front edge of the rim up into the notch behind your pubic bone, then feel for your cervix to make certain it is beneath the dome. If it is you know your diaphragm is positioned properly.

>> has anyone ever used a diaphragm while they were on their period?

I use a diaphragm for flow control and contraception during menses. A properly fitted diaphragm will often work very well for flow control but you must leave it in place for at least 4-6 hours after IC regardless of whether it is full and leaking or not. So, depending on the size of your D and your rate of flow it may not work well for you during your heavy days. I wear an 80mm Milex wide seal diaphragm. An 80mm Milex will hold about as much flow as a Keeper or Diva Cup and the wide lip around the edge of the dome provides me a better seal than a conventional all-flex or flat spring rim. On my heavy days I can go about 4.5 hours between emptyings. Like any new skill becoming adept and confident wearing a diaphragm takes a bit of time but it is not at all difficult. A little practice and you should develop a technique that works for you. Remember, if you don’t feel like you understand how to properly insert get your fitter to show you how and give you some time to practice while s/he is there to assist. It isn’t difficult but you need to gain confidence. Women who aren’t confident about using their barriers tend not to use them correctly and consistently. Let us know how you’re doing, ok?

Good luck,

      Jill