Using diaphragm during period/sex
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Using diaphragm during period/sex
| Thu, 10-28-2004 - 10:48pm |
Hi all, I've been searching the archives first before I posted this but I couldn't find any answer to this particular question. When using the D during your period for flow control and also having sex, is the D effective in containing the blood so it doesn't become a messy disaster? I'm not talking about heavy days, because I am just guessing there might be some seepage (is there?) but on a moderate day of bleeding and using the D, is it ok with the D and there is no mess?
Also, I placed the D in the other day and it just seemed like it was lower than normal. I felt the rim and could tell it was right up against the cervix, but does your cervix "drop" a bit before your period? I'm due to get mine within the next few days and thought the D felt unusually low, to the point where I double checked it I didn't have to reach too far up to check. It seemed to be right THERE, which I wasn't too happy about because that would mean your partner can feel it as well.
Sorry for the ramble. Any thoughts would be helpful. Thanks, Nicole

>> When using the D during your period for flow control and also having sex, is the D effective in containing the blood so it doesn't become a messy disaster? <<
It depends on your anatomy, the heaviness of your flow and the type and fit of your diaphragm. You should empty and insert spermicide and reinsert immediately before IC. That way you have maximum time before the need to empty. You should also leave it in place for a minimum of 4, preferably 6 hours after IC. I've found some diaphragms work better as flow control than others. I wear an 80mm Milex wide seal that has a flange around the inside of a coil spring rim that for me provides a better seal than the regular rim. For some women a D as flow control doesn't work very well but I can do splits and land jumps and not have it leak at all. It may take some time to develop your removal technique to minimize spillage but that should come with experience.
>> I'm not talking about heavy days, because I am just guessing there might be some seepage (is there?) but on a moderate day of bleeding and using the D, is it ok with the D and there is no mess? <<
It depends on how heavy your periods are. I wear an 80mm diameter Milex which has about the same capacity as a Diva Cup or Keeper. On my heavy days I can go about 4.5 hours w/o emptying which is just over the minimum time it should remain inserted after IC. If it fills and begins to leak before you have worn it for 4 hours after IC you should leave it in place and use a pad. If you have a smaller diameter D and heavier flow, you might not be able to use it successfully for IC during menses.
>>I placed the D in the other day and it just seemed like it was lower than normal. I felt the rim and could tell it was right up against the cervix, but does your cervix "drop" a bit before your period? <<
Your cervix changes position during your cycle. During your period the cervix is low. After your period, in response to increasing estrogen production, your cervix rises becomes soft and opens and produces fertile cervical fluid during your fertile days. After ovulation the cervix lowers, closes and becomes firm again as you approach menstruation. What you are feeling is your cervical position at different times in your cycle. During arousal your uterus and cervix withdraw out of the way of your partner’s thrusts so both you and your partner should be comfortable during IC.
Does this help? Let us know what size (in mm) and rim style (arching spring, coil spring or flat spring) your diaphragm is and how you like it, ok?
Good luck,
Jill