CONTRACEPTIVE

DIAPHRAGM

PROS

• Periodsexpand_less

  Doesn't affect your periods.

• Does not affect your fertilityexpand_more

  Does not temporarily affect your fertility so you can stop using and try for a baby at any time.

• Hormone freeexpand_more

  It doesn’t contain any hormones.

• No hormonal side effectsexpand_more

  No hormonal side effects such as weight gain, mood swings and breast tenderness.

• Administrationexpand_more

  Self-administered. Can be used as and when you need.

CONS

• Can be difficult to useexpand_less

  Using it can take practice and it requires keeping track of the hours inserted. It needs to be left in for a minimum of 6 hours after sex.

• User dependentexpand_more

  Can come out during sex if not used properly.

• Effectivenessexpand_more

  Not as effective as other types of contraception such as long-acting contraceptives.

• Short-actingexpand_more

  Needs to be used every time you have sex.

• Interrupts sexexpand_more

  It can interfere with spontaneity.

• Breastfeedingexpand_more

  Diaphragms should not be used until 6 weeks post-partum or 6 weeks after a second-trimester abortion.

• STIsexpand_more

  Does not protect against HIV infection (AIDS) and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

• RISKSexpand_less

  If you keep it in place longer than 24 hours, there is a risk of toxic shock syndrome. Toxic shock is a rare but serious infection.