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.