so i know this could prob be put in another forum, but you ladies are so knowledgable, and it was just brought up so... how does a diaphragm work? how effective is it, how do you insert it, is it often covered by insurance? if not, is it expensive? i'm just thinking of condom alternatives.
the diaphragm fits over the entrance to the womb so as to block access for the implantation of the egg. it is fairly effective, i am not sure to what level, but i used one for years, WITH SPERIMICIDE, applied to the outside of it and coating the edges. you insert it manually, i'm not sure how to describe it, but you'll feel the opening of the womb and it just pops on there. actually, my ex huband used to do it. we made it kind of part of our foreplay. i don't know if it is covered by insurance, but i don't imagine it would be very exspensive, and it's a one time purchase and that lasts for a year or so.
It supposedly prevents the sperm from entering the cervix. It's only about 90% effective, and even less than that if used incorrectly or without enough spermicide. I got pregnant with one a long time ago, and it also caused me chronic bladder pain/infections.
i've used a diaphragm with perfect success for the past 11 years. it's a good bc if you are really good at remembering to use it every time and use the spermicide like someone else mentioned. i've never become pregnant while using the diaphragm and we seem to be a pretty fertile couple (we conceived the first or second month of trying each time) i only paid 60 dollars for mine and you only need to replace it every couple of years. it's not for everyone, i guess, but it's worked for me! kathy
oh, mamaboogie wow, our experiences sure are different! well, it's good to see both sides of the story, at least kayte will get an idea of the negatives and the positives! kathy
hmm...thanks everyone! i don't like the idea of spermacide. chemicals up my coochie?? i see the importance... i am totally stuck as to what form of b.c to use. i don't want to alter my hormones, so the pill is out. any other ideas?
That's why I never used a diaphram, they aren't really effective without spermacide, and I'm not really comfortable with using spermacide. Charting your cycle and more importantly, learning about cervical fluid is very effective.
