Are diaphrams still effective without spermicide?

[Medea]

Well that's it really. . .and also: how long do you leave the diaphram in after intercourse if you haven't used spermicide? The usual rule, if you have used spermicide, is 8 hours. But how long do sperm live under less unfriendly conditions?

[Blandmum]

not very is the answer.

The sperm will start to die, but the important thing to remember is that you only need 1 to live to 'do the deed'

Clinical trials were carried out and the optimal time is the 8 hours. Obviouslyi it isn't an all or nothing rule....but not using the spermicide as sugested significanly reduces the efficacy of the diaphragm

If you havn't then I'd still leave it the 8 hours, but no longer, because of the risk of things like toxic shock etc
(I used to work for a company that madethem!)

[NotQuiteCockney]

I think the diaphragm is mostly there to keep the spermicide in the right place, iyswim. You really do need the spermicide.

[Blandmum]

There is some effect. It is 'better than nowt'. I'll google for some stats. 70% is ringing a bell for me, but I'll check

[Blandmum]

OK a study shows that with spemiceside 21% got pg, without 28%....so my memory of about 70% seems about right. In people who use it well , with a spemicide, who shal 3 times a week or less and are older, efficacy goes up to 96%

Some people say you can leave it in place for up to 24 hours

Common sense would say that the longer you leave it, more sperm will die, but I can't find any studies to back that it. If you leave it longer than 8 hours you will increase the liklyhood of iritation etc....it would be essentially your choice IYSWIM

HTH

I'd say, if you did, and you got lucky, dont risk it again

[Medea]

Oh thanks so much martianbishop (& notquitecockney). .. for googling and prodding your memory etc.

I've never NOT used spermicide until, well, this recent situation. . .and of course it's EXACTLY the time I'm ovulating. Oh heck i'm prob going to have to think about morning after pill, but I feel like I'm probably not the most risk free person in the world when it comes to putting a huge dose of hormones in my system.

Oh dear will have some thinking to do in next couple days. . .

Thank again.

[Kelly1978]

I'd get the MAP to be ont he safe side. My dts were conceived while using a diaphram!

[Medea]

I know I always like to get updates, so here's mine.

I decided to chance it and didn't take the MAP and I am not pregnant.

Thanks everyone.

[Kelly1978]

ooh that's a relief. Thanks for updating.