do people still use the diaphragm for contraception?

[BigButtons]

Just had the mirena coil removed today after an absolutely horrible time with it.
Thinking about next steps and options as I don't think hormone based contraception suits me.
Not keen on condoms.
Anyone using the diaphragm with success?

Successfully had a ds.
Bathroom shelf isn't a good place to leave it....
Too much faff and lack of spontaneity ime.

Also had success.... successfully fell pregnant using a diaphragm + spermicide

I'm 51- so the likelihood of pregnancy is smaller at my age I would think. The alternative is condoms.

Yes - for the last 20 years. Never liked the idea of hormonal contraception. I love it, find it easy and quick to use, side-effect free and it’s always been 100% effective. Better now made of silicone than latex. Harder to find somewhere to have it fitted/checked now though - not all nurses/family planning clinic staff are trained in fitting and I have been asked in the past if students can come in during my fitting appt as apparently a rare event!
I also use mine as a mooncup with no problems! Love it.

At 45 my gp told me my baby days were over.

I still have regular periods every month so I doubt mine are quite over- however small, there will still be risk.
I really wish I didn't have to use anything.

Was the horrible time to do with the hormones or the device itself?

If you're just looking to avoid hormones then the copper coil is an option. But obviously all the other potential options are still there.

The hormones- terrible pelvic pain and constant bleeding. Then the threads disappeared so had all the associated hassle with ultrasounds and having to go to the gynae ward to have it fished out -today
I have heard that the copper coil can make periods much heavier?

It's not something I've ever had recommended/suggested to me during family planning appointments, only heard of them through school sex ed. I had the copper coil after years of misery from hormonal contraception (including the mirena) and so far has been nothing short of a miracle device for me.

I have heard that the copper coil can make periods much heavier?

typically yes, but for me having very average periods for the past few years I can't say it has made much difference. Cramping can be worse, but manageable, and I probably start to spot/bleed a day or two longer than before.

are your periods heavier?

sorry, cross posted

@BigButtons it's honestly just one of those things you won't know until you try it yourself. You may get lucky like myself or find it unmanageable. I would wholly recommend it from personal experience if you're not squeamish about having an implant of sorts, I would also recommend going to a GUM clinic as they are more experienced at inserting and typically better if you request removal.

I'm not squeamish at all.
I am however, traumatised by my recent experiences!

I found the mirena evil, I had every bad side effect listed and more. Had it for a few years too so definitely not the 'settling period' some doctors like to attribute it to - I actually took mine out myself after a particularly bad episode and was back to normal within a couple of days. It's been a few years since then, I've went back on the pill and then off everything, decided to get this as at 28 I don't want to use condoms forever and DH isn't ready for the snip and so far had no complaints. 2 month waiting list for insertion (went to a clinic) which went fine, few months in and no issues.

I’ve only ever heard of the diaphragm on SATC - it’s not something any of the women I’ve know over the years ever used.

After a recent experience where I found a mooncup lodged fairly high up, it made me wonder how I would have ever got a diaphragm in and out.

Thank you for this thread. I've been hormone free for a while and don't really enjoy condoms or want to go on the coil. I'd completely forgotten that diaphragms exist so I'm now very excited at the idea that they could suit me perfectly!

Have a look at the Caya diaphragm. It’s a bit more naturally shaped and supposed to be easier to get in and out than the older style ones. You can buy them online, although ideally you should also get the fit checked in a sexual health clinic.

I'm going to ask my doctor if they fit them.
No one is putting any coil of any description in me again!

@ShartGoblin

Not all nhs providers will prescribe them- and you need to make sure it’s fitted correctly- so go somewhere that knows what they’re doing.

At 45 my gp told me my baby days were over

Just out of nowhere or is there some background medical history?

I am 47, still with regular periods, and no change to my cycles. Still get physical signs of ovulation.

It would be pretty rash of a GP to be advising there was no chance of pregnancy over 45?

I had the Mirena taken out at noon today and already the dreadful pelvic pain has gone. I’m a bit sore of course as they had to go right up into my womb.
The dr has suggested cerazette but i’m Nervous about that as I fear I don’t mix well with progesterone, but at least I could simply stop taking it.
How much easier to be a man.

I used to use it but it became uncomfortable when I lost a bit of baby weight - I think you can lose or gain about 5lb without the size being an issue.

Its good in that, used effectively, it's going to work but a bit of a faff. You have to be organised about using it, which isn't the most sexy thing ever.

I think I'm going to have to go back to it as I've tried most pills and they either sent me round the twist or gave me the most earth shattering migranes. I guess I might go back to it with condom use at the same time just to be on the safe side.

After a mc at 8 weeks she was pretty blunt tbh.
Not off the back of any results. Just a basic statement.

i was at the drs today because i think I have an infection due to all the VEs and procedures I've had done this last week. I asked him about the diaphragm and he said they weren't used/ given out anymore.