Anyone used the diaphragm? Femcap

[Curious200]

Do any of you use the diaphragm?

The cap that goes inside with spermicide before you have sex and you take it out afterwards?

My mum used to use it and says it's great, I can't use the pill due to suffering with migraine auras and having thrombosis running in my family. I also have pcos.

Hearing anyone's experience would be appreciated.

I used to use it some years ago when I wanted to come off the pill due to blood pressure issues.

The first couple of times it was fiddly to insert but I soon got the hang of it. However it is NOT something you want to break off and do in the middle of getting into it as it's not remotely sexy and you'll want to squat or prop one leg on something - it's very similar to using a mooncup. You can put it in for several hours before use, so I got in the habit of inserting it before meeting my boyfriend for drinks and then going back to his, so no danger of faffing about or getting carried away while a bit tiddly!

The spermicide goes on the "inside" of the cap - so there's no nasty smells or tastes during foreplay.

You do need to leave it in for at least 4 hours (from memory) after sex, so for me that was usually til the morning. Very easy to remove, just push down with your pelvic muscles and you'll be able to grab hold. Then just wash it and pop it back in the case for next time.

Another option to consider would be female condoms - you can get them online but they are more expensive than standard condoms. Easier to put in than a cap but more faff than a male condom. But gives equal STI protection to a male condom, which the cap does not - so if you're not in a LTR now then they might be a better bet.

I have pcos, and high risks with migraines etc so can't use hormonal birth control.

This seems like the best option, thanks for your reply.

I've been married for years so sexiness isn't a problem, will pop it in a few hours before sex.

It seems quite expensive to buy now as its not that popular. I need to see where I can find it at a decent price.

I used one for a couple of years. It was OK.

Then I switched to the copper coil. After the first three months (heavy bleed) it was brilliant. Much better than anything else.

I found one for a good price going to give it a go! - tried the coil before and couldn't get along with it. Hope this is the answer for me!

Your GP should be able to prescribe the cap for free, unless that's changed.

Goodness that's a blast from the past! I have fond memories from the 80s of chasing the thing round the bathroom, all slippery from the spermicide gel you have to smother it with... happy days

They've gone out of fashion now, and very few nurses are trained to fit them. They really do need to be fitted correctly, I can't emphasise that enough. I'd be very wary of buying one without knowing exactly what size you need as using the right size is essential for preventing pregnancy.

You have to check it regularly for tiny holes, and you also need to get it checked if you lose or gain more than 8lbs in weight.

They've changed them now. My mum is actually the one who advised me to get it. They have 3 different sizes and the guidelines are down to having been pregnant before having given birth vaginally or never been pregnant etc...

Did it work for you at the time?

I can't use any hormonal birth control due to health risks, can't use the coil either and condoms are a no no when youre married so I really hope it works!

@dramaalpaca they no longer fit them or give them as a free contraception. Had to order mine online.

I used a diaphragm when I lived in USA 10 years ago. It was made by Ortho and I used Ortho brand spermicidal cream with it. When I got back to the UK, my GP told me that the are not available on NHS. I have recently bought a Caya for occasional use (a treat for DH when we don't use a condom). Caya is good but getting proper spermicide gel is difficult and Caya supplied gel just uses an acid gel that I found irritating. Ortho don't make theirs anymore but I got hold of Gygel when I went to the USA last year - this is based on nonoxynol-9 spermicide. I can see that Gygel is available online in the UK. One drawback of the gel is that DH does not like the taste! You also need to plan when you make love - won't suit all.

condoms are a no no when youre married

Eh? 🤔

I had one in the 90s it was pretty horrible. I wouldn't recommend it.
I am also confused as to why you think condoms aren't an option? We used them between our two dc.

I was fitted for one 2 years ago by my GP, nhs prescription.
Has the be replaced every 6 months and the use by date got shorter then last autumn I was told it was no longer available - but I could have it on private prescription.
Have been using condoms since, then last week I used the online AskMyGP service to enquire about whether there were any diaphragm/caps available. GP came back to me and said they'd looked into it and found some and would order (Have based on size 2 years ago and I'm to check - my weight is pretty similar to what it was then, and I'm still using the past one I had for period sex - to contain blood rather than contraception)
I've had Gygel prescribed with it.

Just caught up on this post. If not too late my experience may help
I still use traditional diaphragm for fertile days (NFP is main 'method') , and yes need to get from Dr or FP clinic and be 'fitted'. Just matter of luck if either do this in your area as not too common nowadays, I am lucky I guess. And every 12 weeks is not necessary - if you have weight change is the thing.
I stopped the old spermicide (can't get anymore I think, and strong chemical that stinged) and use contragel which is 'green' spermicide. You can get on Amazon and other places.

I did try the Caya one size so no need for fitting you can just buy. I preferred my traditional one. Also there is Femcap which looks similar and also no fitting needed.

As I say I am committed NFP disciple so only use D maybe 1 or 2 times a month when fertile and we (DH) can't wait! Not sure how I would be with using it all the time as is a bit of performance and you need to get prepared first!

Hope this is help