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Original poster

Does anyone use the diaphragm/cap any more?

22 replies

Thurlow · 02/10/2013 16:45

After a lovely pg scare, it seems a good time to get myself a bit more organised blush

I can't take hormonal contraception, which I foolishly didn't realise probably writes the Mirena off as well. That leaves condoms, copper coil and the diaphragm, I think. I'm not keen on the copper coil as I think I'd like another DC, possibly within a year or two.

Our sex life is hardly that spontaneous sadly that I couldn't use the diaphragm most of the time, alongside condoms and non-penetrative methods.

Anyone used one or got any advice?

(Apologies for double-posting but I wasn't sure which was the busier board)

OP posts:
Horsemad · 02/10/2013 19:09

I've used one ever since I resumed sex after DS2 (who will be 15 next year).

I didn't want to go back to hormonal methods and the diaphragm was perfect for me.

You can put it in in advance (upto 3hrs before sex) and some women pop it in every night 'just in case'.

Definitely consider it.

nosleeptilever · 02/10/2013 19:20

This is something I was wondering too! I wonder how effective is the diaphragm without a condom? DH hates condoms and I hate the pill!Confused

Horsemad · 02/10/2013 19:35

We never used condoms with it. Have never had a pg scare - mind you, it didn't always get a lot of use!!! (Sex life was on the quiet side!)

PoshPenny · 02/10/2013 20:28

I used to use this when I was young(er) and I never ever had a scare on it. Just on its own, no condoms as back up. If youre a More than once a night person, you just add a top up of spermicidal jelly I recall. then you have to leave it in for a certain number of hours after sex before you can take it out. Bit of a faff but infinitely preferable to hormonal side effects.

TheCountessOlenska · 02/10/2013 20:32

Ooh I want to know about this!

Do you have to get them fitted then?

Horsemad · 02/10/2013 20:36

Countess - yes, FP clinic did mine.

TheCountessOlenska · 02/10/2013 20:40

Thanks Horsemad! Will get down FP clinic asap. I think it would be perfect for us as our sex life is completely predictable due to DH working away in the week!

TheCountessOlenska · 02/10/2013 20:41

God, I need to calm down with the !!! Hmm

mrscog · 02/10/2013 20:43

I've got a copper coil just for 18 months while we wait to ttc - there's no problem in having one for a short time is there?

Original poster
Thurlow · 02/10/2013 20:49

Mrscog - I doubt it, I just have some probably utterly uneducated idea that it's more for when you've finished having children, no doubt very wrong!

If you're a more than once a night person Grin Yeah, right...

Thanks for the feedback. No doctor I have ever seen about contraception has mentioned the cap, so I wasn't sure if they were even routinely given out. I can see that it would be a hassle for certain people but tbh, most people in l/t relationships or with DC probably don't have problems with spontaneity or embarrassment! (Same thing, Countess, life is a tad predictable at the moment!)

I wonder why no one recommends them anymore?

OP posts:
PoshPenny · 03/10/2013 16:12

Because they'd rather shove artificial hormones down you and get points from the drug company sales reps for every pack they prescribe? I think they (caps) are just considered a bit old fashioned and passé these days. the pill was supposed to be the answer to everything, but of course for some of us it isn't.

jungletoes · 03/10/2013 16:15

I've used one for a few years now and would recommend it.

hiddenhome · 03/10/2013 17:12

I ordered a one size fits all one from Germany. It's called Leas Shield and you use it with spermicidal gel. It's about the size of the QE2, but I'm hopeful that it will suit me Grin

BananaPie · 03/10/2013 17:23

Out of interest, how easy is it to get in and out? I use a mooncup, so reasonably comfortable with fishing about up there (bar a couple of panicky incidents when I first started!)

Horsemad · 03/10/2013 17:46

Easy peasy Banana

PlentyOfPubeGardens · 03/10/2013 18:14

I used one for a couple of years after DS was born and got on with it really well.

From what I've read since, I gather they're not all that reliable. If you'd just prefer not to get pg in the next year or so, but it wouldn't be a complete calamity if you did conceive, I'd say go for it. That's if they'll still prescribe it. Otherwise, hiddenhome's QE2 thingy sounds promising Grin

Madamecastafiore · 03/10/2013 18:17

What is one made of?

Was thinking of getting one of these after this DC but allergic to latex!!

PlentyOfPubeGardens · 03/10/2013 18:20

I think they might be latex. They're like big rubbery wobbly flying saucers. They might make latex-free ones too though.

hiddenhome · 03/10/2013 18:30

Mine is made out of medical grade silicone.

hiddenhome · 03/10/2013 18:33

The Leas Shield is more reliable than the cap and doesn't need refitting if you lose/gain weight like you need to with the diaphragm.

Some people find it uncomfortable. I'm going to have to be drunk before I can insert it though cos it is huuuuuuuuuuuge! Grin

Annonynon · 03/10/2013 18:34

I'm using the femcap which I bought online, it had three sizes and it was easy to work out which one I needed because there is one size for anyone who has given birth vaginally

I've been really impressed with it so far, I don't even notice it's there most of the time

hiddenhome · 03/10/2013 20:25

My QE2 has now been launched into the fanjo area. Once it went through the harbour entrance so to speak, it got sort of sucked up inside Confused I think it's in the right position and I can't feel it. It didn't hurt at all.

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