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?

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!)

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

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

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

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.

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

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.

ooh that's a relief. Thanks for updating.