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Diaphragm

The diaphragmDiaphragmSilicone cap, maximum 8,5 cm wide, which a woman puts into her vagina…Read more is a method of contraception.
The diaphragm is a silicone cap with a flexible rim. It covers the entrance to the uterusUterusOrgan in a woman's belly in which a foetus can grow.Read more (cervixCervixNarrow entrance at the bottom of the uterus, at the top of the…Read more) and prevents sperm cells from reaching the egg cellEgg cellFemale sex cell. A woman is born with many egg cells in her…Read more.

You can buy a diaphragm at a pharmacyPharmacyShop where you can get medicines with a prescription from your doctor. Read more without a prescriptionPrescriptionSmall paper on which the doctor writes which medicines you have to take. With…Read more or online. 

Caya, available in 1 standard size

How to use a diaphragm?

Put the diaphragm inside the vaginaVaginaPart of the inner sexual organs of a woman. The vagina connects the…Read more before penetrationPenetrationPutting a part of your body (penis, finger, etc.) or an object into…Read more. Do it in the following way:

  • Put a special gel (spermicide) on both sides of the diaphragm. Without the gel the diaphragm is not a reliable method of contraceptionContraceptionMeans and methods of preventing pregnancy. Condoms and the contraceptive pill are examples…Read more.
  • Squeeze the diaphragm together and insert it a maximum of 2 hours before sexual intercourse.
  • Insert the diaphragm deep into the vagina, over the entrance of the uterus. It should not be inserted more than 2 hours before sexual intercourseSexual intercourseSexual act in which the penis penetrates (enters) the vagina or anus.Read more. Hold the hollow side of the diaphragm towards the uterus. The cervix must be covered.
  • Remove the diaphragm between 6 and 24 hours after ejaculationEjaculationWhen a man has an orgasm and semen shoots out of or drips…Read more. Pull it down and out.
  • Wash it in hot water and dry it.

Detail of the woman’s pelvis: 1. diaphragm, 2. uterus, 3. vagina, 4. anus and 5. urinary meatus.

Put a special gel (spermicide) on both sides of the diaphragm. The gel prevents sperm cells from moving.

Squeeze the diaphragm together and insert it deep into the vagina.

Hold the hollow side of the diaphragm towards the uterus.

Insert the diaphragm deep into the vagina, over the entrance of the uterus. The cervix must be covered.

The diaphragm is inserted.

The diaphragm stays in place when having sexual intercourse. Leave it for six hours after sexual intercourse.

Remove the diaphragm by pulling it down and out.

Wash it in hot water and dry it.

Less reliable when used incorrectly

When a diaphragm is used correctly, it is a very reliable method of contraception. However, the diaphragm is often not used in the way explained above. In this case, it is less reliable.

You should not use the diaphragm during the first 6 weeks after deliveryDeliveryThe process of giving birth to a baby.Read more. Ask a doctor for advice.

Less reliable

No protection against STIs and HIVHIVA virus (human immunodeficiency virus) that affects the natural immune system. When someone…Read more

The diaphragm does not protect against STIs or HIV. Only a condom can protect you.

Condom

Buying the diaphragm

What does it cost?

Caya is a diaphragm in 1 standard size. It costs between € 30 and € 35. A tube of spermicide costs between € 8 and € 10. You do not need a prescription.

Subjects

Professionals

How to talk about sexual and sexual health with clients? How can Zanzu help with prevention, education, help and counseling? Find the answers here.

Help?

Need help? Find a healthcare provider.

About Zanzu

Zanzu was developed by Sensoa and BZgA. Rutgers, the Dutch expertise centre for sexual health and rights, has adapted Zanzu for use in the Netherlands.