Vaginal contraception

There are many methods of contraception, but vaginal contraception is one of the optimal methods that many women can choose from.

The diaphragm is a dome-shaped contraceptive instrument that is in-person and close to the cervical. For the effectiveness of contraception,the diaphragm must fit in the cervical. The doctor will have to measure the vagina to choose the correct size, suitable for each case.

Your doctor or nurse will also show you how to insert the diaphragm as well as how to remove it. You should read the instructions for use from the companies producing the vaginal diaphragm in use.

To make sure that you know how to properly use the vaginal diaphragm, it is best to practice putting in and taking it out right at the clinic. The doctor will simultaneously check and observe if the diaphragm is suitable for each case.

To minimize the risk of pregnancy, you need to know how to use the diaphragm correctly and to use it every time you have sex. It is possible to both use the vaginal diaphragm and use additional spermicides for contraception. Diaphragm can be placed 1 hour before sex. Each time, the diaphragm will protect within 6 hours.

2.1 Diaphragm readiness

Before placing the diaphragm in your vagina, pour 1 teaspoon of spermicide or cream into the diaphragm. Apply the gel around the mouth of the diaphragm with your hands. Do not use lubricating liquid or oily creams used to lubricate the vagina (such as Monistat) because small holes can be made on the diaphragm.

2.2 Insertion of diaphragm into the vagina

The diaphragm can be inserted into the vagina in a lying, squat or standing position with one leg in the chair. Expanding the legs, slightly shrinking the pillow can make it easier. Once in place, follow these steps:

• Use one hand to fold the diaphragm into half with the dome below (as shown below). Keep your vagina open with the other hand.
• Place the diaphragm in the vagina, facing the coccyx (as shown below), pushing the diaphragm into the vagina as deep as possible.
• Using one finger pushes the front rim of the diaphragm up just behind the pubic bone, towards the navel.

2.3 Check the diaphragm placement

Use your fingers to feel the cervical cavity in the dome of the diaphragm. The cervical sensation is firm but not hard. Similar to the sensation of the tip of the nose.

If the diaphragm does not cover the cervical neck or does not feel that the cervical is due to improperly placing the arch. It is necessary to remove the diaphragm, add some spermicide gel and put it back.

The vaginal diaphragm will not fall out when you cough, squat, sit in the bathroom or walk. If the diaphragm is in the correct position when performing the above movement, the front edge of the diaphragm is in the right position on the pubic bone.

These are important points to remember after sex:

• Place the diaphragm in place for at least 6 hours after sex.
• If sex again within 6 hours, it is necessary to add a spermicide gel to the vagina, but do not remove the diaphragm to apply the gel.
• Remove the diaphragm from the vagina 6 to 12 hours after sex.
• Do not leave the diaphragm in the vagina for more than 24 hours. Because it can lead to infection, irritation or even complications of toxic shock.
• Do not be washed when the diaphragm is still in the vagina.

When taking out the diaphragm, take out the hand hook in front of the rim of the diaphragm and pull it out. Avoid tearing the diaphragm. It is not recommended to place the diaphragm during menstruation. Other contraceptives are required during this time.

After taking out the diaphragm, rinse with soap and water, rinse and let it dry. Or always store the diaphragm in the container, where it is dry, and needs to be away from the sun. Regularly check for holes, tears, or leaks by water in and see where the leaks are.

Replace the diaphragm after 1 to 2 years of use. Every year, the doctor will check if the diaphragm is still fit, it is necessary to measure if you have just had a baby, have pelvic surgery, gain or lose a lot of weight.

Contact your doctor if you have any of the following:

• Have urinary problems, pain or difficulty urinating.
• Vaginal itching or abnormal secrety.
• High fever (this may be a sign of toxic shock).

It is also possible to call a doctor when the diaphragm has a torn hole or not. The diaphragm has any problems that need to be replaced if used that will increase the risk of pregnancy.

In summary, vaginal contraception is an effective method of contraception, which uses the diaphragm to fit the uterus. Vaginal contraception is very safe for women, but there may still be some problems caused by the diaphragm. Therefore, when there are abnormalities in the vagina such as urination, urinary difficulty, vaginal itching,… need to immediately go to a medical facility to be examined and take timely interventions.