Diaphragms and Cervical Caps

[tammylc.livejournal.com]

Hey fabulous Vag-Pag people! Please talk to me about diaphragms and cervical caps.

I went off the pill a few months ago in order to try to get pregnant with my husband. However, in typical Murphy's Law fashion, now would be the time that I ended up getting swept off my feet by a new partner and entering into a passionate, torrid, romantic new relationship. (The husband and I are in an open relationship, as is my new partner with his wife. All parties are aware of everything that's happening and it's all okay.)

The new partner and I have been using condoms and timing for birth control, but I'm not comfortable with the level of certainty that offers regarding paternity. So I have an appointment at Planned Parenthood on Monday to get fitted for an additional form of barrier contraception, ie. a diaphragm or cap.

So I'd like to hear your experience with a) this kind of appointment and b) using diaphragms and caps, the good and the bad.

Thanks all!

Comments

[dwarfstar21.livejournal.com]

I don't know how helpful my advice would be, but my husband and I use a contraceptive film. It's 94% effective...But having been in an open relationship with more than one man before, I understand your desire for more security. :)

Re:

[tammylc.livejournal.com]

Can you tell me more? Is this something that can be used in addition to condoms, or in their place?

Thanks!

[mactavish.livejournal.com]

My other partner and I pretty much use condoms, but we don't have intercourse very often, and specifically avoid it within a few days of my ovulation, even with the condoms.

[tigerfemme.livejournal.com]

A diaphragm was my first form of birth control, before going on the Pill for a few years.

I felt very secure with a diaphragm and condom together - as long as you're comfortable with the insertion/removal process, I'd recommend it highly!

Just don't leave it in for *too* long. Like, more than a few hours post-sex. I ended up with an infection doing that - rough sex and leaving it in on a 7-hour ride home. Argh.

Otherwise, I was very pleased with it. I think that plus condom is a *great* alternative to the Pill.

Re:

[tammylc.livejournal.com]

Thanks! What's it like when it's in? Can you feel that it's there? Can he? Does it work better or worse in certain positions? I really have _no_ clue, and I figure these are questions that the Planned Parenthood people are not as likely to be able to answer.

[tigerfemme.livejournal.com]

I couldn't feel it once it was in. It basically lies flush with the cervix. You have to put some spermicide inside of it, too, *just* in case. But basically, I think it's meant to form a seal - the diaphragm has to fit your vagina for that reason. Planned Parenthood should help you "size" which diameter you need.

I only slept with one person while I was using the diaphragm, before I switched to the Pill (not because I disliked the diaphragm; it was just more convienient to me once I got geographically closer to my partner at the time), but he never mentioned that he could feel it while I was using it.

Not sure about it working better or worse in certain positions. Even though it's maybe a difficult question to ask, maybe Planned Parenthood *would* know - i.e., how does it work for positions other than missionary?

I know I had sex in different positions while using the diaphragm and it never caused a problem for me.

Re:

[tammylc.livejournal.com]

Thanks for the feedback.

I had my fitting this morning - it went well and I'm now the proud owner of a diaphragm. Too bad I won't get to try it out for another 11 days!

[tigerfemme.livejournal.com]

Congratulations! I hope it works out well for you - and I can safely say that I'm sure it will. :) Good luck!