If you have unprotected sexual intercourse contact a
Family Planning clinic, pharmacy or your doctor for
emergency contraception within 72 hours (24 hours if
possible). The sooner the better.
Diaphragms
Condoms help protect against sexually
transmissible infections.
Instructions for use
AFTER YOUR FIRST VISIT
You have been fitted with a practice diaphragm.
You will be given 1 or 2 diaphragms to take home.
Your Health Professional
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Over the next week practise putting in and taking
out your diaphragm. Keep it in place for at least 6
hours at different times of the day. Always check that
it covers your cervix completely. A correctly fitting
diaphragm should feel comfortable. Your partner
should not feel it during sexual intercourse. It should
not move out of position at any time.
Do not rely on this diaphragm for contraception
during the practice time. When having sexual
intercourse with your practice diaphragm in place
use another contraceptive such as condoms. If you
want to practise using spermicide cream or jelly put
5cms on both sides of your diaphragm. After each
practice wash your diaphragm in warm soapy water,
rinse and dry thoroughly. When you return to the
clinic please wear your diaphragm so that it can be
checked.
Using your diaphragm
• Use your diaphragm every time you have sexual
intercourse. It is possible to get pregnant even
during your period.
• Always use spermicide. Put 5cms of cream or
jelly on both sides of your diaphragm.
Care of your diaphragm
• After taking out your diaphragm wash in warm
soapy water, rinse and dry thoroughly.
• Inspect your diaphragm regularly to check for
holes or flaws. Hold it up to the light and gently
stretch the rubber.
• Your diaphragm may be put in at any time before
you have sexual intercourse. If you have sexual
intercourse more than 2 or 3 hours after putting
in your diaphragm put more spermicide in your
vagina (with an applicator) without disturbing the
diaphragm.
• Some vaginal preparations may damage the
rubber of your diaphragm such as some thrush
treatments. Check with your health professional.
• Your diaphragm must be left in for at least 6 hours
after sexual intercourse.
• Store your diaphragm in a cool, dark place.
• If you are going to have sexual intercourse again
within the 6 hours do not remove the diaphragm
but put in some more spermicide. The diaphragm
must stay in place for a further 6 hours.
• Douching, bathing and sitting in a spa or
swimming after sexual intercourse are not
recommended when your diaphragm is in place.
You may kneel in a bath, or have a shower but do
not allow any flushing of water into the vagina –
this may wash out the spermicide.
• It is recommended that your diaphragm does not
stay in for more than 24 hours at a time.
• Keep your diaphragm in a circular shape by
rolling the rim in your hand.
Check Ups
• If you lose or gain more than 3 kilograms (1/2
stone) your diaphragm should be checked.
• If you are due for a cervical smear do not wear
your diaphragm to the appointment.
• If you have any problems with this method of
contraception contact your health professional.
REMEMBER
Use your diaphragm every time you have sexual
intercourse.
Always use it with spermicide.
If your diaphragm was not correctly in place or
it did not stay in for at least 6 hours after sexual
intercourse you should see your doctor about the
Emergency Contraceptive Pill (ECP).