How Do the Diaphragm and Cervical Cap Prevent Pregnancy?

Diaphragms and cervical caps prevent pregnancy by keeping sperm from joining with an egg. In order to be as effective as possible, the diaphragm and cap must be used with spermicide cream or jelly.

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"HOW DO THE DIAPHRAGM AND CERVICAL CAP PREVENT PREGNANCY?" - PLANNED PARENTHOOD
VIDEO TRANSCRIPT:

Are you looking for birth control that doesn't have the hormonal side effects that can come with a method like the pill or the shot? Do you want something that's not going to get in the way of sex? You may want to try a barrier method of birth control like the diaphragm or the cervical cap.

Diaphragms, caps, and the spermicide used with them form a physical and chemical barrier around your cervix, which is the entrance to your uterus. This prevents sperm from reaching an egg.

To use a diaphragm or cervical cap, you start by adding a little of the spermicide, squeezing the edges together, and gently nudging the cap or diaphragm into your vagina so that it covers your cervix. If you're not sure where your cervix is, don't worry. The health care provider who prescribes your diaphragm or cap will show you how to get it in, where to place it, how to take it out, and answer any questions you may have. Another thing to know is that you can insert a diaphragm or cap several hours before sex, but you must leave it there for at least six hours after. Once removed, you can wash it and use it over and over again.

How effective are they? Well, out of one hundred (100) women using the diaphragm in a year, anywhere from six (6) to sixteen (16) will get pregnant. For the cap, the range is from fourteen (14) to twenty-nine (29). That's because the cap is less effective for women who've been pregnant or given birth. By the way, neither of these methods protect against sexually transmitted infections, so always use condoms with them if you're concerned about STDs. If you're interested in learning more about this method, check out the info on http://www.plannedparenthood.org/?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=website&a.... You can even find the nearest health center to set up an appointment.

Category:

Education

Tags:

• Diaphragm
• Cervical Cap
• FemCap birth control
• contraception
• pregnancy
• prevention
• sex ed
• barrier method