Model Marriage
Diaphragms are made in various sizes, and the woman’s vagina must be examined so that she
is given the size most suitable for her vagina. Most women using the diaphragm smear
spermicidal jelly in the dome and around the rim of the diaphragm, although the use of a
spermicidal jelly may not be necessary. Usually a woman squats, or stands with one foot on a
chair, to introduce the cap, and inserts it into her vagina in an upward and backward direction.
Inside the vagina, it regains its shape and fits snugly across the vagina covering the cervix.
After childbirth, the capacity of the vagina may increase to some extent and the woman should
be refitted if she intends to continue to use the diaphragm as a contraceptive method.
Disadvantages:
1 Lack of privacy for insertion and removal. The user needs initial tuition.- Lack of water sometimes for cleaning the diaphragm.
- Need for additional spermicide cream or jelly to improve effectiveness.
- Not readily available.
- Not very comfortable to wear. The cap must remain in place 6 - 8
hours after intercourse. - It is a little expensive, and sometimes there is difficulty in finding a
suitable size. - Spermicides
These spermicidal products are used by themselves and are effective because they will kill
sperms without harming delicate vaginal tissue. Available in three forms––foam, cream, and
synthetic gel––these products are applied with a slim plastic vaginal applicator which
automatically measures the proper dose. They are so effective that only one application is
required before each sexual act. If a woman wishes to douche at all, she should wait at least six
hours. Spermicides are significantly more effective than the rhythm, withdrawal, or douching
methods.^4
Advantages:
1 Vaginal spermicides can be bought without a prescription.
2 No fitting is necessary, such as that done before obtaining a diaphragm.- There is nothing to remove after intercourse.
- Women who use this method need concern themselves with it only at
those times when intercourse takes place.
Disadvantages:
- To be effective, vaginal spermicides must be placed in the vagina just
before intercourse. - The applicator must be washed with soap and water after each use.
- Occasionally a spermicide may cause an allergic irritation in the vagina.