What Is a Diaphragm? A diaphragm is a dome-shaped bowl made of thin, flexible silicone that sits over the cervix, the part of the uterus that opens into the vagina. It covers the cervix so sperm can't get in and fertilize an egg. How Does a Diaphragm Work? A diaphragm keeps sperm from entering the uterus by covering the cervix. For added protection, spermicide is put into the bowl of the diaphragm and along its edges before it's inserted. The diaphragm is placed high into the vagina so it covers the cervix. The diaphragm can be put in up to 2 hours before having sex, and must be left in place at least 6 hours after sex. The diaphragm should not stay in longer than 24 hours. More spermicide must be used each time a young woman has sex while wearing the diaphragm. How Well Does a Diaphragm Work? Over the course of a year, 12 out of 100 typical couples who use the diaphragm with spermicide will have an accidental pregnancy. How well the diaphragm works depends on: how well it fits whether a couple uses it every time they have sex whether spermicide is used appropriately A diaphragm also needs to be cared for. After each use, it must be washed (with mild soap and water), rinsed, and air dried, then stored in its case. Baby powder and oil-based lubricants (such as mineral oil, petroleum jelly, or baby oil) should not be put on the diaphragm. Other vaginal creams, such as yeast infection medicines, also can damage the diaphragm. A diaphragm should be replaced at least every 2 years. It should be checked regularly for holes or weak spots, and replaced as needed. Does a Diaphragm Help Prevent STDs? No. The diaphragm does not protect against STDs. Couples having sex must always use condoms along with the diaphragm to protect against STDs. Abstinence (not having sex) is the only method that always prevents pregnancy and STDs. Are There Any Problems With a Diaphragm? Most young women who use a diaphragm have no problems with it. But possible side effects include: from the spermicide, irritation of the vagina and surrounding skin or an allergic reaction strong odors or vaginal discharge if the diaphragm is left in too long an allergic raction to the material in the diaphragm (this is rare) a higher risk for urinary tract infections (UTIs) toxic shock syndrome if the diaphragm is left in too long (this is rare) Who Is a Diaphragm Right for? A diaphragm may be a good option for a young woman who can take responsibility for protection before having sex. With a diaphragm, she must always have a supply of spermicide. The diaphragm isn't a good choice for anyone who is uncomfortable or uneasy with the thought of reaching into her vagina. And it may not be right for those with some medical conditions, such as frequent urinary tract infections. The diaphragm should not be used when a young woman has her period. Where Are Diaphragms Available? A doctor or nurse practitioner must fit a girl for a diaphragm. During a pelvic exam, the doctor or NP will find the right size diaphragm and teach her how to insert and remove it. A diaphragm that's inserted incorrectly or doesn't fit well can lead to pregnancy. During an annual exam, the doctor or nurse will make sure the diaphragm still fits correctly. It may not fit if a girl has gained or lost weight, had a baby, had an abortion, or was fitted when she was a virgin and she is now having sex. A woman who has had any of these changes should have her doctor check the fit of the diaphragm right away rather than wait until her annual exam. How Much Does a Diaphragm Cost? Costs can range from $0 to about $250 for the diaphragm and the office visit. Many health insurance plans cover the costs, and family planning clinics (such as Planned Parenthood) may charge less. Also, the cost of spermicide is about $0.50 to $1.50 per use. A diaphragm should be replaced every 2 years. When Should I Call the Doctor? A woman using a diaphragm should call the doctor if she: might be pregnant has a change in the smell or color of vaginal discharge has signs of a UTI, such as burning with peeing or feeling the need to pee often has unexplained fever or chills has belly or pelvic pain has pain during sex has signs of toxic shock syndrome, such as a sunburn-like rash, achiness, fever, diarrhea, vomiting, or dizziness Back to Articles Related Articles About Birth Control: What Parents Need to Know Talking to your kids about sex can be a challenge. But discussing issues like birth control can help lower teens' risk of unintended pregnancy or getting an STD. Read More Questions and Answers About Sex Answering kids' questions about sex is a responsibility many parents dread. But by answering these questions honestly, parents can help foster healthy feelings about sex. Read More Sexual Development Big physical and emotional changes happen during puberty and the teen years. These articles can help you become a source of information, comfort, and support for your kids. Read More About Spermicide Spermicides can be used alone but are more effective when used with another method of birth control, such as a condom or diaphragm. Read More STDs Parents should learn about the most common STDs, how they spread, and how they're diagnosed and treated. Read More Your Daughter's First Gynecology Visit The idea of going to the gynecologist may make your daughter feel nervous. Here's how to make her feel more comfortable about a well-woman visit. Read More STDs (Sexually Transmitted Diseases) You've probably heard lots of discouraging news about sexually transmitted diseases. The good news is that STDs can be prevented. Find out how to protect yourself. Read More The Cervical Cap Before you consider having sex, you need to know how to protect yourself. Read this article about the cervical cap to find out if it's right for you and how well it works. Read More Spermicide Spermicides can be used alone but are more effective when used with another method of birth control, such as a condom or diaphragm. Read More Birth Control Methods: How Well Do They Work? Some birth control methods work better than others. This chart compares how well different birth control methods work. Read More The Diaphragm Before you consider having sex, you need to know how to protect yourself. A diaphragm may be a birth control good option for a young woman who can take responsibility in advance. Read More Should Girls Who Aren't Sexually Active Be Vaccinated Against HPV? Find out what the experts have to say. Read More About Birth Control Before you consider having sex, you need to know how to protect yourself. Read this article to get the basics on birth control. Read More About Condoms Condoms are thin pouches that keep sperm from getting into the vagina. There are male condoms and female condoms. Read More Toxic Shock Syndrome Toxic shock syndrome is a serious but uncommon bacterial infection. TSS is a medical emergency - symptoms include sudden high fever, a faint feeling, diarrhea, headache, and muscle aches. Read More Note: All information is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice, diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor. © 1995-2021 KidsHealth®. All rights reserved. Images provided by The Nemours Foundation, iStock, Getty Images, Veer, Shutterstock, and Clipart.com.