Oddball Diaphragm Question

[NizeGie]

I'm generally familar with diaphragms and how they work, and I've even seen them out in the open, but - being a guy - they're still slightly mysterious.

My main question: is there any particular reason you'd use one other than the obvious (birth control)?

I do understand that when it comes to their intended use, they have some advantages over condoms in the "feel" department, and some rather more significant disadvantages in the STD safety department. Does anyone feel compelled to use both a diaphragm and a condom? Or, for that matter, both the pill and a diaphragm? (Or, just to be complete, all three?)

[Cleveland]

A diaphragm is for people who have a singular partner, have been tested for STDs and merely want to prevent pregnancy. Using a condom in such a situation is just an extra layer or protection against pregnancy.

Generally, using just a diaphagm or the pill or the patch if you are multi-partnered, is like holding a loaded gun to your head. NOT good odds at preventing disease.

[tbryson2]

Lets face it, ALL forms of birth control are a hassle!

BUT you have to consider the alternative, and then all forms of birth control becomes less of a hassle. Some are worse than others though.

My wife and I started with the diaphragm. The thing that didn't impress us was that, your getting frisky, having fun, foreplay, more fun, then when it's time to go for a poke, she has to stop, apply spermicide to the diaphragm, insert it, clean all of the spermicide off of her and THEN we could continue. What a bummer! Now neither of us are in the "right" mood.

She could have inserted it before, but then you can't have any oral fun. (maybe you could, but i wanted to eat her, not the spermicide).

Anyway, diaphragms have their use, but they were no fun for having a LOT of fun.

Also Cleveland is correct. Won't stop STD's, (personally I don't even think a condom is as good as "they" suggest, but it's either that or celibacy!)

Also, I think my neice was using a diaphragm alone, got pregnant anyway. Of course I wasn't in the bedroom making sure they did it right....

[dancingdoc2]

> I've even seen them out in the open, but - being a guy - they're still slightly mysterious.

What is the mystery, or, what do you find mysterious about them?

> My main question: is there any particular reason you'd use one other than the obvious (birth control)?

As an aside, if a couple desides to have intercourse during the woman's period, then wearing a diaphragm will stop the flow during your activities.

> I do understand that when it comes to their intended use, they have some advantages over condoms in the "feel" department, and some rather more significant disadvantages in the STD safety department. Does anyone feel compelled to use both a diaphragm and a condom? Or, for that matter, both the pill and a diaphragm? (Or, just to be complete, all three?)

With correct placement and use, neither party should be able to feel a diaphragm.

As for using a condom along with a high reliability contraceptive for a woman, the advantages are greatest for teenagers. Teens have the greatest risk of pregnancy because of irratic cycles, foregetfulness, and, carelessness. For example, if a person forgets to take the pill on schedule then her risk increases. If a person is using a barrier method like the diaphragm and does not insert it properly or it becomes dislodged, then the chances of becoming pregnant are greater.

As for doubling up, my reply to others who have asked this question continues to be that if the girl/woman is not prepared to be an unwed mother and to have the future course of her life forever changed, she must use some form of highly reliable contraceptive. Likewise, if the guy is not prepared to be an unwed father, to care for and support a child, and to have the future course of his life forever changed, then he must also wear a condom. In other words, each person should look out for Number One, first and foremost, and not rely upon the other person for his/her protection.

As noted, earlier, once a couple is in a monogomous relationship, known to be free of STDs, and are prepared to raise a child, then you can use one type.

As for safety in numbers, well, I suppose a couple could use the pill, and, diaphragm, or, ring, and, condom, although, there is prudence and then there is paranoia.

[NizeGie]

Originally Posted by dancingdoc2

As an aside, if a couple desides to have intercourse during the woman's period, then wearing a diaphragm will stop the flow during your activities.

You may have thought that was an aside, but it was the answer I was looking for.

A little follow-up on my part, and I discover there are also some "diaphragm-esque" products intended for exactly that purpose. The things you go through life without knowing, when you're a guy.

[dancingdoc2]

Glad I stumbled upon just the answer you needed.

> The things you go through life without knowing, when you're a guy.

Yup. Thank goodness for this Q&A Board. Thank goodness we now have an encyclopedia/dictionary/products catalog/information central all rolled up into one venue known as the World Wide Web. Now, if we could just get people to use one of the many search engines.

If you have additional questions or concerns, please feel free to ask.

Doc