Diaphragms and condoms together

[Burning_tree]

So, I'm on meds that interact with Birth Control pills, shots, the ring, the patch...pretty much anything hormonal. My doctor suggested that I get an IUD but I don't have insurance, don't qualify for financial assistance (I make a whopping $19,000 a year), and can't afford the up-front costs.

We're nervous about getting pregnant using condoms alone. Obviously if I can't afford an IUD, I can't afford to support a child. The current strategy is to use a diaphagm in addition to a condom. I've got an appointment for a fitting next week.

I've heard from friends that diaphragms are really uncomfortable, and can be knocked out of place in certain sexual positions. Does anyone have any experience with them?

[sera300]

They are not so much uncomfortable as they can be dislodged--like a UFO in the bedroom and you are at a higher risk for a UTI. They still have to be used with a spermicidal jelly. I would consider getting fitted for a cervical cap first. I never had one come loose or move on it's own and I used one for about 10 years, also I did not feel it being there. Two times used a diaphragm and never used it again.

[Burning_tree]

Originally Posted by sera300

They are not so much uncomfortable as they can be dislodged--like a UFO in the bedroom and you are at a higher risk for a UTI. They still have to be used with a spermicidal jelly. I would consider getting fitted for a cervical cap first. I never had one come loose or move on it's own and I used one for about 10 years, also I did not feel it being there. Two times used a diaphragm and never used it again.

Why would I still need to use spermacide? Isn't a condom and a diaphragm enough protection? Gosh darn it this is a lot to have to do before sex...

A cervical cap seems like a good idea. Thanks for the tip. I'll probably look into one of those. The interwebs seem to be telling me that I can leave one in for up to 48 hours. That's conveniant. I can put it in before he comes over, have sex, fall asleep next to him, get up the next day, have more sex, and not worry about putting it in and taking it out every time.

[sera300]

Originally Posted by Burning_tree

Why would I still need to use spermacide? Isn't a condom and a diaphragm enough protection? Gosh darn it this is a lot to have to do before sex...

A cervical cap seems like a good idea. Thanks for the tip. I'll probably look into one of those. The interwebs seem to be telling me that I can leave one in for up to 48 hours. That's conveniant. I can put it in before he comes over, have sex, fall asleep next to him, get up the next day, have more sex, and not worry about putting it in and taking it out every time.

The spermicide is intended to catch any extra's...if you are using a condom prob. not needed. The one I had could be left in for 3 days. What I did was remove it when I showered (every day) wash it with warm soapy water & dry it, then put it back in. It only has to be left in for a period of time after intercourse. It was very convenient and they are less expensive then the diaphragm.

[Burning_tree]

How much did you pay for your cervical cap?

[Brandye]

The diaphragm and the cervical cap do depend upon vaginal jelly to seal the area around their rims. I was in younger days a diaphragm user and they do fly across the room if they slip while inserting. Otherwise I was very satisfied.

When you add vaginal spermicide (foam, film, jelly, tablet) to a condom you have virtually the same protection as being on the pill. In short, you really do not need the diaphragm or cervical cap. Yes, they may add some protection at the third decimal place but for practical purposes, you are well protected.

Do as you choose; I would save the fitting costs. See the sticky on which birth control for me? The figures given there for effectiveness are for real life, not theoretical possibilities.

[Burning_tree]

Where's the sticky? I can't find it in the BC section.

[Brandye]

The one I was referring to has disappeared. Try failure rates under New to Sex. It has the same figures.

[Burning_tree]

Well, just getting some spermacide would be cheap and easy. I can continue to get condoms for free.

Where are you getting your stats, though? I am not saying I don't believe you. I'd just like to check references before talking to my doctor again. Gods, all these trips to the doctor are a pain. The first time she prescribed the pill....and I was all ready to take it until a friend of mine told me about the medication interaction (she's on the same meds). So, I talked to my doctor about this. I made another appointment, first with the very hurried, harried psychiatrist (I'm on mood stabilizers) who didn't have time to talk to me and didn't know anything about birth control. She suggested that I get an IUD. So I made yet another appointment to talk about this. I got a pelvic exam and was all ready to get an IUD when I didn't get approved for financial assistance. So, here's MD appointment #4 next week. Hopefully we can figure it out this time.

Thanks for all your help.

[sera300]

Burning tree:

I think it cost about $65 dollars, it was minimal and lasted for years. Brandyes information/stats on Birth control is from empirical data...it's numbers she observed. I find it more informative & reliable then a manufacturer.