Diaphragm Anyone?

There's an article in this month's Parenting about the latest methods of birth control. The interuterine contraception sounded good. With a diaphragm, you have to get refitted if you gain or lose 10 lbs.

While I do not use a diaphragm, I would recommend that you read "Taking Charge of Your Fertility". You will learn more than you ever wanted to know about your body and can learn the basics of how to/how not to get pregnant naturally.

they are good, because you are not using any hormonses to make your cycle regular, and if you have fatigue associated with that, the diaphram is a good choice. other women talked about how it is mildly unromantic, but ya know, you have to do something, and it really is not that bad. someone also mentioned an iud, and i have friends who love it- no mess, no bother, more expensive than a diaphram, but a lot less worry, and you only need to change it, what, every 4-5 years? i think? that might be your best shot.

Yes, I used one for years and loved it! Simple, easy to take care of, inexpensive, no side effects. The only time a diaphragm won't work effectively is if it's in the drawer instead of in you! My kids are 6 1/2 years apart and a diaphragm was the only birth control we used. If you were my daughter I would recommend you consider it seriously.

I used one for over ten years with no problems. It was a bit painful to have it inserted, but nothing that I couldn't handle. I think they got a bad rap back when women were having so many issues. If you use them the way they are recommended, I think they are great and I didn't have to remember to put them in or take them every day with, as you said, the side affects they come with. I had no side affects with the IUD. Plus I had it removed when I wanted another child and got pregnant in three weeks. I would recommend them to anyone who had already had at least two kids and is in a relationship. Hope that helps.

L.

Do you think you might want more kids? That should factor in to your decision. If you are sure you're done, there is a new, non-surgical procedure called Essure that is done in a single, brief Dr. visit. The device is implanted into the fallopian tubes and blocks eggs from coming down. Over a few months' time, tissue growth surrounds the device, creating a complete barrier. It is not at all reversible, so you have to be very sure that you're done having babies. At 45, I know I'm done, but my husband has been procrastinating on the vasectomy he promised he'd get 5 yrs. ago, so I'm strongly considering Essure now. If you think you want to have more kids, though, the Mirena is your best bet.

Good luck!

Have you though about the Mirena IUD? They are inserted in the docor's office. They can be left in for 5 yrs. Most of the time, periods lessen or go away completely. There is also the seasonique Birth control pill - only have a period every 3 months.

Hi J.,

I think I have used just about every kind of birth control out there, including the diaphragm and the pill, and I am now using the Marina IUD, which I consider to be a terrific form of birth control for someone who is very serious about not getting pregnant (it is even more effective than sterilization!) and who does not want the side-effects of the pill. This IUD works the way all IUDs do, by preventing implantation, but it also works the way the pill does, using a small, localized dose of hormones. So unlike the pill, it doesn't affect the whole body, but like the pill, it reduces or completely stops the menstrual cycle. I loved my diaphragm for many years -- I had the idea that because it involved me and my partner more with birth control, put me in control of it, and was natural, that it was the feminist birth control method of choice. But I got pregnant using it once, found having to keep track of how long it was in and taking it out and cleaning it hours after sex inconvenient, and after having a baby and struggling with total exhaustion and post-partum depression, I just didn't need to have to worry about inserting a diaphragm before having sex -- I needed something that could allow me to get sexual the second I felt willing, before that fragile little flame of desire was blown out by the winds of shifting hormones, stirrings from my child's bedroom, exhaustion, and post-partum resentment toward my mate! For me, the Marina IUD has been a godsend.

M.

look into Mirena. My sister used it between babies and has LOVED IT. it is progesterone. Semi-permenent and totally reversable! she started her period within 1 month after getting it out.
Really, read about it.

I used one for about a year. I had issues with the pill too...just couldnt handle the hormones...I felt so bad on them. I tried the patch and it was even worse and I tried so many different pills and they all affected me the same. I didnt want to do an IUD (which is an option for you that doesnt use hormones...any of the options that use hormones will probably give you the same side effects). So, my Dr suggested we try the diaphragm. My hubby didnt want to use condoms so we did this. It is actually very effective if used correctly, but a little bit of a pain because you have to insert it before intercourse and you cant take it out until I think 6-8 hours later. So, its a little messy and takes away the spontainity of things, but it beat the way I felt on birth control. After my first child was born, however, I tried to use it again and hated it. Apparently the size changes after giving birth and it was uncomfortable.

Good Luck!! There are lots of options out there for women who dont want to take birth control. For another natural option, check out a book called Taking Charge of my Fertility. You have to be very disciplined for it to be effective, but it is effective.

My favorite was the Mirena IUD. It was the least invasive of all methods I tried, and the lowest hormonal effects. It also lightened and spaced out my periods after a while, which was nice! :-)

I was told that a diaphragm is about the same as for protection as using a foam contraceptive. I have had friends that have them but never use them because of the 'effort' it takes to 'get ready'.

I'm with you on the single hormone form of b.c.! I used Mirena after my 1st before my 2nd for about 2 years and liked it a lot. It has the same benefits of single hormone but the bonus is they are a lot lower because the hormones don't have to travel through your blood stream to be effective. I liked it a lot and if I can't get hubby to get 'fixed' I will have another one after this baby (#3) comes.

J.,

I tried the pill, but always had concerns about possible side-effects. I used a diaphragm for YEARS with absolute confidence (and my husband and I were very active.) In my opinion, this isn't even a risk-benefit issue if this type of birth control is used responsibly. The biggest bonus: NO SIDE EFFECTS.

Good luck.

Betty

Great for you to listen to your body re the medications. I used the diaphagm and was fine with it. It is slightly time consuming but after having two kids I don't see that as such a big deal. Just get it out when you should, and clean it & let it dry out - I always felt this was important. It's a much better option than you feeling yucky!

One thing to consider and you can talk to your doc about this- I think that if you lose a lot of weight you need to get re-fitted - am not sure on this so ask - just wanted to mention it. Good luck on this!

Alli

I have used the diaphragm for 5 years and love it! I had so much hormonal trouble with birth control pills, so I can't use anything that has hormones in it. I tried the Copper IUD for a while and hated it. It made my periods so heavy and I had horrible cramping and fatigue. I finally got fed up and had it removed. I couldn't use the Mirena IUD b/c of the hormones. I used the IUD for a period when I absolutely could not handle having another baby. It served it's purpose, but I would not do it again. I love that the diaphram is non-evasive and really even though everyone says it's a pain to remember, it is not that big of a deal. We used it successfully before and after both of my planned kids. Be sure to use it with spermicide. If used correctly, every time with spermicide your % rates of not getting pregnant are almost the same as birth control. Not usuing spermicide and not using correctly are what increases the risk factor. I will say that if you need a 100% this is not for you since there is a bit higher risk. I have loved not taking something with hormones. There are no side effects. For me this far outweighed any inconvenience or "mess" that others complain of. Give it a try. I have heard it is either a love it or hate it thing. Hope you find something that works for you!

Why don't you use an IUD? They are great, I used them for over 10 years, years ago. My children are now 33 and 30. I never had any problems, of course you don't even feel it inside. Why they heck would anyone want to deal with the mess of a diaphragm, or even pills? The doctor puts it in, and its good for years.

I googled IUD and got this link to WebMD

http://www.webmd.com/sex/birth-control/intrauterine-devic...

K

I was using a diaphram when I got pregnant with my son (yikes, yes and I followed the directions). I always found it incredably akward to put in and keep in!!! Lat year I had an IUD (Mirena) and it is the best investment I have ever made in my marriage. I love it!

I've never personally delt with the diaphram, but from what I understand it isn't reliable to begin with and even less so after having each child. I highly reccomend a copper IUD. I have one and I love it. No hormones cause my body can't tolerate them and I end up with rapid progressing dysplasia. It's a simple office procedure and it does cause some pain on insertion but after that you never feel it. And it's over 99% effective. Hope this helps.

Try the Mirena IUD... Very safe, effective and low maintenance. Does not effect breastfeeding. I've had mine in for 3 years with no problems. It was inserted right after my daughters birth and I breastfed her for 10 months...

Have you considered the Creighton Model of Natural Family Planning? It requires that you look at your daily secretions (on the toilet paper every time you use the bathroom) to determine if you are fertile. If you are using the method to avoid getting pregnant, then you avoid sexual relations while you are fertile. It takes some of the sponteneity out of sex, but you don't have to be on hormones. I was on Depo for 1 year. In that time, my vision went from 20/60 to 20/200 (it is in the the fine print that it could do that) and I lost my sex drive. It took an additional 2 years after Depo to get some of my sex drive back. My sex drive has never been the same. If you are interested in NFP, try the Fertility Care Center of Central TX, 2026 Guadalupe, Austin TX. I think the number is ###-###-####. I hope this is helpful, even though it does not answer your question.
S.

I have never used a diaphram, but we use NFP (Natural Family Planning), which involves taking your temp every morning when you wake and learning the shifts when you ovulate. You can use your body patterns to both avoid pregnancy, and to get pregnant when you're ready. It works very well and is an excellent way to do birth control without putting anything artificial in your body, if that's what you are looking for. You can look it up online, and there are books out there too that explain it in more detail.

Have you considered an IUD? Compared to a diaphragm: it's more effective, much less trouble (gynecologist must insert and remove every 10 YEARS (for the copper one), requires no spermicide or care, and allows for spontaneity. I used them successfully for 20 yrs. following childbirth without incident. Once I did have the string clipped as it could be felt by my husband, and that's the only "worry" or trouble for 20 years! I have known women who had more than one kid as a result of using a diaphragm, but have known none to get pregnant using an IUD. Speak with your gynecologist, other women, and do the research. Check out these links for comparison:
http://www.mjbovo.com/Contracept/Diaphragm.htm
http://www.webmd.com/sex/birth-control/intrauterine-devic...
Good luck! jenifer

I have the mirena. It's a five year IUD. I LOVE IT! I have had no problems with it at all. My doctor said that If something were to happen it would have happened within the first moth or two (like slipping out or moving...) The only thing that I am experiencing is low progesterone so I am also taking a progesteron only cream (proleif from aurbon (SP?) ) to help with my mood and other related syptoms...
T.

Hi J. -
Sorry to hear you're going through so much with your BC! My husband won't get fixed either. After our 2nd child I had major back problems and high BP, so had to seek out alternative BC as well. Have you looked into an IUD? I have had one for 4 1/2 years and no problems! The name of it is Mirena. It's 99.9% effective, it's good for 5 yrs (or less if you choose),hassle free, and estrogen free. You can go to www.mirena-us.com for more info. It just takes an ofc. visit to your ob-gyn. My insurance covered it. The bonus I have is no periods!! Most have lighter ones for a fewer days or none at all. You ought to look into it!
Good luck.

Hi J.- I don't have any experience with the diaphragm, but I do have an IUD. The one I have is called Mirena and is good for 5 years. You can have it removed if you decide to have more kids and I have not experienced any side effects. Also nice to not have a period. It has worked great for me!!!!! Hope this helps! Good Luck :)!

I started up on Depo recently and noticed I have been tired all the time too. Glad to know why.
I am thinking about a procedure called "essure". I heard it on the radio and checked out the website (www.essure.com) and I spoke with my OB/GYN about it. Sounds pretty good, but it's permanent though.
Good luck

I used one and had problems with urinary tract infections. Have you considered an IUD? I have had one for a couple of years and love it. There are no hormonal side effects, my periods are very light to non-existent, and there is no "maintenance" to deal with. It might be worth considering.

They are messy..........you can't remove them for so many hours, so you feel gunky until it can be removed and you can clean up. That was my only negative part about it. It worked as long as I used it.