using a diaphragm?

[mama2James]

I had to decide what kind of birth control method to use after having our daughter, and honestly it was a tough choice. I didn't want anything hormonal, for a lot of reasons, but the main one is that I am breast feeding and I don't want to take anything that will affect my milk supply, or pass any hormones on to her through my milk. We also don't want any permanent method like a vasectomy etc, and an IUD scares me because it's a foreign object in the uterus, lol! For a while, we were considering just doing natural family planning by tracking my cycles etc, but ultimately I decided to get fitted for a diaphragm. I plan to still track my cycle and avoid the most fertile days of the month altogether since the typical failure rate for diaphragms is somewhat higher than other methods.
No one really talks about them anymore, and I read online that only about 1% of American women use them now. My midwife encouraged it when I asked her about it, she said she "loves diaphragms" and that she used one herself for many years.
From the frugal viewpoint, it seems to be a great method. The full cost for mine was about $49.00 but I only paid $15 after insurance. It's supposed to last 2 years so, very cheap... even the tube of spermicide wasn't too expensive, about 12 dollars for a tube about twice the amount of a toothpaste tube, so that will last a while.
Anyone have any diaphragm experience, good, bad or ugly?

[ktsmama]

I will be interested to see the responses to this thread. I am thinking of this option, too.

[mama2James]

Since we will be using cycle tracking too once my period returns (haven't had one yet since I'm still nursing) and because we would be ok with an unintended pregnancy, I have been doing some research about using a diaphragm without spermicide. One less chemical in my body.... There are conflicting studies out there, but there is some evidence that they are only slightly less effective without it, and at least one study showed better effectiveness likely due to it being less messy and more convenient, thus used more consistently...
Just babbling again I guess...

[Telephus44]

I use an IUD. Not that I'm knocking anyone's choices, but they do have a copper IUD that doesn't use hormones. For some reason (can't remember the entire biology bit right now) the copper itself actually prevents pregnancy. For me personally, I would think that having to insert something (like a diaphragm (or condom, or sponge for that matter))would spoil the "mood."

[Nada.Leona]

The first pregnancy was unintentional so we aren't really planning the next one either. I read recently that a study of the "withdrawl method" (coitus interruptus) showed to be just a little bit less effective than condoms.

I have no intentions of going back on the pill once our baby is born, so I will have to look at alternatives as well. Breastfeeding helps to reduce your risk of getting pregnant as well, but you can definitely get pregnant while breastfeeding. Nothing is 100% foolproof (except abstinence).

[mama2James]

For me, having to insert the diaphragm before sex isn't so much about spoiling the mood per se... but sometimes I don't know ahead of time that we might have sex and getting back up out of bed is hard if you're lazy like me. Some suggest inserting it each night before bed just in case, which would work for us since we don't usually go galavanting in the middle of the livingroom at noon lol... some of the studies on using the diaphragm without spermicide were done with the women using it continuously, only taking it out once a day to wash it. A lot of options to think about...

[mama2James]

The first pregnancy was unintentional so we aren't really planning the next one either. I read recently that a study of the "withdrawl method" (coitus interruptus) showed to be just a little bit less effective than condoms.

I have no intentions of going back on the pill once our baby is born, so I will have to look at alternatives as well. Breastfeeding helps to reduce your risk of getting pregnant as well, but you can definitely get pregnant while breastfeeding. Nothing is 100% foolproof (except abstinence).

We are sure that we are not ready to rule out another baby at some point, but it would certainly be more convenient to wait a while longer for us. I read some pretty decent statistics on the withdrawal method too. It is always taught that it is useless, but that's when you are a teen and guys don't really have enough self control to actually do it consistently. It does make sense that it would aid in preventing pregnancy, since the vast majority of the sperm end up outside the body.
Breastfeeding is up to 96% effective as long as the baby is less than 6 month old and eats only breastmilk, no formula and no solids, and feedings must not be more than 4 hours apart. Also menstrual periods must not have returned.
I fit all those criteria except I pump while at work and sometimes go more than 4 hours. My period hasn't returned, so I feel somewhat protected by that.
I think we'll end up using a combo of the diaphragm either with or without spermicide, periodic abstinence based on my cycle and withdrawal. I really do not want to use a hormonal method or an IUD.

[JerryG]

I used a diaphragm many years ago, when married. They're kind of messy and difficult to remove until you get used to them. Yes, putting them in before going to bed is the easiest way to handle it. Just take it out in the am, and clean up.

DO check it for pinholes, leakage on a regular basis. My ex decided that it was time for another child w/o consulting me. He put a pinhole in mine w/o my knowledge. Notice he's my ex now.

[mama2James]

wow, that's awful! I will be checking mine often to be sure it's not torn or breaking down, I read that deterioration is much less of an issue now that they are made of silicone and not latex.
I'm not finding it to be too messy, but I'm not using a ton of spermicide in it either. It recommends a teaspoon, but I think I've been eyeballing less than that...

[Nada.Leona]

DO check it for pinholes, leakage on a regular basis. My ex decided that it was time for another child w/o consulting me. He put a pinhole in mine w/o my knowledge. Notice he's my ex now.

Wow... isn't that a wee bit illegal?! What an SOB. Man, there wouldn't be much left of the guy who did something like that to me! Good reason he's your ex now. Did anything come of it?

[Natalie's Nesters]

I used the copper IUD for 10 years, loved it. I couldn't go back on the pill after my first son was born, made me a total witch! IUD is easy no clean up and you always have it. I finally talked my husband in to getting snipped. Good luck with your choice!