Contraception: Diaphragms

Description: The diaphragm is placed inside the vagina to cover the cervix; it is a soft latex dome with a flexible rim. It prevents sperm from entering the cervix and is held in place by the pelvic muscle. To allow all sperm to become inactive it must be left in place for at least 6 hours after intercourse.

Effectiveness: Effectiveness varies from 80-94%, as the effectiveness of the diaphragm is affected by many examples, including the age, fertility of the woman and how often she has sex. Also how diligent she is in using her diaphragm can affect the outcome.

Types: In Australia there are two types of diaphragms, they come in different sizes but must be fitted by a doctor or nurse. The two types of diaphragm are; the coil spring and all-flex diaphragm.

Price: the prices of diaphragms range for the different types, but the average cost is $60-70.

How to use a diaphragm? To actually receive your diaphragm it must be fitted by a doctor or nurse, while you’re there you will receive instructions on how to insert it, how to check the correct positioning and how to remove it.

Instructions:
1. The diaphragm should be inserted at any time before intercourse.
2. If you’re using lubricant, be sure to only use water-based products such as KY or Wetstuff.
3. The diaphragm must be left in position for at least 6 hours after intercourse, if you wish it may be left longer, but no longer then 24 hours where at that time it must be cleaned.
4. If you have your period while you’re wearing the diaphragm the blood will build up behind the diaphragm causing it to overflow. The diaphragm should be removed after 6 hours as there is a small chance of infection occurring during your period.

Caring for your diaphragm:
1. Wash you’re diaphragm with warm water, and mild soap if you wish.
2. Rinse and dry it well, then store it in the plastic box provided.
3. To aid drying, the diaphragm may be sprinkled with cornflour.
4. Check for holes- (hold the diaphragm up to the light and stretch it gently between your fingers).

Advantages:

* The diaphragm doesn’t interfere with hormone levels.
* It can be inserted at any time.
* Some women use the diaphragm during their period so that they’re able to have intercourse.

Disadvantages:
* To learn to put the diaphragm in, takes time.
* A few people can be allergic to latex or spermicide.
* The risk of pregnancy is higher than other types of contraception.
* Not all women are comfortable inserting the diaphragm.

Note: If you wish to wear your diaphragm a lot then it is recommended to buy two and rotate between them both.

Part 2

The impact failing to adhere to these safe sex practises has;

§ Unwanted pregnancy- This has a huge impact on teens lives, their daily life style will completely change. Having a baby affects so many aspects of a person’s life, and so the choice to have a baby is usually taken under huge consideration before it’s agreed upon. The cost of caring for a baby is one thing that must always be remembered. A baby has health costs, needs to be fed and nurtured, clothing, schooling and if the parent is at school, or working to pay for this child they will need a baby-sitter too!
§ Sexual transmitted infections- A sexually transmitted infection or STI is an illness transmitted between humans through sexual contact, including vaginal intercourse, oral sex and anal sex. An STI is caused by an infection pathogen.
§ Bad reputation- A bad reputation can cause many issues as teenagers are all about the ‘image’. In high school, teenagers are all about being popular, which can actually sometimes be the cause of having unsafe sexual intercourse. The bad reputation in school can make a teenager insecure, depressed, and sometimes suicidal from the stress that has suddenly packed on. Unfortunately this sort of bad reputation you can’t get rid of, as once it’s done it can’t be taken back.
§ Mental illness- After contracting an STI there’s now the stress of future relationship struggles, if you do get pregnant from failing to adhere to a safe sex practise can cause extremely low self esteem, anxiety, depression and stress.
§ Lose of trust- If a parent loses trust in their child, it will take a long time to earn it back, but it can be done. There is the lose of trust with a teenagers friends parents, the parent may even disapprove their child hanging out with the teenager who has adhered, but this can result through adhering to safe sex and failing.
§ Bad Influence- If one person in a group has had sex, the rest of them may feel pressured to do it too, as they may feel like that’s the only way to be ‘popular’. So whether the sex is safe or not a teenager can be an extremely bad influence to, siblings, friends, the community and other cliques.

The impact adhering to safe sex practises has;

If a teenager believes that they are completely prepared to have sexual intercourse with their partner, and they do adhere to safe sex practises there aren’t as many consequences. Although it can still affect their reputation, trust with parents (if it has not been discussed) and they may still be a bad influence.

Advantages of adhering to safe sex practises;

§ Safe from STI’s
§ Safe from unwanted pregnancy’s
§ Your own sense of responsibility

Contraception

Diaphragms

Part 2

Bibliography!

Quiz!

Contraception