Diaphragms and caps are barrier methods of contraception. They fit inside your vagina and prevent sperm from passing through the entrance of your womb (the cervix). Diaphragms are soft, thin domes made of latex (rubber) or silicone. For an image of diaphragm, please click here. Caps are smaller and are made of latex or silicone. They come in different shapes and sizes. Diaphragms and caps stop sperm reaching an egg by covering your cervix. To be effective in preventing pregnancy, they need to be used in combination with spermicide, a chemical that kills sperm.

You only have to use a diaphragm or cap when you have sex, but you must leave it in for at least six hours after the last time you had sex (see Diaphragms and caps – how to use them). You can leave it in for longer than this, but do not take it out before.

How effective are diaphragms and caps?

If used correctly and in combination with spermicide, diaphragms and caps are estimated to be 92-96% effective in preventing pregnancy. This means that if 100 women use a diaphragm or cap, between four and eight of them will become pregnant in one year. There are other more effective contraceptives available, such as the oral contraceptive pill. Some women prefer to use diaphragms or caps because they do not like taking the pill. Others cannot take the pill for health reasons.

Diaphragms and caps only provide limited protection against sexually transmitted infections (STIs). If you are at a high risk of getting an STI – for example, you or your partner has more than one sexual partner – you may be advised to use another form of contraception.

Special considerations

Most women are able to use diaphragms and caps. However, there are situations and circumstances where they may not be suitable for you:

• if you have an unusually shaped or positioned cervix (entrance to the womb), or if you cannot reach your cervix
• if you have weakened vaginal muscles (possibly as a result of giving birth) that cannot hold a diaphragm or cap in place
• if you have a sensitivity or an allergy to latex or the chemicals in spermicide
• if you have ever had toxic shock syndrome (a rare but life-threatening bacterial infection)
• if you have repeated urinary tract infections (an infection of the urinary system, such as the urethra, bladder or kidneys)
• if you currently have a vaginal infection (wait until your infection clears before using a diaphragm or cap)
• if you are not comfortable touching your vagina
• If you have a high risk of getting a sexually transmitted infection (STI), for example, if you have multiple sexual partners

Diaphragms and caps can provide only limited protection against STIs. Research shows that some spermicides, which contain the chemical nonoxinal-9, do not protect against STIs and may even increase your risk of getting an STI.

After having a baby

You can use a diaphragm or cap after having a baby but you may need a different size. It is recommended that you wait at least six weeks after giving birth before using a diaphragm or cap.

After a miscarriage or abortion

You can use a diaphragm or cap after a miscarriage or abortion, but you may need a different size.

Advantages of diaphragms and caps 

Diaphragms and caps have the following advantages:

• you only need to use them when you want to have sex
• you can put them in at a convenient time before having sex (but do not forget to use extra spermicide if you have it in for more than three hours)
• there are no serious associated health risks or side effects
• you are in control of your contraception

Disadvantages of diaphragms and caps 

Diaphragms and caps have the following disadvantages:

• they are not as effective as other types of contraception
• they only provide limited protection against sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
• it can take time to learn how to use them
• putting them in can interrupt sex
• cystitis (bladder infection) can be a problem for some women who use them
• latex and spermicide can cause irritation in some women and their sexual partners

What can make a diaphragm or cap less effective?

A diaphragm or cap will be less effective if:

• it is damaged – for example, it is torn or has holes
• you do not use it every time you have sex
• it does not cover your cervix
• it is not the right size
• you use it without spermicide
• you have sex three hours or more after you put it in and you do not use extra spermicide
• you do not use extra spermicide with your diaphragm or cap every time you have more sex
• you remove it too soon (less than six hours after the last time you had sex)
• you use oil-based products, such as baby lotion, bath oils or some vaginal medicines (for example, pessaries) with latex diaphragms or caps – these can damage the latex

If any of these things happen, or you have had sex without contraception, you may need to take emergency contraception.

Related articles:

1. What you need to know about hysterectomy
2. Circumcision helps stop wart virus
3. Male circumcision for HIV prevention
4. Specific disorders of ovulation
5. Erectile dysfunction – Impotence
6. Chlamydia — a sexually transmitted disease
7. Infertility
8. Lessons on HIV and AIDS – Oral thrush
9. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and the menopause

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