got diaphragm fitted today

[spitbath]

it's out of fashion right now, i guess, but it's the only thing that i'm comfortable with using, along with FAM. i'm wondering if anybody else is using the diaphragm or has experience, good or bad, with it. i'd just like to hear accounts of it from other women!
TIA

[EMS]

I'm using a diaphragm, too. At least until I have reliable fertility signals, I figure it's our best option.
Another question--does anyone know how effective a diaphragm is when used without spermicide?

[texaspeach]

I used one with FAM for a while. Kept getting infections from the spermicide and never got good at inserting it (it always turned sideways for some reason)

[rhiOrion]

I used it for a couple months between getting off the pill and TTC. I liked it okay, but I'm not sure I'd love it for long term use. Mostly because the spermacide stung/itched a little, and I felt like it decreased my sensitivity. Also, after we DTD I always felt like it wasn't in there very well.

I got pregnant the very first time I ever had unprotected sex, so I'm assuming the diaphragm was working during those two months, though!

[spitbath]

Originally Posted by rhiOrion

I got pregnant the very first time I ever had unprotected sex, so I'm assuming the diaphragm was working during those two months, though!

[tine1973]

I use a diaphram - have on and off for several years - been very happy with it. Like that its non-hormonal and easy to use.

Diaphrams are much less effective without spermicide, which my mother can tell you, because that is why I am here ;

[vrclay]

ARGH! I thought the diaphram was going to be the answer for me as I'm BFing a 3 month old. My GYN was all on board, got up on the table, was fitted and then she said, OK why don't you reach down there and take it out. Um, don't you know I tried and tried and I couldn't get the damn thing out. Ok, now it's funny to think about but geez, I was sure hoping it would work. Back to the drawing board for us. Her other suggestion was the Today sponge.

[lovebeingamomma]

vrclay I wouldn't give up that fast! There was no freakin way I was sitting there in the office to have practice runs of getting the stupid thing in and out. I did it in the comfort of my own home, and let me tell you, it took a few times, and I almost gave up, but once you get it, it feels really good to make that accomplishment LOL! With a little practice, it's SO easy to take in and out.

So to the OP, I use it no problem, I don't think there's any dream BC, but this works for us. I've had no reaction to spermicide, and yes there is WAY less protection without it.

[Mrs-Mama]

I love my diaphragm! Definitely our contraceptive method of choice...no hormones but no annoying "in the way" feeling like a condom.

Originally Posted by texaspeach

I used one with FAM for a while. Kept getting infections from the spermicide and never got good at inserting it (it always turned sideways for some reason)

Weird! Did you have the right size? You have to get refitted if you gain or lose 10 pounds or if you have a baby. Also, mine feels like it "vacuum seals" when I first put it in and I like to slip a finger under the rim (once inserted) so that lays flat when things get going.

Originally Posted by vrclay

ARGH! I thought the diaphram was going to be the answer for me as I'm BFing a 3 month old. My GYN was all on board, got up on the table, was fitted and then she said, OK why don't you reach down there and take it out. Um, don't you know I tried and tried and I couldn't get the damn thing out. Ok, now it's funny to think about but geez, I was sure hoping it would work. Back to the drawing board for us. Her other suggestion was the Today sponge.

Oh, I'd call and get her to write the prescription for you. I can't get mine out laying on my back. Much easier to do squatting and bearing down slightly. It's kinda awkward and I know I wouldn't have been able to get it out with an audience the first time. You have to grab the front part of the rim. I use my thumb and index finger and "push" a little...it comes right out!

[texaspeach]

I supposedly had the correct size and had not gained/lost weight or been pregnant/given birth. I think it may have been my technique or something. Instead cups are the same shape but I never had an issue inserting them.

[artemis80]

I used it in the few months between going off the pill and TTC (like a PP). Like another PP, I NEVER got it in right. It always went sideways or slipped down from where it was supposed to be. So for myself, I wouldn't rely on it for BC.

[justKate]

Originally Posted by EMS

I'm using a diaphragm, too. At least until I have reliable fertility signals, I figure it's our best option.
Another question--does anyone know how effective a diaphragm is when used without spermicide?

I was wondering the same thing. Off to google I go....

[littlest birds]

It's been a while. I had a mixed experience. I hate using chemical goop first of all--it makes me super-nervous. It seemed yucky when removing (and I have no problem with touching my cervix, body fluids, etc.). I found it easy to get in and out. But I felt the edge get bumped during sex quite a few times, I think this was because of the way my uterus tilts or when my cervix was low during my cycle. That was quite unpleasant. Still it was fairly simple as BC goes. Overall it's less invasive than a lot of options.

[jessica_anne010]

I've been using a diaphragm over the last 8 years and I LOVE it. :-) I've had moments when I had trouble getting it in right, but usually if I wash and dry it and start over it works. I've had the edge rub wrong during sex, probably because my cervix was low during O, which was more annoying than painful. But overall, I've had little trouble with it and it's never failed. I refuse to use hormonal birth control. I kind of don't like using the spermicide because of the chemicals in it, etc., but it's the lesser of all evils at the moment.

[MCatLvrMom2A&X]

Originally Posted by vrclay

ARGH! I thought the diaphram was going to be the answer for me as I'm BFing a 3 month old. My GYN was all on board, got up on the table, was fitted and then she said, OK why don't you reach down there and take it out. Um, don't you know I tried and tried and I couldn't get the damn thing out. Ok, now it's funny to think about but geez, I was sure hoping it would work. Back to the drawing board for us. Her other suggestion was the Today sponge.

No way would I have been able to get the thing out laying on my back. I had to sit on the toilet or stand to get it out. Not to mention awkward trying to do that in front of a Dr. I would get the script for it.

I used it during the time I had to take off ttc when I had to have radioactive iodine done. I liked it just fine other than the gunky feeling when I took it out.

[pvmama]

are diaphragms extinct?

ok, so I'm interested in not being pregnant for awhile, if at all....after boy #3 in 6 yrs. I used the diaphragm with good results after boy #1, but not I can't get one anywhere around here in NY! my midwife warned me of this, but I'm wondering if anyone else has had difficulty finding one or have you gone to internet? I found some from Canada?! what a bummer!!

[jessica_anne010]

Originally Posted by pvmama

but not I can't get one anywhere around here in NY! my midwife warned me of this, but I'm wondering if anyone else has had difficulty finding one or have you gone to internet? I found some from Canada?! what a bummer!!

I just got one from my local Rite Aid last Saturday. $46 not covered by my insurance. Do you have any Rite Aid's where you live?

[npl]

You found in Canada? I was told there was only one place to get them in Toronto, and that you can't buy the gel anywhere in the city at all. Apparently there are problems with insufficient demand.

[Mom2SammyJoe]

I am a diaphragm user, though now I chart and and just use it when fertile. We definately prefer it over condoms. I have no problems with the spermicide, but I know a lot of other people do. I just got re-fitted at my annual exam and needed a smaller size. I had a hard time getting it filled due to the staff at Walgreens being confused. Ortho discontinued their latex diaphragm in 2007 and re-issued them in silicone in 2008. My pharmacy tried to order my new one using the NDC code from the latex one. They told me that Ortho no longer made diaphragms. I was in a tizzy and called Ortho. They were very helpful. The pharmacy got my D for me once they ordered the right one!
I am part of this Yahoo! group and have found it very helpful. http://groups.yahoo.com/group/DiaphragmsAndCaps/
There is all sorts of good information here, including efficacy rates of diaphragms and caps. They also have recipes for making your own spermicide with things like aloe and lemon juice to get away from the irritating chemicals. You have to be a member to access the files, but I think it is wonderful if you are even considering a cervical barrier.
HTH!

[jessica_anne010]

Originally Posted by npl

You found in Canada? I was told there was only one place to get them in Toronto, and that you can't buy the gel anywhere in the city at all. Apparently there are problems with insufficient demand.

No, I'm sorry I'm in the US. The pharmacy had to order it for me, but they had it the next day. Are you close to the border at all?