Barrier methods of family planning 193
The diaphragm and the cervical cap
The diaphragm and cervical cap are both
shallow cups made of soft rubber that are
worn in the vagina during sex. Either one must
be left in your vagina for at least 6 hours after
sexual intercourse, and you can leave it in for
as long as 24 hours (but no longer).
You may prefer a different method if:
• you have limited hand movement.
• you cannot open your legs very wide.
• you cannot reach your vagina.
• you get muscle spasms in your upper legs.
Both the diaphragm and the cap are good methods to prevent pregnancy if they
are used with a contraceptive cream or jelly (spermicide) every time you have sex.
Diaphragms and cervical caps come in different sizes. An experienced health worker
can fit you with the correct size for your body. The diaphragm is larger than the cap,
and some small women say the cap fits them better. After childbirth, or if you have
gained or lost a lot of weight, you may need to change the size of your diaphragm.
The diaphragm and the cap usually last a year or longer. Both must be checked
regularly for holes and cracks by holding them up to the light. If there is even a tiny
hole, get a new one because the man’s sperm is even tinier and can get through the
hole. After use, wash in warm soapy water, rinse, and dry. Keep the diaphragm or
cap in a clean, dry place.
These methods are not available
everywhere. But if enough
women demand them,
more programs and
clinics will make them
available.
cervical cap
diaphragm
The Sponge
The contraceptive sponge
The contraceptive sponge is made of soft plastic and is filled with a spermicide
(nonoxynol-9). You put the sponge deep
inside your vagina before having sex.
Once it is in place, you can have sexual
intercourse as often as you like, without
having to add more spermicide. It must
You may prefer a different method if:
• you cannot open your legs very wide.
• you have limited hand movement.
• you cannot reach your vagina.
stay in your vagina for 6 hours after having • you get muscle spasms in your
sex, and you can leave it in for as long
upper legs.
as 24 hours (but no longer). In many
• you have no feeling in your pelvis.
countries the sponge is not available.
A Health Handbook for Women with Disabilities 2007