cervical caps and diapgrams
what they are and what they do
To get a cervical cap or diaphram you will first need to be fitted for one. If you are not fitted the cap or diaphram could be too big or too small allowing for sperm to get under it and impregnate you. You can get fitted for a diaphram at Planned Parenthood or any gynocologysts office. They simply have you lay in stirrups, just like a pap-smear, and insert different caps or diaphrams (clean ones that haven't been used) until they find the right size. Caps and diaphrams can be used for 6 months to a year before getting a new one, they cost about $20
Diaphrams and caps both are best used with spermacide. Before using a diaphram you should empty your bladder. You put a little bit of jelly on the inside (about a teaspoon) and smooth a small bit of it around the rim (in case an spermies get under the diaphram or cap), then you insert (before you leave the Dr.'s office they will be sure you can insert it and take it out correctly) it by folding it in half. when it hits the cervix it basically unfolds and places itself (at least it does with me). The diaphram works by placing itself under your pelvic bone (which holds it in place) and over your cervix. The cervix has an opening called the Os, that's where the sperm swim to get you pregnant. If the sperm can't get into the opening you can't get pregnant. You need to leave both the cap and diaphram in for 6-8 hours after intercourse.
A cervical cap is different from a diaphram in that it is smaller. it fits right over your cervix and creates suction to keep itself on.
problems with diaphrams and caps
The diaphram rests under your pelvic bone and against (unfortunately) your bladder as well. That's why you need to make sure you empty your bladder before insertion. If you have to pee even the tiniest bit before you insert the diaphram you'll soon need to pee real bad during sex. as if inserting the thing wasn't disruptive enough, you've got to stop foreplay and go pee too! Also there is an increased risk of urinary tract infections for women using diaphrams. Urinary tract infections can make you extremely ill and are dangerous, so you should be on the look out for this if you use a diaphram. Drinking cranberry juice helps lesson your chances of an infection.
aside from all of this it feels very unpleasant to remove after 8 hours--it's almost like the feeling your fingers and toes get after they've been in water too long (wrinkly), only this feeling is inside you--not horrible, just unpleasant.
If you have to pee again during those 8 hours you can expect it to be difficult. The urine only comes out in a tiny stream--not too pleasant either.
sex is better for the man this way than with a condom, he can feel more. But unfortunately for you his penis will rub up against the rim of the diaphram, this will make you a little sore the first time, you get more used to it as time goes on but it makes sex less pleasurable because it makes the penis enter at a different angle.
cervical caps
The suction used by the cervical cap to stay on sometimes causes cervical abnormalities, changing the shape of the cervix. I am not sure if some of the above apply to cervical caps as well (urinary tract infections etc). I'll get back to you on that one.
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