Diaphragm use: a serious question

[milo bloom]

So, after many years of being on the pill, my wife's OB said it was affecting
her blood pressure too much and made her stop. We used condoms for a month or two, but then switched to the diaphragm which was great as we much prefer it bareback and messy :hump:

Now, it works fine (we used it for five months before deciding to try for a baby, then got pregnant the first month without it), but we have always had trouble getting it "installed" without some discomfort. Since my wife has short fingers, the duty falls to me, which I have no objection to in theory, it's just that once you get it covered in spermicide, and start trying to put it into someplace that's all wet and constricted, it starts slipping out of my fingers and I practically end up fisting her to slide it the rest of the way in :eek: which is very uncomfortable for her. (She's always been "cozy", and the baby was a c-section, so no help there).

Any married/long term partnership types with helpful hints for getting that sucker installed right?

[ben12]

He couldn't get her on a different type of pill?

[andicus]

I could've sworn that there was a tool to assist with the placement of a diaphragm, but I can't find any reference to it, other than this one:

http://www.aafp.org/afp/20040101/97.html

"The coil spring diaphragm has a soft flexible rim that does not form an arc when folded. This diaphragm may be used in women with average vaginal muscle tone. It can be inserted with a diaphragm introducer tool.

The flat spring diaphragm is similar to the coil spring device but has a thinner, more delicate rim. Like the coil spring diaphragm, it can be inserted with a diaphragm introducer tool. The flat spring diaphragm may be used in women with firm vaginal muscle tone."

[Giantrobo]

Does your wife smoke? I always hear warnings about heart and blood pressure issues with women who use the pill <i>and</i> smoke....


Since you're willing to go through the hassle of Diaphragms have you considered trying Female Condoms?

http://www.fwhc.org/birth-control/femalecondom.htm

[Mr. Music]

Maybe she needs to be fitted again for a new one?

[KDforever]

If you're done having kids, most insurance companies pay for vasectomies....or you could go with Mr. Music, sounds like it's time for a new one.

[Mr. Music]

or you could go with Mr. Music, sounds like it's time for a new one.


That sounds dirty....

[milo bloom]

Does your wife smoke? I always hear warnings about heart and blood pressure issues with women who use the pill <i>and</i> smoke....


Since you're willing to go through the hassle of Diaphragms have you considered trying Female Condoms?

http://www.fwhc.org/birth-control/femalecondom.htm


Totally different, the diaphragm only covers her cervix internally, blocking sperm from entering. Everything else is skin-to-skin, and fluids a plenty! (it doesn't prevent STDs or anything else, so it's really only for monogamous couples )

To me, it looks like the female condom reduces sensation just as much as a male condom. We enjoy the full contact sensation enough that we deal with the diaphragm.


My wife doesn't smoke, but she is a bit overweight, and she's tried different types of pills.

I've heard of the tool, but haven't seen anywhere to get it either. Guess we have to swallow our pride and ask her OB-GYN.

[Giantrobo]

Totally different, the diaphragm only covers her cervix internally, blocking sperm from entering. Everything else is skin-to-skin, and fluids a plenty! (it doesn't prevent STDs or anything else, so it's really only for monogamous couples )

To me, it looks like the female condom reduces sensation just as much as a male condom. We enjoy the full contact sensation enough that we deal with the diaphragm.


Yeah I know what a diaphragm is. I just suggested the FC since you guys were already using barrier methods.

[milo bloom]

Yeah I know what a diaphragm is. I just suggested the FC since you guys were already using barrier methods.


That's cool, like I said, we just can't bring ourselves to give up the skin-to-skin goodness we get with the diaphragm :)

[Osiris]

Did you ask about an IUD?

[Lord Rick]

Get a vasectomy. If you're too much of a pussy for that (or you still might want children), have her get an IUD.

[Decadance]

get the ring y0

My lady friend and I use nuvaring. Slide it in and forget its there, bare back glory and no baby making.

[Heat]

Vasectomy, or have her tubes tied.

As far as using a diaphragm, I have no experience. You could try asking her gyn. to watch you insert it, see if you are doing it right. Or if you don't want to pay for an office visit, just ask a neighbor to come over and watch.

[Lord Rick]

get the ring y0

My lady friend and I use nuvaring. Slide it in and forget its there, bare back glory and no baby making.

Just had a lecture on this.

OPs wife is trying to avoid hormones. Nuvaring is very effective, but will result in just as much or more hormones in her bloodstream as pills.

Other alternative - Mirena, an IUD that releases hormones locally, but do not reach the bloodstream. Safe and effective. Lasts for 5 years.