diaphragm shortage

by **docjs** » Fri Jan 09, 2009 6:59 pm

umm what is going on with diaphragms around here these days. I called up planned parenthood to set up an appointment to get fitted for a diaphragm. They told me they'd be happy to fit me but don't have any that they can give me since they've been back-ordered for several months. apparently the only maker that distributes them to the US is changing over from latex to silicon so until they are ready no one can have one. They said "maybe we'll have them in the spring'. I'm getting married in May ('spring') and am getting concerned here. Also i've seen a number of ladies on here report that the spermicidal jelly is also
increasingly difficult to find but no one has any idea as to why.

I can't take hormonal birth control due to my increased risk of heart
attack, stroke etc. as i am a migraine headache sufferer. Condoms are
out of the question. I'm just frustrated...and ideas?

by **CanadianPW** » Fri Jan 09, 2009 11:39 pm

I haven't heard about that. But can you get sponges there?

by **YesIReallyLoveMyWife** » Sun Jan 11, 2009 12:50 am

How about another source, like a doctor?

I could never bring myself to have anything to do with Planned Parenthood. Ever.

by **lux aeterna luceat** » Sun Jan 11, 2009 7:22 am

How about a cervical cap? It's similar to a diaphragm, but I don't know much about them. Why are condoms out of the question? Is one of you allergic to latex? There are condoms made out of other materials- more expensive, but they could be a temporary solution until the company has gotten its act together.

You could try charting just to be aware of when you are fertile and abstain during fertile periods at first until you can get a diaphragm.

I'd avoid planned parenthood... there are other clinics out there that do not have the abortion agenda. It would take some internet research, but it might be worth your while. I went to college in PA and wound up going to Adagio Health there- they have offices all over the state and if you don't have insurance you pay based on your income and other factors. If you have insurance, a doctor is your best bet.

by **docjs** » Sun Jan 11, 2009 10:32 pm

the cervical cap is MUCH less effective at preventing pregnancy when
compared to the diaphragm. I do have insurance but it does not cover
contraceptives (oddly, it will cover pre-natal car). I don't have a problem with going to planned parenthood--they are free for me and have always been nice (i went there recently to take a hormonal pill which didn't work out).

I've called PP and have an appointment set up to be measured for the diaphragm even though they can't give me one. I'll take the rx and see if i can find a pharmacy that can fill it...hopefully it works out.

Oh, and fh has only ever had sex with condoms (i'm still a virgin) and i would prefer to keep them out of our marriage bed....just to make our times together different.

by **YesIReallyLoveMyWife** » Mon Jan 12, 2009 4:15 pm

docjs wrote:I don't have a problem with going to planned parenthood--they are free for me and have always been nice

How "nice" they are to you isn't really the point.

by **docjs** » Mon Jan 12, 2009 7:21 pm

my HMO offers the same services as PP but with PP i get them for free. I am responsible for what i do with MY body and the choices that i make. If you are concerned about what happens at PP perhaps you should start a thread about it.

I made the fitting appointment today, still no word on when/if actual diaphragms will be available however, i did see the spermicidal jelly at walgreens so that's good.

by **swedishmaiden** » Mon Jan 12, 2009 9:31 pm

docjs wrote:the cervical cap is MUCH less effective at preventing pregnancy when compared to the diaphragm.

Really? My OB-GYN told me that they were similar in effectiveness and that's what I've been using.

And this website says:

When used with each act of intercourse, and inserted prior to any penetration, diaphragms are 82-94% effective.
The cervical cap is 82-91% effective when properly inserted and used with every act of intercourse.

That doesn't seem like a huge difference to me.

by **docjs** » Tue Jan 13, 2009 1:42 am

interesting. the info i was reading said the cervical cap's effectiveness was in the 70% range which really freaked me out. I like the idea of the
diaphragm it seems easier to used to me...do you use either?

by **docjs** » Mon Jan 26, 2009 9:44 pm

finally got my hands on a diaphragm. it's a little tricky to get in, but with more practice i think i'll work well. it's a new silicon one, so they must be more available now...for anyone else who was wondering!

by **Ulysses61** » Thu May 14, 2009 12:32 pm

My DH and I used the diaphragm as the sole means of BC for 27 years and I never got pregnant. You must always use the spermicide along with it, however.

The cervical cap is grossly inferior in effectiveness. I have known two colleagues who became pregnant while using it. Of course abstinence is the only 100% effective method of BC, but the diaphragm is usually rated at 97+% effectiveness when used every time and when used with spermicide.

by **ledgemoor** » Sun May 17, 2009 3:25 pm

Glad you found one.

We started with a diaphragm, and it worked well for a few years until she started getting reactions to the spermacide. We also used hormonal and condoms. Aside from the reaction to the spermacide, the diaphragm was the best method outside sterilization.

BTW, in our experience it was easier to install than remove. No matter, soon either of you will be able to do it easily.

by **acar0105** » Mon Nov 02, 2009 5:51 pm

Will be married this Sat so I can only share my homework as I have never tried any of these sites yet:

http://barriermethods.com./
http://ladytobaby.com/show.php?cat=43&item=1
http://www.leasshield.com/

by **docjs** » Tue Nov 10, 2009 8:59 pm

after a week i quit the diaphragm and went to the pill. i'm a quitter

diaphragm shortage

diaphragm shortage

Re: diaphragm shortage

Re: diaphragm shortage

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