Hi,
I've been taking yasmin for 3 years, before that I was on Otho Tri for a few years. I would like to stop taking hormonal bc since I had issues with abnormal pap smears / hpv/ and a leep procedure. Much of the research I've done points to long term bcp use as a contributing factor to abnormal paps.
I have been condsidering using a diaphram - and am wondering if anyone has any experience with this method? Is it hard to place properly? Any side effects?
I'm 31 and engaged but we are not sure if or when we want to start a family so I'd like to keep options open.
Thanks
J :wave:

I used a daiphram quite a few years ago! I cannot use any type of birth contol with hormones. I didnt like the diaphram! You kind of have to PLAN sex and i hate that. You can put it in hours before intercourse..........but that is planning it! I had a really hard time getting it out...............since my cervix is really high. Then i would get paraniod of getting pregnant! I now have an IUD and I LOVE IT!!! There are 2 different kinds and they are made of plastic.................so they are safe vs when they were unsafe in the 70's! They last 5-10 years. There is the Mirena and the ParaGard. The ParaGard made me bleed 28 out of 30 days and heavy! The Mirena has worked for me. I have a very very light spotting period for about 4 days each month! The only negative thing about an IUD is...............IF...........you concieve there is the possibility of a tubal pregnacy! It is very rare though. Im not sure if doc's will put the IUD in patients that havent had children (mine wont). When they put it in there is a cramping feeling that lasts a couple seconds..............as far as taking it out............i felt nothing! Oh another thing.............they suggest when having an IUD that you are in a manogomous (?spelling) relationship..........since you can be high risk for an STD if you hae multiple partner's. Anywayz...............i would talk to your gyn about this method. Best birth control i have ever used! :)

I have been using a diaphragm with my boyfriend for about three months with no problem. I was on various birth control pills for years and suffered eventually from severe depression. When I decided to get off the pill, I also quit anti-depressants and voila! I've never been happier in my life. That was about three years ago.

However, in a monagamous relationship, you want something other than condoms. The diaphragm has been fine for me for the past few months with my boyfriend, but I am going to try to bite the bullet and start what I refer to as "hormone therapy" again- but I just mean the pill or the ring. Which brought me to this board.

Anyway, yes, the diaphragm does decrease the spontaniety of sex but it is better than a condom. It is not that hard to get the hang of inserting, but you do have to use a lot of spermicide to kill those swimmers. The guy can feel it, too, but not in an annoying way. I think it is a great choice, personally, if you want to avoid hormones. My advice would also be to pay close attention to your cycle and maybe use a backup method during the days you might be ovulating.