Vaginal Barrier Devices

(Cervical Cap & Diaphragm)

General Information

Barrier methods protect the cervix from exposure to sperm. Because these methods are used in conjunction with a spermicide, most of the sperm is killed before cervical contact.  These methods are non-hormonal, simple to use, and quite effective if used properly.  They do not protect against HIV or other sexually transmitted infections.

Getting a Cap or Diaphragm

The effectiveness of a cervical cap or diaphragm depends on its fit. Your provider must ‘fit’ you for either device before you can obtain one since each is available in many sizes and designs. Both require a prescription. Your provider will also give you instructions on how to properly insert and remove the device.

Before Intercourse

• You need fresh spermicidal cream or jelly and your barrier method device.
• Check your cap/diaphragm to be sure it has no holes, tears, or cracks.
• Find a comfortable time for insertion. The device can be inserted just before intercourse or ahead of time for convenience.
• Some experts recommend insertion 30 minutes before intercourse for effective birth control for 48 hours, no matter how many times you have intercourse.
• Use your method every time you have intercourse.  Be sure that your device, along with spermicidal cream or jelly is in place before your partner’s penis enters your vagina

Inserting Your Barrier

• Wash your hands carefully with soap and water.
• Apply spermicide
• Cap: fill the dome of the cap 1/3 full with spermicidal cream or jelly.
• Diaphragm: hold the diaphragm with the dome down (like a cup).  Squeeze about one tablespoon spermicidal jelly or cream into the dome from the tube.  Spread a little bit around the rim of the diaphragm with your finger.
• Insert carefully:
• You can stand, squat, or lie on your back. 
• Find your cervix with your finger.  It feels like a firm, short nose projecting into the vagina. 
• Separate the lips of your vagina with one hand.
• With the other hand, squeeze (fold), the rim of your device between your thumb and your index finger, slide it into your vagina. Slide it downward along the back wall of your vagina as far as it will go.

Cap: 

• Using your finger to locate the cervix, press the rim of the cap around the cervix until it is completely covered.
• Sweep your finger around the cap rim.  The cervix should not be felt outside the cap.

Diaphragm:

• Tuck the front rim up along the roof of your vagina behind your pubic bone. 
• Check to make sure your cervix is covered by the soft rubber dome of the diaphragm and that the front rim is snugly behind your pubic bone. 
• The spermicidal cream or jelly (inside the dome of the diaphragm) should be next to your cervix.
• If it feels uncomfortable, then it is most likely not in the correct position (you should not be able to feel it except with your fingers).  Take it out and reinsert.

 If you feel unsure about the proper fit or placement of your device, use a back-up contraceptive method and see your clinician to be sure that your insertion technique is correct.

Repeated Intercourse

• Additional spermicide placed inside the vagina is recommended. 
• To add more spermicide, use a plastic applicator for insertion.  
• Do not remove your device when inserting more spermicide.

After Intercourse

• Leave the device in place for 6 to 8 hours after intercourse. No conclusive evidence shows how long spermicide is effective or exactly how long barrier devices must be left in place. The most important thing is to use your cap/diaphragm every time you have intercourse.
• Douching is strongly discouraged, but if you choose to douche, wait 6 to 8 hours after incourse to avoid washing away necessary spermicide.
• Your device should not interfere with normal activities. Urination or a bowel movement should not affect its position, but you can check its placement afterward if you wish. 
• You may shower or bathe with a barrier method in place.

Removing Your Cap or Diaphragm

• Wash your hands thoroughly.
• Check the position of the device: if it is dislodged or in the wrong position, use

           Plan B emergency contraception.

• Locate the cap/diaphragm with your finger. 
• Press on the barrier rim until the seal is broken
• Hook your finger around the rim and pull it sideways/down and out of the vagina. 
• Wash it with plain soap and water and dry it. 
• Check it for holes, cracks, or tears by holding it up to the light.

Caring For Your Device

• Store supplies in a convenient location that is clean, cool, and dark.
• Wash your spermicide inserter and barrier device after each use. Use plain soap.
• Avoid:
• Deodorant/perfumed soaps
• Talcum power on device or its case. Medicated suppositories. If you are taking a vaginal medication, use the cream form OR use a different form of birth control while using suppositories.
• Oil-based vaginal medications or lubricants, petroleum jelly (Vaseline), mineral oil, hand lotion, vegetable oil, cold cream, and cocoa butter as well as common vaginal yeast infection creams and vaginal hormone creams. 

Other Information

• While very low, there is a slight risk of Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS) with barrier device use.  Danger signs of TSS are high fever, vomiting, lightheadedness, sore throat, muscle aches, and other flu-like symptoms.  If you experience one or more of these, remove your device and immediately contact your clinician.
• If you are having problems with vaginal or penile irritation, try a different spermicide. If you have problems with recurring bladder infections or vaginal yeast infections see your clinician.
• Using a condom in conjunction with your vaginal barrier method increases the effectiveness of your birth control method and helps to protect against STIs.
• If you need an extra lubricant for intercourse, contraceptive jelly is a good choice, or you can try a water-soluble lubricant specifically intended for use with condoms.
• Do not use your barrier device during your period.  Use a back-up contraceptive method.                                                         

Call Mabel Wadsworth Women's Health Center if you have any questions about your barrier method.

<< Back To Contraceptive Options