- Contraceptive Sponge
- Fertility Awareness Based Methods (FAM)
- Lactational Amenorrhea Method (LAM)
- Spermicide
- Tubal Ligation/Sterilization
- Vasectomy/Sterilization
- Cervical Cap
- Condoms
- Contraceptive (Birth Control) Injection (DMPA, Depo-Provera)
- Withdrawal (Pulling Out)
- Contraceptive Patch
- Contraceptive Ring
- Diaphragm
- Emergency Contraception
- Intrauterine Contraception (Intrauterine Device (IUD) & Intrauterine system (IUS)
- Oral Contraceptive Pill, Birth Control Pill (“The Pill”)
Diaphragm
Health Canada notes that Diaphragms are not widely available in Canada. Buying the necessary spermicidal jelly to use with the cup may be difficult.
What is a diaphragm?
It’s a flexible cup made of latex or silicone that covers the cervix. It works best when used with a gel that acts as a barrier to help slow or kill sperm.
A health-care professional performs a pelvic exam to fit a diaphragm properly.
How does it work?
When positioned properly in the vagina, it blocks the entry of sperm into the uterus and prevents the sperm from fertilizing an egg.
The diaphragm is among the least effective forms of birth control.
For a birth control method that provides the greatest protection against pregnancy, check out the IUD and Implant pages.
Does the diaphragm prevent sexually transmitted and blood-borne infections (STBBIs)?
The diaphragm will not protect a person from STBBIs. To protect you and your partner(s) from STBBIs and pregnancy, use a condom and/or oral dam (dental dam) with another method of contraception, also known as dual protection.
To be effective, use birth control correctly and consistently. If you want to prevent unintended pregnancy, choose a method that you and your partner(s) will use every time you have intercourse.
Talk to your health-care provider or visit a sexual health clinic to find out what might work best for you.
To learn more about the diaphragm, visit Diaphragm for Birth Control- HealthLinkBC.
Services related to this information:
- Contact Planned Parenthood — NL Sexual Health Centre at 1-877 NO MYTHS (666-9847) or 709-579-1009
- Contact your Public Health Nurse:
- 811 HealthLine (Newfoundland & Labrador) – Call 811 or 1-888-709-2929 / TTY 1-888-709-3555
Eastern-Urban:
- Contact the Sexual Health Clinic at sexualhealthclinic@easternhealth.ca.
- Contact the community walk-in clinic (Mundy Pond) at 709-777-1706.