Parenting
By Jamie Taylor
Updated: May 6, 2021
Originally Published: July 10, 2015
Ah, the diaphragm. You may not have used one yourself, but surely you’ve seen images of that little rubber cup designed to cover the cervix, nestled in those health textbooks alongside other vintage contraceptives like the Dalkon Shield IUD and the cervical cap. It always struck me as a relic from a bygone era—an inconvenient solution that required spermicide for effectiveness and didn’t offer protection against STDs.
So, I was quite surprised to learn that a new and improved diaphragm named Caya is making its debut in the U.S. market. This is the first fresh diaphragm design introduced in fifty years! Unlike its predecessors, Caya is a one-size-fits-all option, although a prescription is still necessary to obtain it from your doctor. Curious about how women in their 30s and 40s feel about this nostalgic contraceptive making a comeback, I asked around.
Mixed Reactions
Some expressed excitement:
“I’m eager to hop over to Canada and grab one. It sounds like a significant improvement over the nightmare of a diaphragm I used back in the early ’90s.”
However, there were also some reservations:
“I wonder why it’s not available over the counter? And what’s in the spermicide they require you to use? It feels a bit sketchy that you have to use their specific brand.”
On the other hand, some women were enthusiastic about the diaphragm compared to hormonal birth control:
“I used a diaphragm for a while, and it came highly recommended. I don’t see it as retro; it’s a better alternative than pills or condoms. I’ve heard too many horror stories about IUDs, which made me avoid them.”
Of course, not everyone was convinced:
“Considering the backlash against menstrual cups, I doubt this will take off. Heaven forbid anyone actually touches themselves!”
And there were genuine concerns:
“Plus, the effectiveness is only 84% in real-world scenarios!”
One woman even shared, “I’m here because of a diaphragm.”
Challenges and Hesitations
Many felt that the awkwardness of using spermicide was a significant drawback:
“Applying spermicide to the rim makes insertion tricky. It’s already hard to insert, and then you’ve got a slippery situation… it’s a recipe for the diaphragm flying across the bathroom!”
Some reported mixed experiences during intimacy:
“One partner said he could feel it and didn’t like it. But the current guy said, ‘It feels amazing,’ which seemed more about the overall experience.”
Yet, the most common hesitation among mothers regarding the diaphragm?
“As a mom, when you finally have a moment for intimacy, you don’t want to waste those precious two minutes!”
Further Reading
For additional insights on the topic of home insemination, check out this article. If you’re interested in boosting fertility, Make A Mom offers some great resources. You can also learn more about pregnancy and home insemination at Johns Hopkins Medicine.
Summary
The diaphragm is making a comeback with the introduction of Caya, a one-size-fits-all option requiring a prescription. While some women are enthusiastic about this throwback method of contraception, others express concerns about its effectiveness, awkwardness during use, and the necessity of spermicide. Ultimately, the conversation around the diaphragm reflects broader attitudes toward birth control options in today’s world.