Diaphragm (Caya)

A diaphragm is a shallow, cup-shape made of silicone. In Australia there is one size of diaphragm available, sold as Caya. It is used with a special gel (jelly-like material), sold as Caya Gel.

The diaphragm is 86% effective at preventing pregnancy if used correctly, every time you have sex. Incorrect use, not inserting properly before sex or removing too soon after sex, mean that the diaphragm might only be 82% effective at preventing pregnancy.

The diaphragm and gel work as a barrier to prevent sperm from passing from the vagina, through the cervix and into the uterus. The sperm die off quickly in the vagina.

Check the expiry date before use. Place a teaspoon of Caya Gel in the cup of the diaphragm. Then squeeze the diaphragm and insert it into your vagina so it covers the cervix (opening to the uterus/womb).

You can buy the diaphragm and gel from some pharmacies/chemist, sexual health and family planning clinics, and online.

The diaphragm might not work if it is:

• not inserted correctly
• used without the gel
• taken out less than 6 hours after sex
• torn
• past its expiry date or has been used for 2 years or longer.

• You can insert it hours before having sex.
• It has little or no side effects.
• You can buy it without a script.

Possible side effects for a small number of users can include:

• Irritation of the vagina or penis.
• Increased risk of bladder infection for the user.

When the implant is first inserted and when it is removed, you may have some bruising and tenderness on your arm. This may last for up to a week. Wearing a bandage over your arm for 24 hours helps reduce bruising and tenderness. You may also develop a small scar where the implant was inserted and removed.

Your vaginal bleeding pattern (period) will change. It might be more often and/or irregular (at different times). Around 20% of people using the implant will have no bleeding at all (this is not harmful to the body). Around 20% of people have frequent or prolonged bleeding which may get better with time. Some medications can help with this bleeding, speak to your doctor or nurse for more information.

Other possible side effects for a small number of users can include:

• headaches
• changes to your skin
• sore/ tender breasts
• mood changes.

These side effects often settle with time. The implant has not been shown to cause weight gain.

The diaphragm might cause a very rare blood infection called toxic shock.

If you are:

• prone to bladder infections
• within 6 weeks after giving birth
• unable to feel if your cervix is correctly covered by the diaphragm
• or if you have a history of toxic shock syndrome.

If you do not want to get pregnant, you might need emergency contraception, if you had sex without using the diaphragm or other type of contraception (check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist).

It is safe to continue the pregnancy (and stop using the diaphragm) or to have an abortion.

You should usually wait six weeks after having a baby to start using the diaphragm.

• The diaphragm does not protect against sexually transmissible infections (STIs). The diaphragm can be used with external or internal condoms to provide STI protection.
• After the first use, you should not use the diaphragm for longer than 2 years and a new diaphragm should be purchased.
• The diaphragm is one of many types of contraception. See other contraceptive options

You might be interested in watching:

• Sexual Health Victoria
• A doctor or nurse
• Your local community health service
• An obstetrician or gynaecologist
• 1800 My Options phone line 1800 696 784 or website
• Better Health Channel
• Equinox – for transgender services
• Jean Hailes
• Marie Stopes Australia
• Multicultural Centre for Women’s Health
• The Women’s (The Royal Women’s Hospital)