This website has been developed and fully funded by Bayer plc for a UK audience only.
Disclaimer and side effect reporting information can be found at the bottom of the page.
- MENSTRUAL HEALTH
- CONTRACEPTION
- MENOPAUSE FAQSTALK MENOPAUSE

CONTRACEPTIVE
DIAPHRAGM
- Periodsexpand_less
Doesn't affect your periods.
- Does not affect your fertilityexpand_more
Does not temporarily affect your fertility so you can stop using and try for a baby at any time.
- Hormone freeexpand_more
It doesn’t contain any hormones.
- No hormonal side effectsexpand_more
No hormonal side effects such as weight gain, mood swings and breast tenderness.
- Administrationexpand_more
Self-administered. Can be used as and when you need.
- Can be difficult to useexpand_less
Using it can take practice and it requires keeping track of the hours inserted. It needs to be left in for a minimum of 6 hours after sex.
- User dependentexpand_more
Can come out during sex if not used properly.
- Effectivenessexpand_more
Not as effective as other types of contraception such as long-acting contraceptives.
- Short-actingexpand_more
Needs to be used every time you have sex.
- Interrupts sexexpand_more
It can interfere with spontaneity.
- Breastfeedingexpand_more
Diaphragms should not be used until 6 weeks post-partum or 6 weeks after a second-trimester abortion.
- STIsexpand_more
Does not protect against HIV infection (AIDS) and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
The pros and cons listed are not exhaustive. Talk to your doctor or nurse for more information.
SIDE EFFECTS
Diaphragm side effects
- RISKSexpand_less
If you keep it in place longer than 24 hours, there is a risk of toxic shock syndrome. Toxic shock is a rare but serious infection.
PREPARING FOR YOUR GP APPOINTMENT
TALKING TO YOUR DOCTOR
Get the information you need for an informed discussion with your doctor.
PP-UN-WHC-GB-0302 July 2025