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
.

CONTRACEPTIVE

DIAPHRAGM

PROS

Periods

Doesn't affect your periods.

Does not affect your fertility

Does not temporarily affect your fertility so you can stop using and try for a baby at any time.

Hormone free

It doesn’t contain any hormones.

No hormonal side effects

No hormonal side effects such as weight gain, mood swings and breast tenderness.

Administration

Self-administered. Can be used as and when you need.

Can be difficult to use

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 dependent

Can come out during sex if not used properly.

Effectiveness

Not as effective as other types of contraception such as long-acting contraceptives.

Short-acting

Needs to be used every time you have sex.

Interrupts sex

It can interfere with spontaneity.

Breastfeeding

Diaphragms should not be used until 6 weeks post-partum or 6 weeks after a second-trimester abortion.

STIs

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.

Diaphragm side effects

RISKS

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.

Get the information you need for an informed discussion with your doctor.

PP-UN-WHC-GB-0302 July 2025