Dear
Lisa,
I
have begun using a diaphragm. My problem is that I swell up
every time I use it. I get very tender inside, and I don't know
if it is the diaphragm or the spermicide. Can you help?
-
Amy
Hi
Amy,
I
personally had a hard time with the diaphragm because it turned
out my doctor had not provided the right size and I found it
terribly uncomfortable, however the diaphragm is an excellent
method of contraception. It is commonly fitted for you by your
gynecologist, with or without an arcing spring on its rim (which
helps it to fit snugly against the cervix).
Usually, unless you have a fit that's much too tight like I
did, there should be no swelling just from the mechanical aspects
of wearing this little rubber hat inside at the end of your
vaginal canal. But you may want to discuss the size with you
doctor just in case that is the issue.
However,
it is more common to have an allergic reaction to spermicides.
You can try a different brand and experiment with a milder dosage
of the nonoxynol-9 that most spermicides contain. There is a
product called Erogel, which is a spermicidal lubricant containing
nonoxynol-15 and avena sativa that may also be a good alternative.
Honestly,
I would speak with you doctor about it as they may need to not
only determine if the size is correct, or if there is a possible
medical issue such as an undiagnosed STD that is causing the
swelling. In cases like these it is best to seek medical assistance
just to make sure you are covering all the bases.
I
wish you well in getting this worked out!
Love
& Light,
Lisa
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