The Diaphragm and Cap are both barrier methods – but they’re not as widely used as the humble condoms which most of us had to fit to strange phallic instruments in Sex Ed at school.

Diaphragm

• This method is 92-96 per cent effective when used correctly, but this is reduced to 88 per cent for the average woman
• This is a thin silicone or latex device which is inserted into the vagina before sex, and it covers the cervix so that sperm can’t get into the womb. You do need to use spermicide with it, and must keep it in for six hours after sex.
• It’s not hormonal at all and therefore has no effect on mood, performance or your natural cycle
• Comes in various sizes, must be fitted by a nurse
• If you gain or lose a significant amount of weight, you may need it re-fitted

Cap

• The cap is very similar to the Diaphragm, but is always made of silicone and a slightly different shape

Caya One Size Diaphragm

• Caya became available in the UK this year and it’s the first updaye to the Diaphrahm since the 1960s (almsot like women are starting to wonder if the pill isn’t a magic pill after all?)
• Caya works like a Diaphragm, but is one size fits all – so you can skip the pelvic examination and even buy them online
• Caya is inserted much like a tampon – it’s non-hormonal and can be used with ‘Caya Gel’  for extra protection
• It is highly effective when used correctly, but a study found it to be 86 per cent effective in ‘real life’ – this is similar to the ‘real life’ findings for condoms and other methods

Condoms – Male and Female

• Male condom is 98 per cent effective and female condom is 95 per cent effective – when used correctly – though this can be reduced to 79 and 82 per cent due to human error
• Can affect sensation
• Has no effect on hormones, regular cycle, moods or performance