Contraception (Birth Control) and Family Planning PubHealthInfo

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PubHealth.info® (a subsidiary of PakMed) presents scientific information mainly based on abstracts of articles published on a variety of public health issues/topics, particularly encompassing population planning, disease prevention, maternal and child health, and communicable and non-communicable diseases (like HIV AIDS, malaria, etc) that are affecting a significant portion of population in developing and developed countries. Here you can find abstracts of articles published on a variety of public health topics under category "Contraception (Birth Control) and Family Planning". Contraception (birth control) is a regimen of one or more actions, devices, or medications followed in order to deliberately prevent or reduce the likelihood of a woman becoming pregnant or giving birth. Therefore contraception is the utilization of various and sundry surgical procedures, devices, practices, agents, or drugs with the intention of preventing conception or impregnation (pregnancy). Methods and intentions typically termed birth control may be considered a pivotal ingredient to family planning. Birth control is a controversial political and ethical issue in many cultures and religions, and although it is generally less controversial than abortion specifically.

YEAR: 1995

CATEGORY: Contraception (Birth Control) and Family Planning

TITLE

The diaphragm: barrier contraception has a new social role.

AUTHORS

Tagg PI

SOURCE

NURSE PRACTITIONER. 1995 Dec;20(12):36-42.

ABSTRACT

The vaginal diaphragm, while designed for contraception, provides important additional benefits as a barrier to the

transmission of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). For centuries women have used various forms of the

diaphragm to prevent pregnancy (e.g., cups molded of opium or oiled silky paper or halves of squeezed lemons). The

modern diaphragm was brought to the US from Europe by Margaret Sanger in the 1920s. Today, three types are

available: arcing, coil, and flat spring. Typical use of the diaphragm may provide greater efficacy than other barrier

methods. The spermicidal agent used in conjunction with the diaphragm, nonoxynol-9, is active against a wide

range of bacterial and parasite-associated STDs (but no data prove that spermicides are active against HIV in vivo).

Thus, women using barrier contraceptives have lower prevalence rates of STDs and are less likely to develop

cervical cancer or its precursors. The diaphragm also has no systemic side effects. However, diaphragm use has

been associated with increased incidence of candidal infections, urinary tract infections, and bacterial vaginosis.

Diaphragm use increased between 1973 and 1982, and efficacy is determined by the user's knowledge and

consistency of use. First-year failure rates have been noted in 18% of those who exhibit typical use and 6% in cases

of perfect use. Failure rates determine acceptance as does cost, which in the case of the diaphragm ranges from

$18 to $30 in the US with spermicidal jelly costing $6-13 per tube. Diaphragms must be prescribed and fitted by a

health care provider. They can be inserted 6 hours before intercourse and must remain in place for 6 hours

thereafter. The only absolute contraindication to diaphragm use occurs in women in whom pregnancy would be life-

threatening. Women depending on hormonal methods for contraception should consider use of the diaphragm for

prevention of STDs. Diaphragm sizes range from 50 to 95 mm, and fit is determined by the distance between the

posterior fornix and the pubic bone. Clients must be taught proper insertion and use techniques through an initial 30-

minute visit and, ideally, in a follow-up visit 2 weeks later. Diaphragms should be replaced every 3 years or

immediately should the diaphragm become punctured. (PubHealth.info Document ID: CONT2T 2538-06)

PubHealth.info NOTE: The author(s) of this article titled, "The diaphragm: barrier contraception has a new social

role.", is(are) Tagg PI. The source of this article is "NURSE PRACTITIONER. 1995 Dec;20(12):36-42.". This article

was published in 1995 in English language(s). (PubHealth.info® Document ID: CONT2T 2538-06. All rights reserved

with PubHealth.info) PIN: 7538

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