What are the disadvantages of diaphragms?

You have to use it every time you have sex.

In order for your diaphragm to work as well as possible, you have to use it every time you have vaginal sex — and you have to use it correctly.

If you’re not sure that you’ll be able to use your diaphragm every single time you have vaginal sex, there are plenty of other types of birth control out there that are easier to use and offer better protection against pregnancy (like IUDs and implants).

Explore different birth control methods to find a method that might work best for you.

Remember: whatever kind of birth control you choose, using condoms or internal condoms every time you have sex is the best way to reduce your risk of getting STDs. Using condoms along with your other birth control method also gives you extra pregnancy protection. Yay!

Diaphragms can be hard to use correctly.

Some people have trouble inserting the diaphragm, and it can take practice to get comfortable doing it.

Diaphragms can get moved out of place if there's a lot of hard thrusting going on.

Also, diaphragms won’t work as well if you don’t stay on top of the spermicide situation. You have to make sure you put your diaphragm-with-spermicide in before you start having sex, and leave it in for 6 hours after sex. If you have sex again, you have to put more spermicide in your vagina. And don’t leave your diaphragm in for more than 24 hours.

Spermicide may have side effects.

If you use spermicide lots of times a day, it can irritate your vagina and increase your risk of getting HIV and other sexually transmitted infections. Get more info on the potential risks.

Some people who use diaphragms get urinary tract infections (UTIs) a lot. If you notice that your vagina feels sore or irritated, it could be that you're sensitive to the spermicide or the material that your diaphragm is made of. Talk to your doctor if your diaphragm or spermicide is causing you problems.

Size matters.

Diaphragms come in different sizes, and so do our bodies. Changes in your body over time can mess up the fit of your diaphragm. You might have to get refitted for a new size or switch to a one-size-fits-most diaphragm after you’re pregnant or if you gain or lose 10 pounds or more.