Common Conditions

Condoms and diaphragms are barrier contraceptive methods that work by stopping a man’s sperm from reaching a woman’s eggs. Condoms (also called sheaths), are used by a man, and diaphragms (also called caps), are used by a woman.

Condoms

Condoms are used to avoid unwanted pregnancies and to reduce the risk of contracting a sexually transmitted infection (STI), such as chlamydia, genital herpes, hepatitis, gonorrhoea, syphilis and HIV. Condoms are put on over a man’s erect penis before sex.

Most condoms are made from latex rubber, although latex-free condoms are available. Latex condoms perish easily, especially if exposed to heat and sunlight, and should always be used before their expiry date.

Spermicides are no longer recommended for use with condoms as they can cause irritation in some people and can actually increase the risk of getting an STI.

A woman taking an oral contraceptive pill is only protected against pregnancy, not sexually transmitted infections.  For safer sex, a condom should be used as well.

The chance of becoming pregnant while using a condom is 2–10%, depending on how carefully it is used.

Diaphragms

Diaphragms are inserted high into the woman’s vagina to cover the cervix (the opening of the womb) and stop the man’s sperm from entering the womb. To work properly they need to be used with a spermicide, which kills sperm. They should be left in the vagina for at least six hours after sex, and it is best not to swim, take a bath, or use a vaginal douche during this time.

Diaphragms are either made from latex rubber or silicone. Those made from latex rubber perish easily, and like condoms, should be stored away from heat and sunlight. Silicone diaphragms are less likely to perish and last longer than latex diaphragms. All diaphragms should be washed and dried after use and inspected regularly for damage.

Diaphragms give only limited protection against sexually transmitted infections. The chance of becoming pregnant while using a diaphragm is 4–20%, even if it is used correctly with a spermicide.

Diaphragms come in different sizes and must be fitted by an experienced doctor or nurse. The fit must be checked at least once a year and after pregnancy, vaginal surgery or if you lose more than 3kg in weight.

Spermicides

Spermicides are foams or gels which contain an ingredient (nonoxynol-9) which kills sperm. They should ONLY be used with diaphragms since they are not effective enough to be used alone. They are not very effective as lubricants and can cause irritation in some people.

What to do if your condom breaks, your diaphragm becomes dislodged, or you have not used any method of contraception

If your condom or diaphragm was not used correctly, is damaged, has dislodged during sex, or you did not use one, you may become pregnant or contract a sexually transmitted infection.

You may want to think about using emergency contraception. The Emergency Contraceptive Pill (ECP) can prevent an unwanted pregnancy if the woman takes it within 72 hours of unprotected sex, although the sooner the better. The ECP can be sold by specially trained pharmacists – you don’t need a prescription. It is also available from your doctor, Family Planning or Sexual Health Clinic.

An intrauterine contraceptive device (IUD) can also protect against pregnancy if a woman has it fitted within five days of unprotected sex. See your doctor, Family Planning or Sexual Health Clinic for information.

If you are worried you may have been exposed to a sexually transmitted infection, talk to your doctor, Family Planning or Sexual Health Clinic. They can also help you decide what contraceptive method would be best for you.

Pointers for condom use

• if you haven’t used a condom before, read the instructions so you use it correctly
• always check the expiry date and store condoms away from heat and sunlight to prevent damage
• remove condoms from their packet carefully to avoid tearing
• condoms are more likely to tear during use if the vagina is too dry, so use a water-based lubricant
• don’t use oil-based lubricants, such as baby or cooking oils, Vaseline or butter – they quickly damage the condom
• some products used for vaginal thrush can also damage condoms – if the woman is using vaginal thrush treatments, ask your pharmacist for advice
• spermicides are no longer recommended for use with condoms as they have been linked to an increased risk of sexually transmitted infections
• some people are allergic to latex rubber – latex-free condoms are available
• condoms are also available on prescription for less cost – see your doctor, Family Planning clinic or Sexual Health Clinic.

Pointers for using diaphragms or caps:

• a diaphragm or cap must always be used in combination with a spermicide
• the device (diaphragm or cap) should be inserted before sex and left in place for six to eight hours afterwards - do not go swimming, take a bath or use a douche during this time
• if sexual intercourse occurs more than two hours after the device has been inserted, an extra applicator of spermicide should be put in the vagina before intercourse
• after removal, the device should be washed and dried
• the device should be inspected regularly for damage
• some products used for vaginal thrush can damage diaphragms and caps – if vaginal thrush treatments are being used, ask your pharmacist for advice.

Diaphragms or caps

eg, Ortho All-Flex, Ortho Coil

• see your doctor or Family Planning Clinic to discuss having a diaphragm or cap fitted.

Condoms – latex

[GENERAL SALE]
Without spermicide
(eg, Ansell range, Durex, Marquis Condoms, Shield Blue)

• suitable lubricants include Ansell Personal Lubricant, Durex Play, KY Jelly

Condoms – latex-free

[GENERAL SALE]
Without spermicide (eg, Durex Avanti)

• non-latex condoms are suitable for people with latex allergies
• Durex Avanti condoms are safe to use with water and oil-based lubricants.

Spermicides

[GENERAL SALE]
eg, Ortho-Gynol

• spermicides should not be used alone, as they do not give sufficient protection against pregnancy
• use spermicides with diaphragms
• spermicides provide only limited lubrication.

For more information on sexually transmitted infections (STIs), such as chlamydia, genital herpes, genital warts, hepatitis, gonorrhoea, syphilis and HIV, visit the 'everybody' Sexual Health Centre.