Diaphragm/cap

The diaphragm and cap are two methods that prevent sperm from swimming up to the uterus. They are inserted into the vagina and cover the cervix. The diaphragm is a soft dome made of silicone or latex and the cap is a circular dome of soft silicone. They are barrier methods of contraception and both need to be used with spermicide (a substance that kills sperm). They have to be inserted before sex and removed no sooner than six hours later. Both must be fitted and inserted correctly. If used with a spermicide, the cap and diaphragm are 92-96% effective and therefore are not as effective as other methods of contraception.