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Diaphragm: Costs, How To Use

Costs

The Right Time health centers stock all methods of contraception and offer free or low-cost contraception to those who need it.  If you have health insurance, chances are good that you’ll be able to get this method with no out-of-pocket cost.

With proper care—and if you don’t gain or lose a lot of weight—you can keep your diaphragm for up to ten years, making it a great value.

Prices:

  • This method may be free or low-cost for you at The Right Time health centers.
  • With Medicaid: Free

At full price, the diaphragm can cost as much as $90; some clinics may charge extra for a fitting fee. To see how this translates over a year, here’s what it would cost to pay for a diaphragm month-to-month at full price:

  • Cost per month over one year: $0 - $7.50
  • Cost per month over two years: $0 - $3.75

How To Use

A diaphragm can be inserted just before sex, but it can also go in hours before you get to it so that it doesn’t get in the way of the moment. But no matter when it goes in, you have to be sure to leave it in for at least six hours after you have sex. If you’re going to have sex again that day, just leave the diaphragm in place and insert more spermicide way up in your vagina. Just don’t leave your diaphragm in for more than 24 hours.

Before you put it in

Add about a teaspoon of spermicide to the inner part of the diaphragm, and spread a little of it around the rim, as well. (Not too much, or it’ll be too slippery to hang on to.) Options Gynol II is specifically designed for diaphragms and comes with an applicator you can use if you’re going to have sex more than once within six hours (you’ll need to add additional spermicide). Any kind of contraceptive gel or spermicide will do, however, except for the film or insert/suppository types. Don’t forget to check the expiration date.

 

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The Right Time Health Centers

Our partner health centers are focused on you. They provide access to all methods of birth control and free or low-cost birth control to those who need it.