Little Cherry,

I have been sexually active for a few years and am interested in taking birth control. (Don’t worry, I already get tested for STDs!) I did some research online about cervical caps and diaphragms, but I still can’t tell them apart. Can you please tell me what the difference is and why people use them.

-Confused

Dear Confused,

Great questions! In a lot of ways, diaphragms and cervical caps are very similar. Both are prescription forms of birth control, which function as barrier methods- meaning that they block the sperm from entering into the uterus, thus preventing pregnancy. (They do so by covering the cervix.) They also require the use of spermicide, which helps to kill off the sperm. If taken care of properly, cervical caps and diaphragms can both last for a couple of years. Nevertheless, there are a few key differences.

Differences between cervical caps and diaphragms include:

· Cervical caps come in only a few set sizes, which unfortunately do not cater to all women’s shapes. Diaphragms, on the other hand, are specifically fit to each body by a doctor.

· The diaphragm covers not only the cervix, but also some of the area around the cervix. By covering more surface area, it may help to protect against some STDs. (*Even so, you still need to use a latex condom with either one of these methods in order to prevent STD transmission!)

· Cervical caps and diaphragms must be kept in prior to and post sex for different amounts of time. Ask your doctor for more specific details.

When picking out your birth control, I’ve got a bit of advice to keep in mind: birth control is not only a product, but also a method. I stress this because if it doesn’t fit into your lifestyle, it’s very easy to take the product incorrectly (resulting in a drop in the effectiveness rate.) As I’ve already mentioned, both forms of birth control require you to prepare for sex ahead of time. Do you need something spur of the moment? Also, are you comfortable feeling around for your cervix and inserting the birth control? This is certainly not to discourage you from using the diaphragm or cervical cap. They can both be really great options, especially for those unable to use hormonal methods. Since you are interested in learning more, I would definitely recommend speaking to your health care provider about any birth control questions or concerns. Also, check out our episode entitled ‘Barrier Birth Control’ for more advice. Hopefully, you’ll find a method that’s a ‘great fit.’

Ask questions!,
Little Cherry

Have your own question? Please send questions to “questions at cherrytv dot com” (trying to avoid the spam spiders by spelling it out!). We’ll attempt to address it here on the blog and possibly even cover it on a show.

The Sponge is back!!! It’s my favorite form of birth control, and after a few long hiatuses, it’s returned to store shelves.

What is it about the sponge that makes it so appealing? First, it is a barrier form of birth control, (check out this video to learn about barrier birth control) so it doesn’t affect our hormones during use.

Second, it is easy to get unlike other female barrier methods that require a doctor’s prescription, the sponge is available at drug stores or for order online here.

Third, once it’s in, it’s good for 24 hours. You can have intercourse as many or as few times as you want during that 24-hour period. However, it does need to stay in place for at least six hours after last intercourse – and while 24 hours is optimum, it is safe to leave in for 30 hours at most.

Granted, like everything in life, it is not perfect.

They are not cheap. I’ve seen them on sale for about $3.00 per, the link above is selling them for a little over $4.50 each.

It takes a little practice getting them out. The first time I used one, I sweated for about 10 minutes trying to grab the ring that pulls it out. I eventually got it by squatting and pushing really hard … like I was giving birth. What a relief!!! As it turned out, the ring was on the wrong side due to my rookie error.

Also, and this didn’t happen to me but to a friend of mine, due to the spermicide it contains, foam oozed out of her vagina during sex. Talk about awkward! Good thing it didn’t happen to her during oral sex. Eeek!

In addition, the spermicide it contains is nonoxynol 9 which, for some people, irritates the vagina. Once the vagina is irritated, we are more susceptible to STDs transmitted from an infected partner.

Since the sponge doesn’t protect from any STD, it’s best to use only with partners that have recently been tested. And, as Elaine so famously said on the Seinfeld episode where she hoarded Sponges that were off the market – you may want to only use with men who are “sponge worthy.”