For a couple who wish to use a diaphragm as their chosen method of contraception, the biggest hurdle is finding a healthcare professional who could assist them.
Most GPs, Midwives and Gyno’s could easily go through a checklist of indications and contra indications for diaphragm or cervical cap use, but with diaphragms a fitting is needed. This means that the healthcare professional must have been trained in this art and also must have a diaphragm fitting kit to hand.
Fitting For A Caya Single Size Diaphragm
In the UK a free, subsidised or cheap Caya diaphragm educational pack can be ordered from Caya.co.uk which includes a sample Caya diaphragm.
Whilst not the perfect approach using just this one single diaphragm sample size will confirm if the patient is one of the 80% of women for whom the Caya is a good fit. However if the Caya is too small or too large then the exercise is in vain as a fitting of a traditional diaphragm would still be needed as they are advised to seek one out.
Fitting For A Singa Or Milex Diaphragm
In the UK Milex diaphragms are still prescribed by the NHS but they are almost impossible for clinics to source. Finding Milex fitting kits seems to be ‘mission impossible’. However for the Singa brand of diaphragms, fitting kits are available for free, subsidised or for a cheap price from Singa.co.uk.
The Singa diaphragm fitting kit contains two samples of each diaphragm size (60mm – 90mm) as well as two Caya diaphragm samples. These samples are all identical to the regular diaphragms apart from having a small hole in the membrane to avoid them accidentally becoming mixed with the patient’s diaphragm. As such they are not apt for contraceptive use.
Where Can I Get Fitted For A Diaphragm In The UK?
Coming soon… Please contact us if you are able to offer diaphragm fitting to patients in the UK. Public or private healthcare, just let us know who you are and we’ll start to build up a list for those who need it 🙂