Diaphragms

CBAS does not manufacture or distribute products; we provide descriptions of these products and information about their availability in this section. CBAS does not provide medical advice and we encourage you to speak with your health care provider about which methods are right for you.

A diaphragm is a latex or silicone cup with a firm flexible rim and shallow dome that can be coated with gel and folded for insertion into the vagina.

Indications for use as a contraceptive:

• Insert diaphragm with spermicide before intercourse
• Apply more spermicide before additional acts of intercourse
• Leave the diaphragm in place for at least six hours after intercourse
• Do not wear for more than 24 hours
  

ORTHO® ALL-FLEX® Arcing Spring Diaphragm

Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

The ALL-FLEX® is a diaphragm with a shallow dome and a flexible rim with an arcing spring. The ALL-FLEX® diaphragm is now made from Silicone rather than latex rubber and is available in 4 sizes (65, 70, 75 and 80mm). According to Ortho-McNeil-Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc., the switch from latex to Silicone is expected to reduce allergic adverse events experienced with latex. The ALL-FLEX® diaphragm is available in the United States and elsewhere, though as of 2008 it has been discontinued in Canada. It is the world market leader in diaphragm sales and distribution.

Milex Wide Seal® Diaphragm

CooperSurgical
The Milex Wide Seal® is a silicone diaphragm with a shallow dome and a wide rim with an arcing or omniflex spring. It has a small skirt around the rim intended to hold gel in place and improve the seal. It is available in eight diameter sizes, from 60 to 95mm, in 5mm increments. The Wide Seal® diaphragm is available from the manufacturer and is distributed in the United States, Canada, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.

Semina Diaphragm

Semina Industries and Commerce Ltd.
The Semina is a clear, silicone diaphragm with a visible coil spring. It is available in six diameter sizes, from 60 to 85mm, in 5mm increments. The Semina diaphragm is available in Brazil.

Reflexions Flat Spring® Diaphragm

The Reflexions Flat Spring® is a latex diaphragm with a rim that is similar to the coil spring but thinner and more delicate. It is available in seven sizes, from 65 to 95 mm, in 5mm increments. The Flat Spring is manufactured in Britain.

SILCS (under development)

SILCS, Inc.
SILCS is an intravaginal barrier device currently under development. It is made of silicone with an arcing ring. SILCS has a pre-shaped rim to cling high in the vaginal vault and a finger cup on one edge for easy removal. It will be a one-size-fits-all device.

BufferGel Duet (under development)

ReProtect, LLC.
The BufferGel Duet is a reusable, one-size-fits-all, clear diaphragm made of dipped polyurethane. It will be marketed with pouches of BufferGel, a candidate microbicide and contraceptive.

ORTHO® Coil Spring® Diaphragm (discontinued)

Ortho-McNeil-Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
The Coil Spring® was a latex diaphragm with a shallow dome and a flexible rim with a coil spring. It was available in nine diameter sizes, from 55 to 95mm, in 5mm increments. The Coil Spring® diaphragm was available in the United States and elsewhere and was a popular method in the United Kingdom. The Coil Spring® was discontinued in 2008.