Women's Health

  1. Home
  2. Health
  3. Women's Health

Diaphragm

By Tracee Cornforth, About.com

Created: June 30, 2009

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by the Medical Review Board

Definition: The diaphragm is one type of barrier method of contraceptive. The diaphragm works by preventing sperm from entering the uterus. Proper use of the diaphragm requires a spermicide. The diaphragm is put over the cervix before sexual intercourse and must be left in place for at least 6 to 8 hours after sex to be effective.
Common Misspellings: diframe, diaphram, deafrome, difphram, diaframm
Examples: The diaphragm is most effective when it is used with a spermicide and placed over the cervix before each and every act of sexual intercourse.

Explore Women's Health

About.com Special Features

We comply with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information: verify here.

Women's Health

  1. Home
  2. Health
  3. Women's Health
  4. Women's Health Glossary
  5. Diaphragm - Definition of Diaphragm

©2009 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company.

All rights reserved.