Diaphragm?

[virtuallyayla]

I was wondering if anyone here has had personal experience with using a diaphragm while having IC. I am interested in having a form of birth control other than condoms, but I am not interested in taking any sort of hormones or messing with my body in that way. I have not found lubricants, latex or spermicide (whatever it is that's on condoms) to be irritating (although it's been over a year and my IC has certainly gotten worse in that time). I wonder, however, if you have to use a greater amount of spermicide and how that would affect me as well as simply the affect of having some rubber thing succtioned to my cervix. I also wonder if it might make you more prone to infection.

Anyone have some thoughts or experiences to share?

-Ayla

[mom_in_ma]

Hmmm...I would talk with your doctor about a diaphram. From what I've read, they increase the chance of UTIs. That's not a good thing for us.

I'm also struggling with the question of birth control. I'm scared to death of the hormones in the pill - I've just had bad experiences with it. I don't like condoms, as it increases friction. Can't do a diaphram because of the UTI risk. Etc. I'm going to talk with my doctor about getting a IUD. I've heard good things about them. We'll see if I can use one though because I have a wierd shaped uterus. Grrr...this should be so much simpler than it is!

I'm almost ready to send hubby for the big "V." We have a five year old and don't plan on having any more. But, it's just so final. I'm not ready to commit to NOT having another child someday. I just don't want one now.

Good luck!

[Sharon]

Personally, I blame the diaphragm for the start of my IC. They do increase the chances of bladder infections. That's how I got my first and only bladder infection, and my symptoms of IC started immediately after that infection. The diaphragm can put a little pressure on the bladder and not allow it to completely empty, and this is how the bladder infections happen.

[tialia]

I used to hear horror stories about the IUD but I know women that really like it. I believe they've improved very much. I thought it would irritate my IC so I didn't opt for that. I was looking for something permanant.

Also, that you for your reply to my post. You are very smart to not want to mess with your body. Tubal ligations are done so routinely now, I didn't realize it has so many risks.

Therese

[VickiB]

I used the diaphragm for a number of years (15 or so?) and bounced from one UTI to the next, eventually developing IC. I don't know if it played a role in causing my IC, but I certainly believe the use of the diaphragm aggravated it. Once I discontinued the use, my frequency of flares decreased dramatically.

Vicki