Method |
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A woman uses spermicide to coat the inside and outer-edge of this dome-shaped silicone or latex cup with a flexible rim. Then she inserts it to the back of her vagina so that is covers the cervix where it blocks sperm. |
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Success Rate |
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With typical use, 20 women out of 100 will become pregnant in one year. With perfect use, six women out of 100 will become pregnant in one year. |
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Benefits |
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It can be put in place up to six hours before intercourse and can stay there for 24 (though fresh spermicide should be applied each time you have intercourse). |
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Drawbacks |
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Won't effectively protect against most STDs including HIV and can increase the risk of urinary tract infections and toxic shock syndrome. Can be messy (thanks to the spermicide) and clumsy to use until you get the hang of it. Also, it has to stay in place for six hours after the last act of intercourse and then needs to be washed thoroughly with soap and water. |
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How To Get It |
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Through a prescription from a health care provider; the cost is about $30 to $40 plus the cost of spermicide and the exam and fitting for the diaphragm. |
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