Use of self home-made diaphragm for protection against pregnancy and sexually-transmitted infections: case report | ICRH

Authors and affiliation: 

Schroth A, International Centre for Reproductive Health – Kenya, Luchters S, International Centre for Reproductive Health – Kenya,  Chersich MF, International Centre for Reproductive Health – Kenya,  Jao I, International Centre for Reproductive Health – Kenya and Temmerman M, International Centre for Reproductive Health – Ghent.

Team members: 

Irene Jao, Wilkister Ombidi, Anouk Schroth, Evans Malava, Elizabeth Makena, Agnes Karanja, Tina Watts, Zawadi Adhiambo;

PubMedID: 

PMID: 17633583

Published: 

East Afr Med J. 2007 Jan; 84(1):35-7

Publication Date: 

01/01/2007

Abstract,

This is a case report of a 44-year-old woman who used a home-made diaphragm for 16 years to protect herself from pregnancy and sexually-transmitted infections. The woman stitched a piece of cloth with folded polythene inside. This case report provides a vivid illustration of the limitations of available methods of protection for women. It consists of an introduction to the topic, a description of her experiences using her home-made diaphragm and a discussion of the significance of the case. This report supports the need for additional research on female-controlled methods of protection against sexually-transmitted infections, methods that can be used without male knowledge and co-operation, such as vaginal microbicides and cervical barriers against infection, including the diaphragm.