Portal de Periódicos da CAPES

A New Look at an Old Method: The Diaphragm

2003; Wiley; Volume: 35; Issue: 05 Linguagem: Inglês

10.1363/3527003

1931-2393

S. Marie Harvey, Sheryl Thorburn Bird, Meredith Branch,

Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting Issues

Invented in 1842 the vaginal diaphragm is one of the oldest contraceptive methods. Despite several decades of legal restrictions in the United States that slowed the methods introduction into the market the diaphragm had become the most frequently prescribed form of birth control in America by the 1930s. Currently however very few U.S. women who practice contraception use the diaphragm: In 1995 only 2% of contraceptive users aged 15-44 used the method. 3As a result most public health professionals perceive the diaphragm as having low acceptability In a society that seeks magic bullets and values technological fixes the old-fashioned diaphragm is viewed with skepticism by practitioners and women alike. We contend however that the diaphragm has much to offer women and that it could play an important role in the prevention of unintended pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) including HIV. The purpose of this viewpoint is to dissuade skepticism about the diaphragm and to argue for taking a new look at this old method. (excerpt)