Frequently asked questions about the diaphragm
Cleaning the diaphragm
Wash the diaphragm with soap and water, rinse it and dry it after each use.
No, boiling it in a pan is not recommended. If necessary, boiling water can be poured over the diaphragm.
No, the use of cleaning agents or disinfectants is not necessary for cleaning the Caya® diaphragm. Soap and water are perfectly sufficient.
Contraceptive reliability of the diaphragm
The Caya® diaphragm is as effective as male condoms for contraception.
Caya® is just as effective as the traditional diaphragm. The Caya® diaphragm, when used with the diaphragm gel, provides dual and effective protection. Consistent and correct use leads to better protection.
No method of contraception guarantees 100% protection against an unwanted pregnancy.
When Caya® is used together with the diaphragm gel (e.g. Caya® Gel), it acts as a double barrier. The diaphragm and the gel form a physical barrier in front of the cervix. This prevents sperm from entering the uterus, ensuring reliable contraception.
Note: The Caya® diaphragm has been on the market since April 2013. Out of over 500,000 Caya® diaphragms (2013–2025), only 38 unwanted pregnancies were reported to the manufacturer, medintim. Only a small proportion of these were due to method failure. In some cases, the Caya® diaphragm was not used consistently or every time.
No, the Caya® diaphragm does not protect against sexually transmitted infections. Although it covers the cervix, not all parts of the vagina are protected. Only condoms can protect against sexually transmitted infections.
No, the Caya® diaphragm does not increase the risk of urinary tract infections. The flat, front side of the diaphragm exerts little pressure on the urethra. The manufacturer reports very few instances of urinary tract infections in women who use the Caya® diaphragm.
Using the diaphragm
The Caya® diaphragm should be placed between the pubic bone and the vaginal walls. You can check this yourself by feeling for the cervix with your longest finger. It should cover the cervix, and the grip should be securely positioned at the top, behind the pubic bone. Both are easy to feel.
No, it is always recommended to use the Caya® diaphragm together with diaphragm gel (e.g. Caya® Gel). The diaphragm, together with the gel, forms a double barrier against sperm. The diaphragm and gel together offer double protection against unwanted pregnancy.
Wait at least 6 hours after your last sexual intercourse before removing the Caya® diaphragm to ensure reliable contraception.
The Caya® diaphragm must remain in place for at least 6 hours after intercourse to block sperm and ensure effective protection against unwanted pregnancy.
To remove it, insert a finger into the vagina and pull the Caya® diaphragm down and out using the removal dome.
No! If you wear the Caya® diaphragm for more than 24 hours without a break, this could encourage the growth of bacteria in the vagina. These bacteria can lead to toxic shock syndrome (TSS).
Yes, the Caya® diaphragm stays in place and, if necessary, additional diaphragm gel can be inserted into the vagina using an applicator.
Sometimes the diaphragm may shift position; it may rotate slightly, which you can feel when you touch the removal dome. This is not a cause for concern: as long as your cervix is well covered, effective contraception is guaranteed.
For effective and reliable contraception, you should always use the diaphragm in combination with a diaphragm gel (e.g. Caya® Gel). Furthermore, the diaphragm should always be inserted before, and not during, sex.
This is highly unlikely. In rare cases, however, your partner may feel the rim of the diaphragm.
Users report an improved libido compared to the hormonal contraception they had previously used.
First, check that the Caya® diaphragm is in the correct position using a finger. If the Caya® diaphragm continues to cause pain, please consult your doctor.
There are no known cases of a Caya® diaphragm being damaged during sexual intercourse. The membrane is safe and does not tear.
Every diaphragm is 100% visually inspected by the manufacturer, medintim, before it is released to the market.
After its first use, the Caya® diaphragm can be reused for two years if properly cared for.
Yes. All types of condoms (latex, polyisoprene, polyurethane) can be used with the Caya® diaphragm. The little silicone oil coating on the condoms does not affect the safety of the diaphragm.
Only water-based lubricants can be used with the Caya® diaphragm. Please note, however, that there are no studies that have investigated the effect of additional use water-based lubricants on the physical or chemical properties of the diaphragm gel (e.g. Caya® Gel).
Important: do not use silicone-based lubricants with the diaphragm.
Yes, the Caya® diaphragm can be used as a contraceptive during your period. However, it is not designed to collect menstrual blood and should therefore not be used as a menstrual cup.
Yes, the Caya® diaphragm is an ideal hormone-free method of contraception whilst breastfeeding. More information
The diaphragm can usually be inserted and removed using your fingers. If necessary, the inserter & remover, i.e. the diaphragm insertion rod, can assist with insertion and removal.
Questions about the diaphragm gel
Yes, Caya® Gel works only vaginally and does not enter the bloodstream. It can therefore be used safely whilst breastfeeding.
Yes, Caya® Gel acts only on the surface and does not enter the bloodstream, so any interaction with blood clotting can be clearly ruled out.
There are no known side effects of Caya® Gel following oral-genital contact. Please note, however, that Caya® Gel is not a food product.
No, it is always recommended to use Caya® Gel together with the Caya® diaphragm to ensure reliable contraception.
No, Caya® Gel is not a reliable contraceptive when used without the diaphragm. Always use the Caya® Diaphragm together with the diaphragm gel to ensure reliable contraception.
Yes, all types of condoms can be used together with Caya® Gel and the Caya® diaphragm. Caya® Gel is tested and is compatible with condoms.
Only water-based lubricants can be used with Caya® Gel and the Caya® diaphragm. Please note, however, that there are no studies investigating the effect of water-based lubricants on the physical or chemical properties of the diaphragm gel.
