Glossary of hormone-free contraception and women’s health

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Barrier method: A method of contraception that acts as a barrier, such as condoms or a contraceptive diaphragm
Breastfeeding: The period after childbirth during which the infant is exclusively fed on breast milk.

Caya® Contoured diaphragm: An anatomically shaped (contoured) diaphragm that fits 93% of all women
Cervical mucus: Fluid in front of the cervix, which may be ‘stretchy’ or drier, depending on the stage of the cycle.
Cervix: The part of the uterus that must be completely covered by the diaphragm.
Cervix: Lower part of the uterus opening into the vagina
Cleaning the diaphragm: Wash the diaphragm with soap and water; dry with a soft, clean cloth. No disinfectants are necessary.
Condom: Protective sheaths, usually made of latex rubber, used to cover the penis during sexual intercourse.
Contraception: Preventing the egg from being fertilised by sperm.
Contraception: Pregnancy prevention
Contraceptive: Means of preventing an unwanted pregnancy.
Contraindication: Circumstances under which a diaphragm must not be used.
Copper coil: A plastic device, e.g. T-shaped, containing copper, which is placed in the uterus.
Correct positioning of the diaphragm: The cervix is completely covered; the diaphragm lies between the upper vaginal vault and the pubic bone.
Cycle: The time between the first day of one period and the first day of the next period.
Cycle method: A method of contraception in which the cycle, cervical mucus, ovulation pain and changes in temperature around the time of ovulation are closely monitored.
Cycle observation: All methods of monitoring the female cycle: body temperature, cervical mucus, ovulation pain.

Depot method (three-month injection): A hormone that is injected into a woman’s body to remain effective for three months.
Diaphragm: A mechanical contraceptive that covers the cervix and is used in combination with a diaphragm gel to prevent sperm from entering the uterus.
Diaphragm gel: A gel that must always be used in conjunction with the diaphragm.
Does not protect against STIs: No protection against sexually transmitted infections

Female condom: A protective sheath made of polyurethane, which is inserted into the woman’s vagina before sex.
Femidom: A type of female condom made of polyurethane that is inserted into the vagina before sex.
Flexible rim (spring ring): Ensures the diaphragm fits correctly; fully coated in silicone.

Hormonal coil: A T-shaped plastic device containing hormones that are gradually released into the uterus.
Hormonal implant: A plastic rod that gradually releases hormones into the woman’s body; it is implanted under the skin on the inside of the upper arm.
Hormone ring: A plastic ring that gradually releases hormones into the vagina for contraception.
Hormone-free contraception: Contraceptive method that does not act systemically throughout the body.

Individual sizing: Personalised adjustment of the size of the diaphragm during a vaginal examination.
IUD: A plastic device, e.g. T-shaped, with copper and/or silver coils, placed in the uterus.

Long-acting contraceptive method: All contraceptive methods that are effective for longer than one month, such as the 3-month injection, IUD, hormonal IUD, implant

Medical device: Regulatory-classified product used in or on the body for medical purposes.
Menopausal transition: The years following the cessation of ovulation and menstruation, accompanied by changes in a woman’s hormonal balance.
Menopause: The period following the last menstrual period, accompanied by hormonal changes and lasting several years.
Mensinga pessary: First diaphragm, acting as a cervical cap for contraception, named after its inventor J.W. Mensinga in 1883.
Menstruation: Bleeding resulting from the shedding of the endometrium in the uterus.

One size: One size fits most women.
Ovulation: Release of an egg from one of the ovaries into the fallopian tube.

Polyamide: A component of the flexible ring of the diaphragm.
Prolapse: Prolapse of the uterus and cervix
Protection against unwanted pregnancy provided by the diaphragm: Mechanical prevention of sperm entering the uterus.
Pubic bone: Anatomical reference point for the position of the diaphragm.

Removal dome: A notch in the silicone membrane for removing the diaphragm (Caya® only).
Reversible contraceptive method: The option to stop or reverse a method, e.g. if you wish to have children

Sexual intercourse: Penile-vaginal sexual contact
Silicone (LSR): Material (Liquid Silicone Rubber) of the diaphragm’s membrane and casing.
Silicone membrane: The flexible part (dome) of the diaphragm that covers the cervix.
Singa® Diaphragm: Traditional round diaphragm in seven different sizes (60–90 mm), for women for whom the Caya® diaphragm does not fit.
Singa® Fitting Set: Set containing all 7 sizes (60 – 90 mm diameter) of the Singa® Diaphragm and samples of Caya® diaphragms (for clinics and healthcare professionals)
Spacing: The interval between two pregnancies and thus between children.
Sterilisation: Tying the fallopian tubes to stop eggs migrating into the uterus; a permanent method of contraception
Symptothermal method: A method for monitoring the menstrual cycle, the physical signs of the cycle (cervical mucus) and changes in temperature in relation to ovulation.

Temperature method: Continuous measurement of a woman’s body temperature with records (on paper or electronically) to determine the time of ovulation.
The pill: A hormonal tablet taken regularly for contraception.
Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS): A very rare, serious condition that can occur if the diaphragm is used for too long.

Upper vaginal vault: The upper area of the vagina between pubic bone and the cavity behind the cervix, where the diaphragm sits correctly.
Use as required: Use a contraceptive only when the woman/man has sexual intercourse.
Uterus: Organ into which the entry of sperm is prevented by the diaphragm.

Vagina: The part of the body into which the diaphragm is inserted.
Vaginal wall: Walls of the vagina
Vasectomy: A procedure to sever the man’s vas deferens; a permanent method of contraception.

Wear and tear of the diaphragm: If there are tears, holes or thin spots, the diaphragm must be replaced immediately. With proper care, the diaphragm can be used for up to two years.

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