The diaphragm is a hormone-free barrier method of contraception. It is inserted into the vagina before sexual intercourse and covers the cervix, preventing sperm from entering the uterus.
The Caya® diaphragm is a modern one-size-fits-all diaphragm developed in collaboration with users and designed to be used without individual fitting.
Anyone interested in hormone-free contraception often wants to know how reliably a diaphragm can prevent pregnancy.
The effectiveness of contraceptive methods is usually described in studies using so-called pregnancy rates or the Pearl Index. It is important to understand that:
With many methods, effectiveness depends not only on the method itself, but also on how consistently and correctly it is used.
This applies in particular to user-dependent methods such as:
In scientific studies on contraceptives, a distinction is often made between:
This distinction helps to assess effectiveness as realistically as possible.
“Typical use” describes use under everyday conditions.
This may include, for example, situations in which:
The ‘typical use’ figures therefore reflect how a method works in real-life situations.
For user-dependent contraceptive methods, the actual effectiveness can therefore be influenced by how consistently and correctly the method is used.
“Perfect Use” describes the best possible use in everyday life.
With the diaphragm, for example, this means:
However, it is important to note that:
"Perfect Use" does not mean complete protection or error-free use under laboratory conditions. Even when used correctly, no barrier method can completely rule out pregnancy. No contraceptive is 100% effective.
The effectiveness of the Caya® diaphragm was investigated in a clinical trial involving 450 couples over a period of approximately six months, or six menstrual cycles.
The results showed that:
With typical use, around 10 out of 100 women became pregnant. In other words, around 90 out of 100 women did not become pregnant.
With perfect use, around 8 out of 100 women became pregnant. In other words, around 92 out of 100 women did not become pregnant.
The study also showed that:
The choice of a contraceptive method does not depend solely on statistical effectiveness. Many people consciously choose a diaphragm because it:
For many users, therefore, the focus is not solely on maximum effectiveness, but on the combination of hormone-free contraception, flexibility and personal comfort.
Yes. The diaphragm should always be used together with a suitable diaphragm gel. The gel further supports the barrier effect and makes it more difficult for sperm to penetrate.
No. A diaphragm does not provide reliable protection against sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Condoms are recommended for protection against STIs.
The diaphragm is a hormone-free barrier method that can be used flexibly and when needed.
Clinical trial data on the Caya® diaphragm show that its effectiveness depends on correct and consistent use.
For people seeking a hormone-free, on-demand and user-controlled method of contraception, the diaphragm may be a suitable option.
Note: This article is for general information purposes only and is not a substitute for individual medical advice.
