Betty Dodson with Carlin Ross

Better Orgasms. Better World.

 0 items

• Login
• Join

Search this site:

Hi Betty,

I recently read your mention of diaphragms in Bust. As a pill user for the last ten years, I have been wondering about alternatives. I hate the idea of pumping myself with hormones for the next thirty (?) years of my life and I loathe using condoms. My partner and I have been together for about two and a half years and we both don't want children (at least not in the near future). How exactly does a diaphragm work? Are they comfortable? Are they as effective as the pill? I have asked my OBGYN about long-term use of the pill and have been told that there are no effects. A friend of mine was told by her OBGYN to take at least two cycles off of the pill every 10 years. Can you please clear this up for me? To pill or not to pill, that is my question...

Thank you!

Dear GK,

I am a strong believer in less is more. The less we mess with our hormones by taking the pill, the better off your body will be. Of course they are going to say the pill is safe. They said that when it first came out and it was far from anything near safe. I successfully used a diaphragm my entire fertile life and it got me through the sexual revolution with hundreds of encounters without one single problem. Yes they are comfortable as long as you get the right size and check to see it's in place. Seems that some GYN (mostly male) felt that bigger was better for anything that went into the vagina. During my workshop days, I recommended getting a size smaller to several women who complained that they could feel the rim. Also, avoid getting the one that bends in the middle and consider getting a diaphragm inserter. I have no idea it any of this is even available today. You are the first to ask. Let me know what happens.

Dr. Betty