Singa Contraceptive Diaphragm

With the Singa® diaphragm, women use contraception safely, hormone-free and naturally, without unwanted side effects. Unlike the Caya® diaphragm, the Singa® is traditionally round and available in 7 different sizes - the right size for the user must be determined and adjusted in advance by medical professionals. The Singa® is inserted into the vagina before sexual intercourse. It completely covers the cervix and prevents sperm from entering the uterus. After intercourse, the Singa® diaphragm must remain in the vagina for at least 6 hours.

We recommend always using the Singa® diaphragm in combination with the contraceptive Caya® gel.

Women for whom the Caya® diaphragm does not fit or who require a firmer spring tension can use contraception safely and naturally with the Singa® diaphragm.

How Safe Is The Singa Diaphragm?

No contraceptive method can guarantee 100% contraceptive efficiency. The Singa diaphragm is just as safe as the classic diaphragm. The more often you use the Singa diaphragm, the more confident you will become in using this contraceptive.

I’m An Average Size Woman, An Average Size Diaphragm Would Work?

The answer is not necessarily. A petite woman might have a larger vaginal tract than a woman twice her size or weight. And after childbirth, changes in the body can occur again.

Even after gaining or losing a few kilos, there’s a chance that enough body fat in the lower abdomen, buttocks, and inner thigh area has shifted, potentially increasing or decreasing the pressure on the outer walls of the vagina. This shift of just a few millimeters can alter the optimal size of the diaphragm.

How Do I Find Out What Size I Need?

A trained doctor, gynecologist, midwife, or healthcare practitioner will measure you for size. They’ll use a fitting kit with sample-sized diaphragms to find the most effective and secure choice for you. It’s essentially a trial-and-error process. There’s no way to calculate your exact diaphragm size, so they’ll insert one, check if it fits, and then move to the next size up or down accordingly until they find the perfect fit. It’s quite similar to a visit to an optician. It may not sound like cutting-edge medicine, but it’s effective.

After your “fitting session,” they’ll provide you with the correct diaphragm size.

How Is A Diaphragm Inserted?

The round diaphragm is folded into a cylindrical shape and inserted into the vaginal canal. It naturally unfolds inside the canal and is then pushed into place to cover the cervix. While the process may seem daunting, with practice, most women find it simple and easy.

During your diaphragm fitting session, the healthcare professional will guide you on the correct insertion and removal of the diaphragm.

How Can I Be Sure My Diaphragm Has Been Inserted Correctly?

Use your longest finger (usually the middle finger) to check the correct position of the diaphragm: Check whether the membrane covers the cervix completely. If this is the case, you are reliably protected.

How Long Must I Leave My Singa In Place For AFTER Intercourse?

It must remain in place for 6 hours. Sperm are no longer active after this period. These 6 hours are for your own safety and to prevent an unwanted pregnancy.

What Happens If I Want Intercourse A Second Time, Whilst The Singa Is Still In Place?

Your Singa will remain in position, but you will have to apply additional contraceptive gel in front of the inserted Singa with the aid of an applicator, or a finger.

Can I Use A Lubricant With My Singa Diaphragm?

Yes, but ONLY water-based lubricant gels should, however, be used. Do not use ANY lubricant gels containing silicone together with the Singa diaphragm! There are no studies on the tolerability of contraceptive gels when used together with commercial lubricants. Eventual limitations in terms of the efficacy of contraceptive gels cannot therefore be ruled out. Alternatively, you may use Caya Gel as a lubricant. The Singa diaphragm may be used together with condoms, as they are coated with only small amounts of silicone oil.

How Should I Clean My Singa Diaphragm?

After it is used, your Singa diaphragm need only be cleaned with soap and water. Disinfectants do not need to be used and are not recommended. If you wish, you may rinse it off with boiling water. After a vaginal infection, the Singa diaphragm should be Singa diaphragm should be replaced with a new one.

I Can’t Find A Healthcare Professional For A Fitting, What Are My Options?

If you can’t find a healthcare professional for a fitting, your regular GP, midwife, or gynecologist should be able to discuss any change in contraceptive method and confirm if there are any medical reasons why you shouldn’t use a diaphragm. However, they may not be trained or equipped to assess your size.

More healthcare professionals are taking courses to train in diaphragm fitting, but it can still be challenging to connect with someone. Through the website Diaphragms.org, we plan to build a list of trained professionals willing to book you in for a fitting session. Alternatively, there’s FemCap, an interesting option.

Here’s how it works: After puberty, a woman’s cervix size corresponds to a 22mm FemCap. This size remains constant unless she becomes pregnant. Two weeks after conception, the cervix undergoes irreversible dilation. This is crucial to understand because even if a woman miscarries early in pregnancy and is unaware of her conception, her cervix size has changed, necessitating a 26mm FemCap. Imagine a deflated balloon; it never shrinks back to its original size.

Vaginal delivery further alters the cervix’s size, requiring a 30mm FemCap for those who have had a vaginal delivery. In contrast, a C-section delivery doesn’t stretch the cervix as much as a vaginal delivery, so a 26mm FemCap would still be suitable.

This simple sizing system based on your obstetric history makes it easy to self-size cervical caps. However, it’s essential to consult a healthcare professional to determine if diaphragms or cervical caps are the right choice for you.