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Diaphragm and cervical cap users should wait at least six hours after intercourse before removing the device or douching.
Upon removal, diaphragms should be washed (and dried prior to storing).
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Spermatozoa remain viable in the vagina for several hours, but the great majority of sperm cells that are capable of entering the cervix do so within two hours post-ejaculation. Nonoxynol-9 (N-9) spermicide can retain its contraceptive effect for a longer time: more than a day inside a cervical cap, and 12 hours inside a diaphragm. The optimum time that diaphragms and caps should remain in place has not been tested, and in the absence of evidence to the contrary, the traditional six-hour recommendation is a sensible compromise.
- Overstreet JW, Katz DF, Yanagimachi R. Sperm transport and capacitation. In Sciarra JJ (editor). Gynecology and Obstetrics. Philadelphia: J.B. Lippincott Co., 1994.
- Leitch WS. Longevity of Gynol II and Ortho Creme in the Prentif cervical cap. Contraception 1986;34(4):363-79.
- Leitch WS. Longevity of Ortho Creme and Gynol II in the contraceptive diaphragm. Contraception 1986;34(4):381-93.
- Hatcher RA, Trussell J, Stewart F, Stewart GK, Kowal D, Guest F, et al. The diaphragm, contraceptive sponge, cervical cap and female condom. In: Contraceptive Technology. New York: Irvington Publishers, 1994:191-222.
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