Caya Diaphragm

You can buy a Caya from pharmacies and some online stores.

The Caya may not be suitable if you:

• Have an unusually shaped or positioned cervix (entrance to the womb), or if you cannot reach your cervix.
• Have weakened vaginal muscles (possibly as a result of giving birth) that cannot hold a Caya in place.
• Have a sensitivity or an allergy to the Caya gel.
• Have ever had toxic shock syndrome (a rare, but life-threatening bacterial infection).
• Have repeated urinary tract infections (an infection of the urinary system, such as the urethra, bladder or kidneys).
• Currently have a vaginal infection (wait until your infection clears before using a Caya).
• Are not comfortable touching your vagina.
• Have a high risk of getting an STI – for example, if you have multiple sexual partners.

It can take time to learn how to use them.

Before use, check your Caya regularly for tears or holes by holding it up to the light and having a good look at it. Be careful with your fingernails and jewellery. If your Caya goes out of shape, squeeze it gently back into its circular shape.

You can insert a Caya up to 2 hours before you have sex – after this time, you will need to take it out and put some more Caya gel on it, or use an applicator to apply more gel.

• With clean hands, put a small amount of Caya gel on each side of the Caya (also putting a little gel on the rim may make the Caya easier to put in).
• Before inserting the Caya into the vagina, fold the Caya by holding the grip dimples.
• Slide the Caya into your vagina, upwards. This should ensure that the Caya covers your cervix.
• Always check that your cervix is covered – it feels like a lump, a bit like the end of your nose.
• If your cervix is not covered, remove the Caya by holding the removal dome which should be located safely behind the pubic bone, then try again.
• You must leave it in for at least 6 hours after the last time you had sex. You can leave it in longer but do not exceed 24 hours.

After use, you can wash your Caya with warm water and mild, unperfumed soap. Rinse it thoroughly, then leave to dry.

You can get Caya gel from a pharmacy or online.

The Caya can become less effective at preventing pregnancy if:

• It is damaged – for example, it is torn or has holes.
• It is not the right size for you and does not cover your cervix.
• You use it without Caya gel, or have sex 3 hours or more after you apply Caya gel.
• You do not use extra Caya gel with your Caya every time you have more sex.
• You remove it too soon (less than 6 hours after the last time you had sex).
• You use oil-based products, such as baby lotion, bath oils, moisturiser or some vaginal medicines (for example, pessaries).

If any of these things happen, or you have had sex without contraception, you may need emergency contraception.

If you think you may have been exposed to HIV, you can take preventative medication (PEP) to reduce the chance of becoming infected.