Helping Continuing Users

Ask how the client is doing with the method and whether she is satisfied. Ask if she has any questions or anything to discuss.
Ask especially if she has any problems using the method correctly and every time she has sex. Give her any information or help she needs (see Managing Any Problems).
Give her more supplies and encourage her to come back for more before she runs out. Remind her where else she can obtain more spermicides if needed.
Ask a long-term client if she has had any new health problems since her last visit. Address problems as appropriate. See also new health problems that may require switching methods.
Ask a long-term client about major life changes that may affect her needs—particularly plans for having children and STI/HIV risk. Follow up as needed.

Managing Any Problems

May or may not be due to the method.

Side effects or problems with spermicides or diaphragms affect women's satisfaction and use of the method. They deserve the provider's attention. If the client reports side effects or problems, listen to her concerns, give her advice, and, if appropriate, treat.
Offer to help the client choose another method—now, if she wishes, or if problems cannot be overcome.

Give advice on insertion and removal. Ask her to insert and remove the diaphragm in the clinic. Check its placement after she inserts it. Correct any errors.

A diaphragm that is too large can cause discomfort. Check if it fits well.
- Fit her with a smaller diaphragm if it is too large.
- If fit appears proper and different kinds of diaphragms are available, try a different diaphragm.
Ask her to insert and remove the diaphragm in the clinic. Check the diaphragm's placement after she inserts it. Give further advice as needed.
Check for vaginal lesions:
- If vaginal lesions or sores exist, suggest she use another method temporarily (condoms or oral contraceptives) and give her supplies.
- Assess for vaginal infection or sexually transmitted infection (STI). Treat or refer for treatment as appropriate.
- Lesions will go away on their own if she switches to another method.

Check for vaginal infection or STI and treat or refer for treatment as appropriate.
If no infection, suggest trying a different type or brand of spermicides.

Treat with cotrimoxazole 240 mg orally once a day for 3 days, or trimethoprim 100 mg orally once a day for 3 days, or nitrofurantoin 50 mg orally twice a day for 3 days.
If infection recurs, consider refitting the client with a smaller diaphragm.

Treat with metronidazole 2 g orally in a single dose or metronidazole 400–500 mg orally twice daily for 7 days.

Treat with fluconazole 150 mg orally in a single dose, miconazole 200 mg vaginal suppository, once a day for 3 days, or clotrimazole 100 mg vaginal tablets, twice a day for 3 days.
Miconazole suppositories are oil-based and can weaken a latex diaphragm. Women using miconazole vaginally should not use latex diaphragms or condoms during treatment. They can use a plastic female or male condom or another method until all medication is taken. (Oral treatment will not harm latex.)