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Evidence summaries

Diaphragm Versus Diaphragm with Spermicides for Contraception

There is no evidence from controlled trials on the contraceptive effectiveness of diaphragm versus diaphragm with spermicides. Level of evidence: "D"

A Cochrane review [Abstract] 1 included one study with 164 subjects. No significant difference was found in the pregnancy rates or discontinuation rates between the groups. However, the study failed to recruit the planned number of participants and was consequently underpowered.

Comment: The quality of evidence is downgraded by sparse data and severe study limitations.

    References

    • Cook L, Nanda K, Grimes D. Diaphragm versus diaphragm with spermicides for contraception. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2003;(1):CD002031 [Review content assessed as up-to-date: 16 August 2011] [PubMed]

Primary/Secondary Keywords