We are pleased to advise that deep linking capability, enabling users to directly download individual mobile toolkits, has now been released on the RDS mobile app. You will see that each toolkit has a small QR code icon in the header area beside the search icon – see screenshot below. Clicking on this icon will open up a window with a full-size QR code and the alternative of a short URL for sharing with users. Instructions are provided.
You may need to actively update to the latest release - RDS app version 4.7.1 - to see this improvement.
Updating to this latest version of the RDS app is also strongly recommended to get the full benefits of the new resilience arrangements – specifically, that if the RDS website should fail, you will still be able to download new mobile app toolkits. To check your current RDS version, click on the three dots bottom right of the RDS app screen. This takes you to a “More” page where you will see the version number. To install latest updates:
On iPhones – go to the Apple store, click on your profile icon top right, scroll down to see the apps waiting to be updated and update the RDS app.
On Android phones – these can vary, but try going to the Google Play store, click on your profile icon top right, click on “Manage apps and device”, select and update the RDS app.
Please get in touch with ann.wales3@nhs.scot with any questions.
| Device | Failure rate | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical use | Perfect use | |
| Diaphragms (with spermicide cream or jelly) excluding Caya* |
12% | 6% (range 4.3% to 8.4%) |
| Caya (pregnancy rates from 6 months of use with spermicidal gel extrapolated to give an estimated probability of pregnancy at 12 months) |
17.8% | 13.7% |
| Femcap®* | 13% | 7.7-11.2%5 |
| Male condom* | 18% | 2% |
| Internal condom* | 21% | 5% |
*in the USA
Diaphragms
Devices inserted into the vagina to lie diagonally across the cervix and vaginal vault and much of the anterior vaginal wall.
All currently available products are made of silicone
Cap
A cap fits onto the cervix to create a barrier to sperm trying to enter the cervix
FemCap which is silicone, is the only currently available cervical cap.
There are 3 sizes:
Spermicide
Diaphragms and Caps should be used with spermicide (nonoxynol-9, Gygel®). The manufacturer of Caya® advises use with an acid buffering lubricant, Caya® Gel which contains lactic acid, sodium lactate, cellulose and sorbic acid which acts by reducing the motility of sperm cells (the acidic gel creates a hostile environment inside the vagina) and creating an additional physical barrier in front of the cervix (cellulose is a gel forming agent).
