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  1. Right Decisions
  2. DGRefHelp - NHS Dumfries & Galloway
  3. Sexual health
  4. Contraception
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  6. Diaphragms and Caps
  7. Follow up Visits
Update your RDS mobile app to v4.7.2 to download toolkits even when website is down.

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.

Follow up Visits

  • Diaphragms/caps should not be relied upon for contraception until the client is confident about use.
  • Caya and Femcap are intended to be used without clinical assessment so follow up is client led.
  • Clients using Singa must return for a check.
  • Clients being followed up should be asked to return with the diaphragm/cap in situ. The client should be examined to ensure they have been able to insert it correctly. Also ensure the client is:
    • comfortable using the method including during intercourse and be able to check the position before and after intercourse to recognise if it is correctly positioned
    • is tolerant to the use of spermicide
  • Advise the client to return:
    •  if they have any problem with the use of their diaphragm (such as
      discomfort with use, pain, vaginal discharge or urinary tract infection)
    • if their weight alters by 3kg or more
    • after full term delivery
    • after any unplanned pregnancy regardless of outcome to assess
      possible reasons for method failure
    • after vaginal surgery

Replacement of device
• Singa® diaphragm should not be used for longer than 2 years
• Caya® diaphragm should not be used for longer than 2 years.
• Femcap should be replaced every year
Replace sooner if signs of deterioration, cracks or holes

Editorial Information

Last reviewed: 31/03/2022

Next review date: 30/09/2025

Author(s): West of Scotland Managed Clinical Network for Sexual Health Clinical Guidelines Group.

Version: 6.1

Approved By: West of Scotland Managed Clinical Network for Sexual Health