Permission to use diaphragm - Nishmat Yoatzot Halacha

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Permission to use diaphragm

November 11, 2015

Question

I currently B"H have four healthy boys. I'm in my mid-30's and my youngest is a year and a half old. I am constantly overwhelmed and definitely need a break. I have never used birth control before and I don't like the IUD or hormonal birth control methods. I'm generally more into natural things and would strongly prefer not to put devices or synthetic hormones into my body.

This all being said, I would like to use a diaphragm for a while. I haven't given up on B'H one day having a girl, but, especially with the post partum depression that I get after each pregnancy and my generalized anxiety, the thought of another pregnancy right now makes me panic.

I know that halachically, diaphragms are not ideal, but I'm asking for a heter in my case. Thanks so much.

Answer

The posek of this site, R' Yehuda Henkin, does allow use of a diaphragm with spermicide as a contraceptive method. While hormonal contraception or the IUD are usually halachically preferred over barrier methods such as the diaphragm, when there is a need or even simply a desire to avoid those methods, the diaphragm may be used. (If other methods cause staining issues, use of the diaphragm may be preferred to avoid such issues.)

Please feel free to get back to us with any further questions.

B'Hatzlacha!