Strategic and Subversive? The Case of the Disappearing Diaphragm and Women's Information

Sharing Practices

The Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada (SOGC) at http://www.sexualityandu.ca

AUTHORITATIVE KNOWLEDGE

Participant #1

“I contacted multiple doctors and nurses. I contacted my usual clinic and asked if it was possible to get fitted for a diaphragm. I was very much talked down to during that conversation. I was told it was an irresponsible method of contraception…told it had a ‘pathetic failure rate’, and I was encouraged to take hormones again. Other doctors ignored me and refused to return my calls.”

Participant #4

“We get free healthcare here in the UK. My Doctor laughed and said if ‘I give you a [diaphragm] you will be back in 3 months for an abortion’, and wasn’t interested. He didn’t want to listen to me and suggested I go for an IUD.”

EMBODIED KNOWLEDGE

Participant #3

“Before I found the group, I ordered my own speculums so I could try to have a look myself [to make sure my cervical cap fit correctly]. But that turned out being too difficult to do. But I think if I hadn't found the group, I would have just made do with trusting that I was doing it right when the midwife checked the placement, and hoped for the best.”

Participant #3

“I was fairly comfortable with [my body] before [I joined the diaphragm group], but I learned a lot more about my cervix -- finding it, the changes it goes through during a month, why it's easier to touch sometimes than others, etc.”

SUBVERSIVE INFORMATION

BEHAVIOUR

Participant #3

“If the greater medical community doesn't widely support the devices, though, grassroots connection and support online is going to be really key to keeping them on the market. I feel really nervous about the lack of official medical support for these products, because I think a lot of women just don't know they exist, or that they're viable options.”

Participant #2

“I think there might be opportunities to use our voting dollars wisely. Women [in Canada and the US] should order from Europe, reject all that dubious high-tech hormonal stuff, and keep sharing information about caps and diaphragms. Someone will notice eventually, I’d hope.”

Participant #4

“[The difficulty in obtaining a diaphragm], if anything, made me more determined to get one.”

INFORMATIONAL STRATEGIES

Participant #1

“There is a wonderful online support in these communities, and it is important we share our knowledge so it is not forgotten. All women should be able to choose the method of contraception which fits their lifestyle best, but it is not easy to get this information and service from doctors. So, we help ourselves and pool our knowledge in these groups and forums.”

Participant #1

“I was very lucky to discover an [online discussion] group for women using diaphragms and caps. This has been a great support to me, as I now realise I am not the only woman to be treated poorly by doctors when trying to obtain a cervical barrier. It is both comforting and frustrating to know my situation is not unique.”

Participant #2

“I know that [online discussion forums] make a difference to a number of women. It seems to be difficult to fight big pharma, though. Creativity and ingenuity is needed. It’s definitely important to keep the conversation going, no matter what.”