Does the cap or diaphragm cause vaginal discharge?

Having experienced terrible physical and mental health side effects from both types of contraceptive pill (Combined and POP), and permanent pain and repeated UTIs with the copper coil, I hoped that Caya diaphragm would be a suitable non-hormonal method to try. Unfortunately, I found insertion very tricky - it seems I have a case of "deep vagina, small fingers", as I could never tell whether I'd pushed the diaphragm up far enough to cover my cervix, and sex was always a bit uncomfortable. I'm naturally prone to cystitis and thrush, and getting both while using the diaphragm also put me off using it long term. However, on the plus side - I didn't get pregnant (though I was still breastfeeding a lot, and my periods hadn't yet returned postpartum), and I did manage to avoid the hormonal depression, skin changes and weight gain/loss that I've experienced in the past with pills.

I was only using it shortly, as I wanted to avoid hormones. It was not bad, but the need of using a spermicide as well was the reason why I stopped, I had vaginal discharge caused by the spermicide.

After bad experiences with the pill I wanted to avoid hormonal contraception, and did not think the coil was right for me. The diaphragm is therefore the only method of contraception (other than condoms) that I found available. I got it fitted at a local sexual health clinic fine - although I did have to ring up to request that my appointment was with someone trained with fitting it, as not everyone can do this. There were a few different sizes to make sure you get one that fits you. It's a bit tricky to get the hang of putting it in and taking it out at first, but if you're used to fiddling with a mooncup you'll pick it up. It's good when you have planned when you need to use it, as you can insert it a couple of hours before and not have to worry about it in the moment. My partner says he can feel it but it's usually not uncomfortable for him - occasionally when I'm on top. As someone who has had a lot of UTIs, I was a bit worried about the increased risk of cystitis (because the rim sits against your bladder) but have never got it when using the diaphragm. The downside is that it requires a bit of extra planning, so if I'm lazy I end up just using condoms instead. Also it's pretty gross when you take it out after leaving it in overnight, and a load of stinky semen-spermicide goo comes out! All in all, a bit of a faff but I'd way rather use this than hormonal contraception. I only use this occasionally as a result. I wish there was a really good non hormonal, non coil option out there!