My first effort at having a more sustainable & responsible menstrual period was using a Diva Cup. This is the pictured cup above. I bought mine at Whole Foods for about 30 bucks.
I was a complete bozo at this effort. I succeeded in getting my Diva Cup in correctly 2 times out of several months of attempted use. I can't seem to get it to pop open in the manner that the manufacturers say is the way to create the seal. Is my powerful vadge just crushing it? Am I pushing it too far up? Help! I know that at least one reader uses a cup!
I also get an uncomfortable feeling of bladder fullness with the cup. I think that it just may not be for me. I truly believe in it as a sustainable option...less work than re-usable pads, and it may hold up longer.
I know that it took me several tries to get the cup seated right. I found that I needed to use the alternative folding method in the pamphlet instead of the quarter fold and I also found that I needed to sit on a stool instead of on the toilet to get the right angle. It just takes a little trial and error.
ReplyDeleteI find the Diva cup is the best option for me while camping and traveling, but I'm actually looking forward to trying re-usable pads. I just want to say thank you for taking on this topic, I'm really enjoying reading about your experiences.
I had never heard of the Diva Cup. Interesting alternative to Pads and Tampons, but it sounds fairly uncomfortable. I really appreciate that you are taking on the topic of menstruation this month as it is a topic that is in my opinion rarely discussed but should be. I look forward to reading more this month :)
ReplyDeleteAre you sure that you are using the right size? I bought the model 1 and then had to exchange it for the model 2, I didn't read the box properly. I've had two children so I guess I need a larger one.
ReplyDeleteI've been using it for over six months and I've found that I have to angle it downwards more while putting it in. When it stays suctioned together and won't turn, it seems to be that if I take it out and try again but angle it down more it seems to work. I also had to cut the stem down to nothing to make it comfortable so that I couldn't feel it.
When you insert it, make sure you are inserting it towards your tailbone (so keep it almost parallel to the floor) and not up like one does with a tampon. I don't know how far up there you're putting it, so I can't help you there :/ Like Angelique, I had issues at first because of the folding method the pamphlet suggests. Now I use an alternative (punch down) folding method, and it seems to work much better. I don't know why. Here's a link to a youtube video showing different methods: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R-PX3BWwjPY. Hope it ends up working out for you!
ReplyDeleteThanks to all for the help. I think that my problems are thinking it goes in like a tampon, sticking it in too far (heh, figures) and trying to insert during first day period brain fog.
ReplyDeleteYou have inspired me to keep trying! The medical grade silicone does have a nice feel to it. It is definitely the perfect period tool for camping.
I've been using a Keeper for over 10 years now. It's the same as a Diva cup just made out of rubber. I remember it being a bit uncomfortable at first. I only fold it in half and then insert it. I cut the tail all the way off cause it bothered me. Mine doesn't pop open either but if you can push it up high and then tug it down a bit or twist it around it will open. I always slant it down and to my tailbone too. I was determined to use the thing and it took many periods before I stopped feeling it in there, kinda like wearing contact lenses, it takes time. Once you get used to it you won't feel it anymore.
ReplyDeleteWow! This is great! I've been thinking about trying one. Of course, I don't do well at all with tampons, so maybe I'll just look into getting some reusable pads, after all. Keep us updated and let us know if it ends up working out for you, k?
ReplyDeleteI don't have a period anymore..but I haven't even heard of the diva cup..I have to admit..I'm a tad weird..so I cracked up laughing when I read this.
ReplyDeleteYellowdog Granny, you are laffing at my powerful vadge, aren't you, AREN'T YOU?? Well, she sneers back.
ReplyDeleteRenee, I have a girlfriend who is the same - her body just PUSHES tampons or a Diva cup right out, so she's stuck with pads.
ReplyDeleteI love my Diva Cup, although it took me about 3 months to get used to, and I also cut the stem WAY down. My period is done in about 3 days if I use it, or 5-6 days if I just use my reusable pads.