It should be no surprise that I am a little out there and into non-conventional things. It's also no surprise that I am extremely open in what I discuss and since this is a blog about infertility and women issues, this post is going to contain a whole bunch of TMI information. If you are not comfortable with reading about menstrual cycles and anything of the sort, turn away now. Otherwise, you have been warned. Let the cycle talk begin.
I have been a Diva Cup user for almost 3 years now. I was first introduced to menstrual cups and devices when I was frequenting a fertility/trying to conceive website. Before then I had never heard of a Diva Cup. So what is it, you may ask?
I have been a Diva Cup user for almost 3 years now. I was first introduced to menstrual cups and devices when I was frequenting a fertility/trying to conceive website. Before then I had never heard of a Diva Cup. So what is it, you may ask?
The DivaCup is a bell-shape cup that is made of a soft silicone that catches your menstrual flow vs soaking it up like tampons or pads do. Your first thought is most likely Ewwwwww, right? Mine was. But the more educated I became on the Diva Cup, the more it peaked my interest.
I have been having menstrual cycles since I was 9. Yes, you read that right, 9 years old, the age where some girls are still playing with Barbie dolls, I was dealing with Aunt Flow and learning about pads and sanitary supplies. My cycles never were like clock work. (and now with my PCOS diagnosis, I know why) I would have months of no bleeding, then months of non-stop bleeding. This went on for years, and is STILL taking place. I have invested A LOT of money in tampons since I would go through close to 2 of the large boxes, a month! The thought alone of how much I would be saving is what peaked my interest. Add to that the fact that I could wear the Diva Cup during any part of flow without the risk of TSS (Toxic Shock Syndrome) I was sold! I always had that worry in the back of my head of.....what flow am I experiencing right now? What absorbancy tampon should I use?? Is that only spotting? There is none of that worry with the Diva Cup. I can even insert my Diva Cup before the expected Aunt Flow arrival and still be okay! (which eliminates the "Oh crap, Aunt Flow just showed and ruined my white pants/panties!) The definitive "I made the right choice" is when I used the Diva Cup for the first time and it didn't HURT like tampons always did. It is no shocker that Aunt Flow is a very uncomfortable and downright painful time for a woman. But there shouldn't be any extra pain caused from tampon insertion/use. I had chronic pain while using tampons. My first cycle using the Diva Cup, there was no pain with insertion and I could not even feel it! I was sold, I am a Diva Cup user for life.
Go here for more information and perks on a Diva Cup. To find a retailer who carries Diva Cup, go to the Store Finder or Here to buy now. Also, "Like" Diva Cup on Facebook and Follow on Twitter.
Now, for a chance to win one of your own!!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
***DISCLAIMER - The products in this review were provided to me free of cost for the purpose of conducting this review. All opinions expressed in this review are my own and are not influenced by monetary compensation. ***
Awesome! I just got mine at the end of my last cycle. I haven't used it yet and I'm actually anxiously awaiting the arrival of AF to try it out!
ReplyDeleteFrom the website I learned that there were ounce markers on the cup. I hadn't noticed that and as I feel like I have an exceptionally high flow sometimes so it will be interesting to see if I actually do! :)
I have a feeling you will come to love your Diva Cup, Katie! (especially with being able to monitor and see how much your flow actually is.)
DeleteGood luck to you!
I've been intrigued by these for awhile. At first I was one that went ewww too, but the more and more I read about it I find myself wanting to take the plunge and try it. I too like pp would like to know what the extent of my flow is.
ReplyDeleteThat is how I started out too, Megan. Completely grossed out by the thought of being able to see your menstrual blood. (and then have to empty it too? Double ewww!) 3 years going strong with my Diva Cup and I cringe at the thought of ever having to use a tampon again!
DeleteGood luck to you!
For me it isn't so much the thought of seeing the mestrual blood, but the fact that I'm a germaphob and I had read somewhere not to use soap to clean them, just the special wash? Although, one lady talked about putting hers in the dishwasher. I just don't know if I'd ever feel it was clean unless I boiled it all the time.
DeleteYes, regular soap can break down the material over time. It is suggested to use the wash. A bit of TMI here but I use adult toy cleaner to clean mine. (and boil before storing for next cycle's use) I figure if it can keep toys clean then it could do the same for a a silicone Diva Cup. ;)
DeleteI am very intrigued by the Diva Cup idea...but what is it actually like to use during AF? I mean, how often do you have to take it out and empty it each day etc? Is it hard to insert, how do you know it's inserted correctly so that AF doesn't leak all over the place etc? ;)
ReplyDeleteI will answer your questions to the best of my ability and from what I have gained with experience with the Diva Cup.
DeleteQ: I mean, how often do you have to take it out and empty it each day etc?
A: The site says it can be worn up to 12 hours a day. Personally, I have to empty my DC about every 3-4 hours on my heaviest days. (usually CD's 1-3) I also am guaranteed to overflow my cup on the first night so I double up a panty liner with my DC on my first few days. (overnights)
I know the site says it can hold up to 30ml which is typical amount of flow for the entire AF, but for me being able to SEE how much bleeding is taking place, I know I am not part of the typical 'norm'. (with anything really!) My typical AF's are more like 180-200ml, with 60-90ml/day for the first few days. It is nuts, but eye opening! Now that I know MY baseline, I know when 'flooding' is occurring and when too much blood loss is just too much.
Q: Is it hard to insert, how do you know it's inserted correctly so that AF doesn't leak all over the place etc?
A: It does take some time getting to know the DC and insertion, but is super easy to get figured out. There are several folds that one can do to make insertion easier. The "U" fold (or used to be called the "C" fold) is my favorite for ease of use.
http://divacup.com/how-it-works/how-it-works/
Once the cup is inserted, a simple twist of the base forms a suction seal and seats it in place. Much like a tampon, it should not be felt (or leak) when properly placed. Now I did have issues with my first DC that it felt too long for me, and the stem was poking anytime I sat. It was painful until I cut the stem completely off and flipped the cup inside out. That is certainly an option. Hope this answers your questions. :)
lol I just answered some of my own questions by going to their website and I learned which size to choose! :D I too would be intrigued to find out exactly how heavy my flow is. :D
ReplyDeleteYay for finding answers to your questions!
DeleteGood luck to you Shirley!!
so one diva cup can last for year
ReplyDeleteDavida, they can last even longer than a year, depending on care, how its cleaned, stored, etc. I just replaced my original DC this year. It lasted over 2 years before I discovered a crack right under the ring of the cup.
DeleteWhat do they say, the diva cup will help "keep the magic in" ;-) I'm down to try anything once for my TTC journey!
ReplyDeleteI learned that it is reusable! I want to try this for sure! I never even knew this existed!
ReplyDeleteI was surprised it was reusable! i think that is cool and eco friendly. I like the measuring lines. I also like the shape and that it looks east to take out without maybe a lot of spillage =)
ReplyDeleteI'm really hoping I win this because I've always been interested in trying it....but afraid to spend money on it just in case I hate it. It seems really neat.
ReplyDeleteI learnt why The DivaCup chose the name Diva.
ReplyDeleteI have been really intrigued by this for about 6 years now but still haven't taken the plunge. I think it's the ewww factor but mostly with inserted it...not so much taking it out...weird right. I figure if I'm putting it in there will be blood since I just started but if I'm taking it out all the blood will be contained in the diva cup.
ReplyDeleteI actually forgot there was different sizes. I think that's why I was afraid to get it before. But with 2 vaginal births I guess it's probably safe to say I am a size 2 :). I really like the 12 hours of protection too.
I would really like to try this. I have had horrendous cycles the past few years and it would be interesting to see in measurements just how much it is. I like that it has ml markings. I am sure that I am off the charts with actual flow but maybe it just seems that way.
ReplyDeleteI am excited to try this product. I am interested in the shelf life. What a savings that will be
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