Considering trying out the DivaCup. If you've used one, do you recommend it?
I have quite a few friends who wear one and love it, but it isn't without its problems... This is a very humorous user review that my friend shared with me when I asked her about it. She still loves hers, but thought I'd share the link with you.
http://www.amazon.com/review/R39TB4HUVK8Z6/ref=cm_cr_pr_v...
I've used the Diva Cup for a very long time, probably close to 10 years now. It's saved me so much money, and is much better for the environment. I love it! There was some getting used to in the beginning, but once you get the hang of inserting it, it's really very easy to use. Feel free to pm me if you have any questions.
I use Soft Cups (which is right along that line). I really truly DO love them, but like others are saying, they're not without their own issues.
Just a warning before reading this...due to the sensitive nature of this topic, there are going to be things that totally seem like TMI. If you aren't comfortable reading about woman stuff, then don't read any further. :)
The BIGGEST pro in my opinion is that I can safely and comfortably leave the cup in for 12 hours before needing to switch it. That is ultimately the main reason why I prefer them. I am not really a pad girl, and I would have problems in the past with tampons shifting uncomfortably after going to the bathroom. I was practically to the point where I just planning on having to change the tampon any time I needed to go to the bathroom. I don't ever have that problem with the soft cups (imagine a very comfortable suction cup covering the opening of your womb...it catches all the blood and keeps the smell away).
Putting it in is a little interesting at first, but to me it is not hard at all. There are instructional videos on their website (that are not too graphic). Once it is in, you shouldn't feel it at all.
With the whole 12 hour thing, you need to know that I would NEVER plan on having to change it in a public restroom. That's NOT ever going to be a reasonable change-out place. Imagine gently hooking your finger over one edge to break the slight suction, then pulling out a small cup full of blood...It's going to get some blood on your hands. My bathroom sink is right next to our toilet, so I rinse my hand off right away. In a public restroom that is generally not the case. You don't want to walk out of the stall with blood on your hands.
Back to the smell of things...while it is in, you will not smell any of that yucky period smell, BUT when it comes out, there is going to be some blood that gets left behind inside of you, and thus, you will smell it. If you shower in the morning, then it is easiest to put it in either right before or right after your shower. Make sure to kind of wash things down there to get any excess blood out of the way, and you will smell fresh all day. When you switch the cup 12 hours later, you'll probably be getting ready for bed soon, and who cares if it smells a little (let's face it, some smell would be there with a pad or tampon). In the morning, when you shower again, you'll be all fresh for the next day.
Side note: many of my posts have indicated that I am a teacher...the soft cup has been a GODSEND for me in my job. I don't have time to run to the bathroom all throughout the day, and when I do, it's always interesting trying to find a place to temporarily hide the tampon in my dress clothes while walking all the way down the hall to the nearest bathroom. I LOVE not having to mess with any of that!
Yes, I bought one after seeing a mom here on Mamapedia say that she had been using hers for a long time and really liked it. Now, it did take me a minute to figure the darned thing out, but once I did - wow! Never going back to tampons or pads again. I can't even feel it in there, and I don't even have to think about it all day. No running to the bathroom to deal with leaks, no trying to figure out how to dispose of anything while at friends' houses or in public restrooms. Just deal with it first thing in the morning, last thing at night, and that's it! Nothing to buy every month. Mine has lasted about 4 years so far.
The one thing you should be aware of is that there are many different sizes and shapes that menstrual cups come in. I came across this discussion board, which I found helpful: http://menstrual-cups.livejournal.com/
Yes, used one for 8 years, love it. Don't confuse them with the Instead or softcups you get at the drugstore, they are totally different. Some people like those, it seems, but I hated them because they leaked horribly and were uncomfortable. My DivaCup is very comfortable, don't know it's in, and never leaks as long as it's inserted properly.
Yes, absolutely, and I love it. It did take some practice to figure out the best way to put it in and get it in the right spot - I recommend practicing in the shower with a little lube around the top. There are some pretty good instructional YouTube videos too (don't worry - they don't get THAT instructional...). Also, I trimmed the little stem down and that really helped. But once I figured that out it's been great and I'll never go back to tampons! Super comfortable (when placed right), more leak-proof than tampons or pads, less waste, WAY less money, no errant strings when swimming. Win!
Cracking up laughing at queen's link!! Sorry, nothing to add...never tried it!
I tried it but never liked the way it felt.
I have used Instead - which is the same concept but easier to find (any drug store carries them). I bought a pack to try out, and if I liked it (and I did) I was going to get a MoonCup. But then I got Mirena for birth control, and now I don't need any of them :)
I did like it. But it took some practice to get it in and out without making a mess.
I recommend it! I have Mirena so only have a very limited need for anything, and this is perfect. It took me a couple of "cycles" to really get the hang of it and prevent leakage. Just follow the instructions carefully. Definitely worth the money and for "saving" the environment! Oh, it's super comfortable too.
I love it. I see that some people do have issues, and it can take some figuring out. After a while, you can tell immediately if it is in right or not. I love that you can do just about anything with it, the only thing I can't do with it is biking.
I actually forgot mine on a week long trip, and ended up buying a new one when my period started in the middle of the trip. That is how wonderful it is, I just couldn't go back to pads for even a few days.
Have used since 2007 and love it. Can run, swim, do everything without having to worry about carrying and changing a tampon!
Yes, I have for years. I love it! No tampons or pads for me - ever again!
I guess I'm the only one who hasn't loved it. I got the size 2 (after childbirth size). I am a smart girl, and thought I'd have the hang of it right away. I can't seem to get it comfortably in there, or it starts slipping out on me after about an hour.
Now, perhaps I have a very large vajayjay (after 5 kids, maybe? lol!), but it just isn't working out for me yet. I'm not giving up; but I have not tried to wear it out of the house yet because of the problems I've had.
I used it and loved it.
