The Diva Cup {my experience}

*** Warning to MEN:  This post is a feminine topic – just for women and young ladies. ***

In April, several ladies from my church were discussing the topic of natural feminine products.  We talked about the inherent dangers of commercial feminine products that are made with harmful chemicals, which have had negative effects on women’s cycles and also the possibility of it attributing to infertility. Various natural products were discussed such as reusable cotton pads and liners, natural disposable pads, etc.

Then one product was mentioned I had never heard of before….. menstrual cups.  What???  As they explained the concept, I was immediately grossed out.  The idea of a “cup” collecting the monthly flow was simply icky to me!  LOL.

Three weeks ago, as my cycle was approaching and I began researching what natural feminine products to buy, the menstrual cups came to mind.  I finally decided to research this and see what all the hype was about.  I could not believe all the rave reviews on it and the benefits.  Needless to say, it definitely piqued my interest and so I decided to give it try — especially if it would help save $$ in the long run.  There are a lot of brands of m-cups available, but I decided to try Diva Cup first.  So here is my experience…..  I’ll also answer some questions that some co-op members asked of me.

• I purchased my Diva Cup from www.vitacost.com for $22.89 + shipping of $4.99.  (For our GOBC co-op members, Frontier currently sells it for $23.70 with free shipping when we order as a group.)  It arrived the day before my cycle heavily began — perfect timing.  Whew!
• Inserting it was actually easy.  I was surprised!  The only problem I had was the tip — it was too long and I could feel it and it was very uncomfortable.  After reading a review at Menstrual Cup Info, the gal had similar problems with the tip.  Turns out she has a low cervix, so the Diva Cup was riding low on her and she could feel the tip.  Apparently, I have a low cervix too.  She actually cut the tip completely (against the Diva Cup instructions – lol) and inverted the cup inside-out.  I decided to give her tip a try and lo and behold….that DID IT!  It was soooooo comfortable, as if nothing was there.  I even exercised with it and had no problems.
• No lubrication is needed to insert the cup.  It slid very easily into place.  With the DivaCup, once it’s inside, you must rotate the cup 360* in order for it to stay in place.   It will not protrude out.   Because this was my first month, I was still trying to get used to rotating it enough.  I did have a few tiny leaks during my heavy day as a result, but it was hardly anything — just a few tiny spots!  I wore a natural pantyliner to be safe.
• As far as size, I’m not sure the exact measurement.  I didn’t measure it.  But I am about 5′, so I am quite petite in size and it fit me fine after I cut the tip completely and inverted the cup.  I’m sure the DivaCup site has the measurements if anyone is interested.
• Cleaning was super easy.  I did not buy the wash that Diva Cup sells.  But you can use a gentle, mild soap and warm water to clean it.   I would recommend using soap that is all natural and no fragrance.
• As far as collecting the flow and removing it, it was actually very easy and clean.  Not as messy as I thought it would.  Not anything more messy than using tampons, actually.  I used tampons for 2 cycles when I was in college and that’s it.  The DivaCup is soooo much more easier to handle and work with!   The heavier days of my cycle lasts only 2 1/2 days.  On those days,  I could go 8-10 hours before I needed to clean out the cup.   But each woman is different and you’ll need to listen to your body.  You’ll know when you think you need to change.  :)
• Overall summary:  This was the easiest cycle I had!  I usually don’t have bad, intense cycles to begin with .  But I do have some cramping I experience every so often.  This month, I did not have ANY cramps (or heavy pressure from the cramps) at all.  I literally felt like I was not on my cycle.  Hmmm…makes me wonder how much the chemicals from the conventional pads had an influence on cramps.  They say that many women will experience less menstrual flow switching to natural feminine products due to the lack of chemicals that have a negative affect on our cycles.  That was the case for me!  I only had to wear the cup for 3  days.  The rest I just used natural liners for the extremely light days and spotting.
• For more technical information about the DivaCup, please visit their website and also the review on Menstrual Cup Info.
• Rating:  5 stars!  :D  I highly recommend this product.

Soli Deo Gloria!