Blog Update!
For those of you not following me on Facebook, as of the Summer of 2019 I've moved to Central WA, to a tiny mountain town of less than 1,000 people.

I will be covering my exploits here in the Cascades, as I try to further reduce my impact on the environment. With the same attitude, just at a higher altitude!

Sunday, June 8, 2008

My cup runneth over

DivaCup Challenge 2008Menfolk: be forewarned. I'm about to discuss women's hockey here.

I think it's a little distressing that I remember to post about the DivaCup Challenge only when I'm using it. I know, TMI, but it's not like I even notice the darn thing when I am and mostly I just don't even think about my period anymore.

This is because I know that when it does arrive, it's such a non-event since I started using it, that I don't give more than a second's thought about it. In fact, I can't even remember from one month to the next when my last period was. It could have been two weeks ago or four weeks for all I know. Perhaps that's the senility kicking in.

Anyway, the point I'm getting at, is that for those of you out there who haven't tried it, it really is a life changing product. I wanted to get some feedback from those of you who are doing the challenge - what's been your impression so far? A couple of you have written to say that you were having problems with it either leaking (most likely it's sitting too high or is the wrong size) or being uncomfy (try trimming the tip).

So, now's your chance to air out your cup. Add to the comments your kudos or pleas for help. I guarantee one of us has a solution for you. For those of you still on the fence or who haven't heard about it, Lunapads is offering a special Crunchy Chicken reader discount. The promo code for $5 off orders over $25 is Crunchy08 and is valid until the end of the year.

DivaCup insideSome of you were complaining about the prices on sites like Lunapads and arguing that they really weren't offering a deal. I learned a little bit about the pricing from one of the owners of Lunapads:

DivaCup, the company, has for some time been trying to stop the "web bucket shops" (like South Coast Vitamin et al.) from underselling other retailers. The reason that these shops are able to buy at these prices is that they buy huge volumes when they’re on sale from distributors, and possibly even take a loss just to get the sale in hopes that the customer will then purchase other goods while on their site.

The gals at DivaCup have been working for years, literally, to make it stop, but since they are not making the sale directly, they don’t have much control. The price that the bucket shops sell the DivaCup at is less than Lunapads pays to get it from DivaCup, and they are contractually obligated not to put it on sale, so they can’t offer a discount that way.

Just some food for thought on buying from discount distributors. If the cost is really what's preventing you from trying a DivaCup, think of how much money you'll be saving on buying disposables over the lifetime of the cup. It ends up being cheaper!

66 comments:

Samantha said...

Can't say I'm a fan of the Diva Cup. I used it for a year before finally giving up on it. The stupid thing would just never pop open/unfold, despite me having the smallest size. I've decided that they need to make an extra-small one, perhaps then it would work for me.

Susanne said...

I have been using a mooncup which is similar for almost a year now and I love it. I have had some issues with leaking because it's always traveling higher and higher through the day but since I know this now I just pull it down occasionally, and nothing leaks anymore.

I especially love that when I travel or leave the house for a day I just take that one little things with me and nothing else.

Anonymous said...

I've been using the diva cup for several yars - probably close to 4 at this point. I love it. I do get small leaks at night on the first and second days, but I fill it to overflowing within a couple of hours while awake, so I'm not surprized at the overnight overfill. I've been trying to get my daughter (19) to try it - it'd save her so much money! but she's reluctant - she says it's gross.

BTW Samantha - I can't get it to open well either so I just push it in open and voila it works fine.

Anonymous said...

I've been using a Diva Cup for 3 or 4 years now and love it! I sometimes have slight leaks on heavy days, but nothing that a pantyliner can't handle.

Anonymous said...

I just started using the Diva Cup for my May period. It is so awesome! I only had one leak, and I think it was an insertion issue. I took it out and tried again and it was fine. I have a very heavy flow, and I had no other problems. It was great not worrying about washing pads or buying tampons. I talked about it so much, my sister bought one too...and initially she was totally freaked out by it. I will definitely keep using it! Thank you Crunchy Chicken for bringing such a product to my attention!

Anonymous said...

Did anyone move from sanitary napkins to the diva cup, or are most people tampon converts? I never really found tampons comfortable, and have been really discouraged trying the diva cup. At the moment, I've given up with it and am using Lunapads, but they aren't nearly as convenient as the cup would be.

Gach.

kt

Mrs. Spit said...

I love mine, wouldn't be without it. I've never had a problem with it. Bought it at London Drugs about 6 weeks after I had Gabriel.

Delora said...

I've been using one for about a year and a half and the only time it leaks is when it overflows (usually my forgetting to empty it in a timely manner). I do have problems with it not opening/unfolding properly when inserted, but I found that if you pull it out slightly and let some air in, that works and you can pop it back in. It seems to create a suction sometimes where it can't unfold.

to kt - I switched from tampons, so I think you'd probably find it uncomfortable at first. But really, after 2-3 cycles, I don't think you'd notice it.

Anonymous said...

I'm not a full time user yet. Mostly because I can never be sure I won't be itnerupted (by kids) when I'm trying to insert it. If it's in correctly, it is great!

Chile said...

Sigh, I've been using the Keeper and now the Diva Cup for over a decade and always have leaks. Not every time I insert it, but at least a few times each cycle. I've tried every trick in the book to prevent them but I'll "bleed out" at least once each time. I'm grateful to not work outside the home, because it'd be really embarrassing for this to happen at work.

As it is, I use pads as back-up and do a lot more laundry that week. And yes, I've tried both sizes. I think I must just be freaky up there. Whatever. I keep using it anyway.

Tami said...

I also use the diva cup. Have had mine for approximately 9 months --- just like CC, I rarely keep track of my periods now.... don't have to worry if I have enough tampons!! I have always worn tampons and was worried that the Diva cup wasn't going to be able to handle my heavy days, but its done beautifully each month.
I recommend the Diva cup to those close to me, but mostly am greeted with the "EWWWW, YUCK!" statement!
I love mine and will NEVER go back to tampons and pads!!

Anonymous said...

I also have problems with it not "popping" open. I was wondering if I needed to go to the smaller size, even though I am over 35 and have had children. Any other suggestions from more successful users?

Crunchy Chicken said...

For those of you who have problems with it popping open during insertion, pulling it out to let some air in helps.

But, you may have clogged fuel injectors. Basically, there are little pin holes near the lip of the cup. These can get clogged up pretty easily - they are there to aid in opening up.

So, try inserting a very skinny needle through these holes and see if that helps.

Green Bean said...

Theresa commented that she has saved at least $100 in the last year in feminine hygiene products because she's using the Diva Cup. She makes a great point! While it may be a bigger outlay initially with the Diva Cup or Lunapads, let's remember how much a damn box of Tampax costs every month. Plus, I'm with you Crunchy, I hardly notice my period any more now that I'm a Diva girl. I can go all day and never once even notice it.

Anonymous said...

I used a keeper for about years before my son was born last year and loved it. Never had problems, no leaks, never uncomfortable - nothing. Now I have tried a Diva Cup a few times and have some issues with comfort. I have trimmed the tip as much as possible. And I wondering a couple things...is it slipping down too low because my muscles were stretched so much by vaginal birth and over time with kegels practice it will get better again? Is the Diva Cup that much different than the Keeper an should I suck it up and buy another keeper? Am I not really big enough even after childbirth to require the larger size?

If anyone has any thoughts/opinions I would really appreciate it! I swore my my keeper and really dislike pads (although cloth are slightly better than plastic) and would loathe to go back to tampons or cloth pads full time. Thanks!!

Jen

Crunchy Chicken said...

Jen - What size are you using? Did you have kids before using the Keeper? It's probable that it's riding lower now that you have had a child and you may not be used to it?

At first I thought mine was a serious low-rider, but the suction keeps it in there and I just forgot about it. Kegels probably will help too!

Anonymous said...

kt--

I never liked tampons, though I tried them off and on for a few years; but the cup just seemed to make so much sense I decided to give it a try both for the environment and because it just sounded better than pads. The first month it freaked me out and I only used it the first two days for about 20 min. before I had to take it out. Even when I finally got it in right I *felt* it and couldn't stand it. I trimmed the end and very quickly got used to it. By the 3rd month, like everyone is raving, I would completely forget I was even on my period. I had got the hang of insertion and removal and didn't feel it at all. I'm a complete convert and haven't used a disposable backup product since that 3rd month a year ago. I did have to stick with it that first month and honestly it was difficult right at the beginning but it was so worth it.

sk

JessTrev said...

My experience is just like Chile's - I've been using one for, hmmm, about 6 years (a keeper) and although I need backup the first day or two (which is now some lunapads and lunapanties, thanks to your direction a while back) I really like it. Like Chile, I b'lieve if I had to work someplace other than my home I might have to consider other options.

MissAnna said...

Well first off, my fiance (who works at Intel) happened to see your "DivaCup Inside" pic and could only say "wow". So nice work, Crunchy :-)

Secondly, I've been using mine for about 6 months and I most certainly love it. The first 1-2 months the thing was more of a hassle than help as I wasn't very good at getting it in. At this point though, it's a snap. I'd say the important part for me is making sure I grab the base (not the little nub) and turn it a full circle. That helps it open up and prevents any leaks.

Now if I can just convince my friends it's actually better!

Theresa said...

I've been using the Diva Cup for just over a year now and ya, it's saved me quite a bit of cash!

I do have the occasional issue with it not popping open right away, but with practice I've gotten this down to a minimum. It also makes a difference just how much menstrual fluid is around at the time - it pops open way easier on medium and heavy flow days than on light days. My two heavy days are pretty heavy, so if those days fall on work days I still use tampons because I don't always have the luxury at work of easily accessible bathroom facilities right when I need them.

I only ever have a leakage problem from overfill. If I empty the cup frequently enough I don't have leakage, as long as I twirl it back and forth a couple times once it's in to make sure it has formed a complete seal. It probably took me about 6-9 months for me and my body and the Cup to get used to eachother's quirks, but I'm so glad I stuck with it despite some initial insertion problems.

Crunchy Chicken said...

missanna - yeah, I really want to sell t-shirts with that new, improved logo on it, but there is some silly issue with copyright infringement or something. Yeesh.

Anonymous said...

I always hated tampons. They just irritated my insides. I find my cup less irritating so far. I might still be a (cloth) pad girl at heart, but a cup is a good solution for those times when that's just not feasible.

If you think you need a smaller cup, try the Lunette or the Lady Cup. Both of them are much shorter than the Diva Cup, and the Lady Cup is said to be much squishier.

Anonymous said...

I joined the challenge, bought my Diva Cup and waited patiently for Aunt Flo. She must have sensed my excitement because she decided to skip her visit in May. Well, she arrived right as scheduled this month. Must say I love the Diva Cup. I was prepared for some issues on her maiden voyage, but alas no problems. A bit odd the first time I placed it (I may need to trim the stem, but am waiting for a few cycles just to make sure), but no leaks. I really did forget I had my period. I will be raving about it on my nest "girls" night. With a bit more practice I expect it to be as easy as or easier than tampons.

Shannon said...

LOVE LOVE LOVE my Diva Cup!!!! In order to get mine to open, since I cannot turn it???, I just pinch the base after insertion and it opens right up!

Ginny said...

I've been using it for about 6 months now & really love it. I switched from tampons. I originally was an ew gross person & to be honest won't even tell anyone {in person} I use it.

I can't get over the savings. I ended up buying mine on ebay for $19.50 + 5 shipping. There were some months that I had to scrounge around for change or raid my kids piggy banks to buy tampons, so this was a great investment. Talk about embarrassing when you have to use your Sears charge at Kmart for tampons, lol.

The first month I struggled with it. I bought the larger size & really though I needed the smaller size. Now I'm happy I stuck with it because I do get occasional leaks with it.

Luckily my guest bathroom has a sink right by the toilet, so it is very easy to use.

I do highly recommend it. If the diva cup isn't for you, there are other similar products.

Chile said...

Speaking of the Diva Cup holding more than a tampon would, I unfortunately had to buy tampons a few months ago. We were out of town and I unexpectedly started, and didn't have the cup with me. I bought "new, improved" tampons with some weird flow thingie that was supposed to prevent leaks. (Smallest box I could find, too.)

Well, it was some weird flare at the end that was useless. However, the thing I found interesting was that this new improved feature actually shortened the tampon by about 20%. This, of course, lessened the total absorbency. Which, obviously, means you have to change them more frequently.

Can you say, "higher profits"? Yeah, I thought you could. And ya'll wonder why I'm so cynical...

I will continue to use my Diva Cup no matter whether it works perfectly for me or not.

Anonymous said...

Crunchy, why does that thing scare the ap-cray outta me? I switched to some nice cloth pads that I bought on ETSY, and I love them. One day maybe I'll try....
Have a groovy day, peace....

Unknown said...

I've been using the Diva Cup for about nine months now. I agree with Crunchy that it's life-changing—especially during 100º+ heat-index weather as we've been having in Virginia this week. Before the Diva, I had been using GladRags, which are great...if it's not hot and muggy.

Jennifer said...

I'm a 5 year convert... I absolutely HATE it when I have a surprise period and have to temporarilly use a tampon or pad! I discovered it while planning my wedding... a woman on a wedding planning board was raving about them.

I, too, have trouble getting it to pop open... I find that sticking it in, then almost pulling it out gets it to pop open.. then just twist it up to where you want it.

Ellen said...

I use the Keeper, but same idea. I had leaking problems at the beginning before I learned about the "twist and tug" sealing thing. After it's inserted and you've "tightened your muscles" to make sure it's up there, you twist it about 30 degrees and tug. It creates suction and prevents leaking.
I agree that this is a LIFE CHANGING device. It rocks.
The learning curve for me was pretty steep. If I can figure it out, so can you. Trust me! ;-)

Corinne said...

I bought my Diva Cup this month and used it for the first time. I can't believe that no-one told me about this sooner. It is amazing. No leaks, no problems inserting, nothing. I always used tampons and hated the hassel of always making sure I had enough on me and the right size, but now, now I do not worry AT ALL. I do not feel it and I felt very secure wearing it. I was so happy not having that horrible dry feeling. Thank you Crunchy Chicken!!

Anonymous said...

I use the mooncup which is pretty much the same and I LOVE it! I went out to town and *surprise* and i only had a tampon. I had to use it but soon as i got home mooncup it was. Such a super wee thing! Ive only had one leak which I think was mal insertion on my part. I have recommended it to my sisters who shrieked at the idea and some friends think its interesting but aren't ready to make the big step...despite my offers to throw a mooncup party ;)

Thanks Crunchy!

Julie said...

I just "accomplished" my first month without any disposable products and I am thrilled! I use the keeper and have had problems with it leaking off and on, but the twist and tug trick that several people referenced really helped. I needed back-up pads for a couple of heavy days, but it wasn't a big deal. Previously I had been too afraid I would have issues at work, but it was fine! Much more comfortable and fewer cramps as well!

Crunchy Domestic Goddess said...

i just had my first period at 18 months postpartum and tried out my moon cup at the end of my period. it's going to take a little getting used to i think, but i'm going to try it a few months and hopefully it will grow on me (but not grow in me). ;)

question - how often do you all empty yours?

Crunchy Chicken said...

I empty mine at 7:30 am and 7:30 pm whether it needs it or not.

But, then again, I'm kind of like a New World monkey. In other words, I don't bleed much.

Wendy said...

I love my DivaCup. I switched from pads to the DivaCup about a year ago. There was a bit of a learning curve, and I do have some light spotting, but overall, it's definitely been a positive experience, and I'll keep using it.

I paid $36 for mine (at a local health food store), but I've saved twice that amount with not having to buy any commercial menstrual products.

And nothing to toss in the trash :)!

Momma C said...

I just started using a Diva last month, largely because of the information on your site. I really liked it. I was so excited to not have all the waste, that I had previously thought was unavoidable. I noticed a couple of things...
1. I wished I had put it in before my period started because I wasn't sure if it was bothering me or if it was cramps. I think I was just thinking about it too much, because I felt the same way with it out.
2. The only time I had "leaking" problems was when I was taking it out, that was fiddly at first.

Other than that I love it and can't wait to get used to wearing it and not thinking about it the whole time.....lol.

Wylde in Seattle said...

OK, I'm finally going to join the club. I just ordered from Luna and expect delivery before my next cycle. Also my first post after a year being a spectator. Hey D!

Renee. . . said...

I've used the "Keeper" cup (which I bought from LunaPads)since 2000. So, in 8 years, I have not bought a disposable pad or tampon. I've had two additional children since then (I'd already had one) and it still works as fabulously well as it did in the beginning. I love my cup! :)

Crunchy Chicken said...

Yo, C! How's it hanging?

Maggie said...

Oh, the personal nature of this! I love everything about the cup as far as how it works inside me. But, I guess I'm clumsy, but it isn't as neat as I would like when it's OUTSIDE me. I get drips on the toilet seat, my hands don't stay as clean as I'd like. It doesn't freak me out, but I wish I could keep it a bit neater. This wouldn't keep me from recommending me to everyone, though!

die Frau said...

As I wrote before, I love mine and do not plan on going back. I had a few minor leakages but that's due to me not putting it in right. Thanks for the tips on getting it to open, everyone, because sometimes I have a little trouble....

My husband is totally grossed out by the thought of it and calls it my "shot glass". I find this hysterical.

Anonymous said...

I converted after stumbling across the archived challenge from before... and I've become a solid proselytizer. As for changing it/cleaning it: there's nothing easier than taking it out and cleaning in my morning shower, and then again a quick dump-n-rinse in the sink in the evening. It's hard for me to find the words to explain how much less... messy it feels now that I've been doing the Divadance for several months. Somehow tampons and pads always *seemed* cleaner than the idea of a cup but holy moly, the cup really *is* cleaner!

Good luck, girls!

Miss Sub said...

I'm uh, still working on getting it in there without premature pop opens and loud swears. but i promised i'd try it and I am...

Anonymous said...

I have been using my Diva for over a year now and it, too, has totally changed the way I feel about getting my period. One thing I love is that when I'm expecting my period (like this weekend) I can put it in even BEFORE my period starts ('cuz I can't pin it down to the exact day or time). Especially nice when you are on vacation at a friend's house, like we were this weekend.

I agree with those who recommend you give it a twist to let it pop open. You can also try doing a deep knee bend/squat.

I've only ever had it leak once when I first got it due to improper insertion. Now if it leaks it's because it is full and I didn't empty it in time. On day one of my period I need to empty it after about 6 - 8 hours, but after that I just do it in the morning and at night.

Love, love, love my DIVA!!

Anonymous said...

I gave up my cup after my pregnancy, I just couldn't get it to work right anymore, stuff was all moved around inside of me. So I got a bigger size, Diva Cup instead of Keeper...and it's too big, it hurts to take it in and out. Plus I can't get hold of the darn thing because the tail is so short.

But I dug out my old Keeper and I'm gonna wear it tomorrow. With a (cloth) pad backup just in case.

I have a *lot* of cloth pads, because I bled constantly the first 12 weeks of my pregnancy. Lots and lots of pads.

(There, if any guys were reading this they just stopped.)

Anonymous said...

I bought mine for your Challenge, but it didn't arrive in time to use it in May. I'm on my second day of using it now. I'm having mixed results but I'm sure I'll get it figured out -- I'm having leaks (NOT from filling up) and I don't think it's popping open, even though it's more or less comfortable once inserted (I haven't felt the need to trim the stem -- maybe that means it's up too high?). I'm entirely unable to make it turn/twist though -- I'll have to try the "pull it out a bit to pop and then push back in" method. I'll definitely use a needle to clear out those air holes. I'm also trying various "folds" to see if one works better for me. I might eventually decide I have the wrong size or even would prefer a different brand that is shorter. It might take me a while to figure it out, because inserting it and taking it out several times in short order makes me sore enough that I then need a day or so break from it before trying again. But try again I will. For now I just wear pads with it, until I know it's working and won't leak. Fortunately I'm a new world monkey too (how the h%&^ does that mean "don't bleed much"??). Anyway, thanks, Crunchy, for the inspiration!

Lee said...

Same as Die Frau - I get drips on the seat, no matter how hard I try.

Probably doesn't help that I'm always listening out for battle cries between a 1 year old and a 3 year old while I'm in the loo trying to do clean up!

*sigh*

Now all we need is for some smart cookie to redesign the standard toilet seat to be easier to clean for cup chicks :-)

As an aside, I find the easiest way to use my Diva at work and on the road is carrying a spare water bottle and a plastic (sorry FPF!) cup in with me in my bag. I pour water in the cup, dunk the Diva, sploosh her around, then dry her off with with paper. Much easier. Then when I wash my hands I rinse out my cup.

No-one pays the slightest bit of attention to me refilling what they think is my drinking water bottle and rinsing out a 'drinking' cup.

(I keep this cup and bottle separate from my drinking water bottle of course).

The only comment I have ever had was from a friend who wondered why I had two water bottles in my bag. I told her about the Diva, and now she has one too :-)

Anyone have a better method for cleaning their Diva 'on the road'?

Anonymous said...

Alright, I'll try again. I have had the Dvia Cup for two cycle now, and both times have given up because of leakage. It seems to ride up an awful lot, to the point that I really have to reach up in there to grab it. I'll the twist-n-tug method next time, if I can. I've been trying to make sure I can twist it, like it says in the included directions, but I can't really be sure that it is.

Debby Brown said...

I am a New Yorker but must not be a monkey. I always do a lot of extra laundry that week. I tried the diva cup at your suggestion about a year ago, hoping that it wouldn't be too much worse than what I was currently experiencing. I do have to use cloth pads as a backup, but no more extra laundry. This product is good for the environment on two fronts -- no waste and lower energy/water usage.

An extra note.... I had a very long flight yesterday on one of my really heavy days. Instead of experiencing the joy of airplane bathrooms 3-4 times as I would with tampons, once did the job quite nicely.

I cannot say enough how much I love this product. It truly has changed my life.

Michelle said...

Thanks for the tip about having clogged fuel injectors! When I first used the Diva Cup, it worked like a charm. But then I started having leaking problems and didn't know what to do - I thought maybe I was overstepping my bounds by using the Diva Cup made for 20-something year olds after I had turned 30!

:0)
M

Debbie said...

Hey..new here :) Came through Lake Loop through Green Bean! I'm too old for the Diva Cup, but intend to check it out anyway.

I'm coming back to read more posts later. I've put myself on a strict blog reading schedule LOL, but love your site already!

Anonymous said...

i tried the diva cup with great excitement, but sadly found it doesn't suit me; it led to spasms of my pelvic floor (blinding white pain from... let's just say stem to stern) as all the musculature from tailbone to pubic bone locked up. not fun! i have the complicating factor of endometriosis. another friend who had the same issue with the cup does not have endo. most folks love it, i hear, but not this body! lunapads for me.

Glenda said...

I've been using a Diva Cup for most of this year, after coming across a post here about it. For me, there are pros and cons, and the pros continue to outweigh the cons. The biggest con is that my cup slides too far *down* (I'm using the larger size) -- I never think about doing kegels other than when I have the cup in! However, after reading the comments, I'm wondering if maybe I'm not creating a tight enough seal when I insert it, so next cycle I will try the "turn and tug" someone mentioned and see if that helps with keeping it in place better.

I mark on my calendar each month the day my period starts, then the next month I put in my diva cup fairly near to when I expect to start (cuz I almost always start while I'm asleep!). Worked out great this last cycle cuz I started while over at my mom's swimming for the afternoon -- didn't notice until I took out the cup that night to check.

There are times I think a tampon would be easier, but then I think about how nice it is to not be putting tampons in the trash and I wash out that cup and keep on keepin' on. (Hot climate + pads = yeast infection, so tampons or the diva cup are my options.)

Anonymous said...

I have been using my DC since the new year, and I will NEVER go back. Yeah, it was gross at first, and I felt like I was suctioning out my uterus the first few times...but...I really like how in-tune it makes you with your bodily flow. Take that Tampax and Always- my period isn't as embarrassing and shameful as you attempt to make young girls think it is!

There really is a learning curve for it (for comfort, at least in my experience. I hear there is a learning curve in the method of inserting it too, but I never had trouble getting it in correctly). I have never had a leak, but I am a New Age monkey too, Crunchy.

I empty mine 2x a day. And I swear it has made my periods shorter by a day or two.

I don't know if anyone has uncomfort when removing, but here is a tip... Instead of grabbing the tip and puling straight out, reach up further, grab the base of the cup and squeeze the cup into a U as you pull out. It is a little messier, but much more comfortable than what I call the "umbrella" method. When I first got mine, I just pulled it clean out, and I swore that I lost some of my interior female anatomy in the process.



The only issue I have with the cup is not a bad one. Even though it makes my periods shorter, it makes it linger much more than it did before. I feel like I have three good days of useage, and then after that the cup barely catches anything. However, I still have to wear a pantyliner (which I hate!).

Do any of you Lo Flo's actually leave it in for, say, 24 hrs near the end of your period to catch that little extra bit hanging around? I don't know whether this would be sanitary enough. I just hate having to use disposable panty liners, and reusable ones aren't an option with my live-in boyfriend:(

Anonymous said...

Do any of you "cup" users also have an IUD? I'm still trying to use up my Sam's club packages of tampons and liners (almost there!)so I didn't make it in time for this challenge. The only thing I'm a little nervous about is accidently yanking my IUD out. (Ouch!!) I'd appreciate any feedback from IUD having cup wearers. Thanks! P.S. Crunchy, you rock! :)

Wendy said...

Christine F. I have an IUD, and I've used the DivaCup for about a year now with no problems. Actually, it never occurred to me that there might be an issue with it, as my "strings" sit pretty far up there, and the DivaCup ... not so much :).

Anyway, no problems.

Anonymous said...

I'm glad I read through all the comments. I have been using the cup since CC's challenge last year. I love the whole idea of it so I am sticking with it, but I get irritation from the end, and even trimmed the tip. I do kegels as soon as I put it in to help hold it up there. I've had two kids and am using size 2. I'll try the twist and pull method this next time. I love Daharjas method of washing hers in a cup of water while on the go. Thanks for having this discussion crunchy. I'm glad you were able to pull yourself out of retirement. Cindy in FL

Anonymous said...

I thought this post was about hockey.

Okay, so all you womenses who barely notice your periods anymore because of the Diva Cup, all I can say is count your blessings. Before my hysterectomy, not noticing my period would have been like not noticing that someone had shoved a fireplace poker up one end, tried to turn over the flaming log that had somehow gotten stuck up there, while working the bellows up the other end. Holy Adenomyosis, Batman!

(Just adding another cheerful perspective.)

Beth

Allie said...

I want to love the Diva Cup so badly, (I've given it a try SO many times) but I have issues with severe cramping and I feel like the Diva Cup makes it markedly worse. I thought maybe I got one that was too big, and e-mailed the company. The reply was that since I'm over 30, that's the right size for me even though I haven't had a kid. I wasn't totally sure that made sense. I'm thinking of trying some of the other brands to see if a slightly different size or shape will work for me. In the meantime, I use organic cotton tampons. Not the best option, but a better one than conventional tampons. If I weren't already so miserable during my period, I'd just suck it up, but I already feel like at least three days a month are spent rolling around on the floor and whining.

Chile said...

Allie, try warming the Diva Cup (or Keeper) if you get it with hot water before inserting it. It may help with the cramps.

Tara W. said...

I purchased it with high hopes but haven't enjoyed it. I think I have a tilted cervix and I just couldn't get comfy with it. I never had much issue with tampons, although I prefer not to use them and rarely do.

I do however, LOVE my cloth pads and am happy with those.

mudnessa said...

I have used it for two months, third one coming up, and I LOVE IT. It took me awhile to finally decide to get a cup but I am mad at anyone I have known who used one of these and didn't tell me before. I do have some cervix issues on day one and two, the cup and my cervix just constantly argue, well mainly when I'm all fatigued and all I want to do is slouch on the couch, if I get up and out it's fine but either way it's so much better than tampons and I have never liked pads.

mudnessa said...

I should have included this before but I found a great community on LiveJournal to help with use of a menstrual cups. It's called Menstrual Cups and they cover EVERYTHING associated with cups and what not. Very Very friendly and helpful, anyone with problems should check it out.

Cindy said...

I love the Diva Cup. I have used it for over a year and it is so comfortable. I would highly recommend it and it is economically friendly!

eb said...

I've been using Diva Cup for years.

Periods are ridiculous. This makes it tolerable.

Def. twist to make it pop. Thanks for bringing this to light for more women.