The DivaCup

I know it sounds gross, but it really isn't. It's a bit of a pain the first month when you get used to putting it in (tip: Don't worry about being able to "turn" it, just stick your finger in and make sure it's popped open), but after that it's golden. 12 hours without changing your tampon? Good for the planet? Good for your body? Just make sure you boil it after each month - it helps keep it from staining as much (my only real disappointment with the product), and also keeps it as clean as possible to prevent any irritation. Also, skip the expensive diva wash, and wash it with something like spectro gel instead.

This product is a Game Changer, girls. I can't believe I allowed my squeamishness to delay trying it out!

Ok, it's true: it's a little tricky to use and it can be difficult for those times when you're in a public bathroom. You need to be comfortable with your body, because just like the first time you tried to use a tampon you know that nervousness makes you clench up inside and makes it really hard to insert properly.

There is a learning curve. The first 2 cycles or so I wore a panty liner because if it's not "just right" there will be a little leakage (but then, I always had to wear a liner with tampons as I never did find one that was completely fool proof). You do need to give it some time before you decide if it's for you or not. You may need to experiment with different ways to insert (instructions are in the package) and depending on how you're shaped "down there", you may have to angle it up, down, or to the side a little. Same as when you're using a tampon.

TMI alert...

I have a really heavy cycle, so I have to empty once in morning and once in the evening. Sometimes I empty it right before leaving the house, just to make sure I won't have to change it in a public bathroom. Either way, you should be good for at least 6-8 hours.

You may find it pops out some when you're going #2. Just wiggle it back in and you're set. No need to take it out all the way and reinsert unless it comes out really far (in which case, you probably didn't put it in deep enough in the first place). If you're in a public setting (public bathroom, friend's house), I suggest you carry a travel pack of Wet Ones wipes or whatever to make sure your hands are clean (a) while adjusting the Cup, and (b) for coming out of the stall (!)

Follow the package instructions for insertion to the letter. One in particular - you must rotate the cup before it's all the way in or it won't pop open properly. I learned that the hard way! Also, resist the urge to push it in as deep as you'd wear a tampon. It makes removal really difficult.

Sex on the Cup? Not gonna happen. But I'm not generally in the mood during my Time Of The Month anyway.

Re: sterilization - I think this is an insurance liability dodger for Diva Cup. I know several women who use the Cup and only occasionally sterilize it. Using a fragrance-free clean rinsing soap (like Ivory) or the Diva Wash you can buy will get your Cup quite clean. I'm sure there are many out there who would insist on sterilizing every time, so please don't just take my word for it. Not sterilizing every time will also prolong the life of your Cup substantially (but don't NOT sterilize just to save the money on a new Cup). This is like sterilizing a baby bottle nipple or pacifier - the more you boil it, the shorter the lifespan. Also, if you have hard water you may want to use distilled (can buy it at the store) so there won't be mineral build up on your Cup.

The bottom line? NOW I have a happy period! I still keep pads and tampons in the house for those times when I don't want to wear it (ie. if I'm concerned about changing in public), but otherwise I think I'm converted for life. You can find it cheaper online or sometimes women's health clinics have them stocked. Organic grocery stores is also a good place to look.

Try it! I love it!

I read a review of the Diva Cup on here a while back, and while initially I thought it sounded like a medieval torture device and was SO scared, but my curiosity got the better of me and I decided to go to their website and check it out. The website was FANTASTIC. It answers every question you could have and it was SO informative. You can read it here:

www.divacup.com

(BEST) Pros (because there are SO many):

* less waste – WAY better for the environment
* smaller risk of toxic shock syndrome
* you can SLEEP in it!!! NO LEAKS!!!
* you only have to change it twice in a 24 hour period

Cons:

* takes a little while to get used to
* sounds REALLY gross

So intrigued, I told a friend about the Diva Cup and she thought it was the most revolting thing she had ever heard. But (sorry for the intimate details, but this topic kinda callsl for it) my periods had been really uncomfortable lately. I use tampons, and have been getting really itchy “down there” during my period and found out that it is likely because tampons are cotton and designed to ABSORB. And when they say absorb they mean EVERYTHING. This means, not only your menstrual fluid, but also the secretions your body naturally makes to clean you out down there. This is bad bad bad. You need these fluids, and in my case, my body had begun to protest my using tampons (using scented products can also cause this kind of reaction, so I would like to note that I was using unscented and was still uncomfortable). I decided to stop being squeamish and just give it a try. I wasn’t going to review it (out of embarrassment over my friends reaction) but SCREW IT … I LOVE THIS THING and I would love for you ladies to benefit from my experience, so here is my review:

It costs about 40 bucks, which may seem like a lot, but a box of 36 tampons is like 12 bucks or something. Add the occasional pad and/or pantyliners, multiply it by 12 months, and the Diva Cup ends up saving you a bundle!

You have to use a wash called the Diva Wash with the cup. The wash is purchased separately, but you don’t need to buy it. You could also use a mild non scented soap. The wash is designed to be gentle to preserve the silicone. You need to wash your hands with this wash before you insert/take out the cup. You also need to wash the cup every time you empty it and put it back in.

My FAVOURITE part is that you only have to change it twice in a 24 hour period. (Of course this could change depending on the person but for it was once every 12 hours!!!) This means, once when you wake up, once when you get home (or go to bed) and you’re good to go. No more remembering how long it has been since you put in your last tampon. OH MY GOD I can’t tell you how happy that makes me. Also, this means you can sleep in it! Another HUGE plus!

It IS a bit uncomfortable at first, but once you get used to it, it’s just as comfortable as tampons. Also, it is a little tricky to put it in/get it out at first, but you get used to it. The package comes with very detailed instructions, and if you follow them, you will be just fine. I got it in properly my first try without too much difficulty. I found that taking it out was a bit trickier, because your instinct is to want to take it out quickly, but you have to be a little careful because you don’t want it spilling everywhere (This sounds gross I know, but honestly, this is your own body we’re talking about here. You should be 100% comfortable with it!)

Two minor things I was slightly unhappy about:

1) You have to replace the diva cup once a year. I thought I was making a lifetime investment, but perhaps that was a little naïve of me.

2) After every period, you have to boil it to sterilize it for 20 minutes. I don’t know about you, but the thought of putting that into a pot that I cook in seems too disgusting for words. I simply bought a new small pot, and will only use it for that one purpose.

Overall I think this is a great idea (granted a little unorthodox) but once you try it, I can pretty much guarantee you will be happy. If you are interested I would highly recommend visiting the website and reading it. That coupled with the amazing reviews on chickadvisor pretty much made it to brainer for me.

This product is very compicated to first time users and may be uncomfortable as well.It can't be sanitary..can you imagine...you are in a public bathroom,you have to clean the cup...how on earth do you clean in a public bathroom and you can't very well clean it in the sink....very very unsanitary and not effective for what it is.

Where do I even begin. This product is simply amazing. I had been looking for alternatives to the usual tampons (which have pesticides in them!) and pads and almost went the organic cotton route when I found The Diva Cup.

Without getting too graphic, personal, or gross, this product is simply amazing. Flabbergastingly amazing. If you've used tampons without applicators, this really isn't any different in how 'close' you get with 'yourself'. I have to say this: you can pee with it in! Seriously, it is fantastic!

Easy to clean (I bought the Dive Wash, which is ph balanced and has no odor and lasts a really long time!) and comes with a carrying/storage pouch. Take your time, read the instructions and try it. It is 110% worth it. According to the instructions, you NEVER have to replace it. So calculate on average, how much you spend a month on what you currently use, multiply that by 12 months. Subtract the cost of the Diva Cup and that is how much you could be saving a year. New shoes anyone? Save up for a trip you've been wanting to take?

I can honestly say that I will NEVER go back to the environmentally and economically unfriendly tampons and pads. I recommend this product to every woman I know!

I don't even know where to start with how AMAZING the Diva Cup is. Seriously. But I'll try:

-It's healthy! No risk of Toxic Shock Syndrome.
-It's handy! You never have to carry around tampons or worry about running out.
-It's environmentally friendly!!

Once you try it, you'll never go back. (But if you hate it for some reason, Diva Cup offers a 12 month money back return policy!!!!!!! Just a tip: give it more than one or two periods as it can take awhile to "figure out," but once you do you'll love it, I promise.)

I have used The DivaCup for the last two periods and absolutely love it!! It's easy to clean and store (it even comes with a cute little cloth pouch to use when not in use - be sure not to store it in plastic). It's environmentally friendly, lasts for a really long time, and your toilet will never plug up from tampons. You may be grossed out at first by the idea of it, but it's totally worth it. Also, it will feel a little uncomfortable the first few times (and maybe even the first time with each period) that you use it, but after a while you won't really feel it anymore. One thing, it says to use size 2 if you've had a baby (vaginally or by cesarian) or are over 30. But, if you are over 30, haven't had a baby and are a virgin, you'll probably need size 1. This is a great investment and well worth it! No more carrying a bunch of tampons around on a trip, in your car, in your purse... GO BUY A DIVACUP!!!!

Why do I love my Diva cup? Let me count the ways. I love that I don't have to change it as often as super absorbent tampons. It's cleaner, better for the environment, saves me money, its more convenient for my lifestyle, I can rely on it more so then tampons. Sure it certainly does take some getting used to. For the first few months, it was easiest to insert in the shower with the help of some water for moisture. Practicing different folds also helped. I can put it in before work, and take it out at the end of the day. It's that reliable for me. Love it. Need it.

The Diva Cup is a great alternative if you're looking to waste less, spend less, and get away from the potentially harmful bleaches used in most other femanine products. The cup offers about as much protection as a super absorbancy tampon and is made of sturdy, sanitary silicone. It can be used at all times during your period, regardless of flow. Unlike tampons, the risk of contracting Toxic Shock Syndrome is greatly reduced, as your flow is stored in the cup, not trapped in your body. It is very easy to clean and it can be used for years. I should warn that this is not for the faint of heart. my first month with the diva cup was rather gory and frustrating. By the end of day two I had figured it out, and now I love it! I have experienced very few leaks and I haven't spent a dime on protection since. * If you do try out the cup, make sure you check the size to get the cup that's right for you.