I've been meaning to write a review on the Instead Cup. It's the same idea as the Diva Cup, except Instead aren't meant to be reused, though I think you could very easily and safely do so.

I've used the Instead Cup for 3 periods. It takes a few tries to get it right and comfortable. But when you do, you know it.

Yes, you have to get intimate w/ yourself, but come on. Is that really a problem? If a woman doesn't know her body, its time she learned. I'm not even talking about masturbation, here. Its generally important to know how your body works and understand the female anatomy. So your finger gets messy. That's what a sink and some soap and water are for.

Putting the cup in is pretty easy. I usually sit on the toilet and proceed just as though I was inserting a tampon (sans applicator). The seated position helps you properly place the cup against the back of the vagina and get is nestled up behind the pubic bone. Trust me, it sounds more difficult than it really is. There really is no other place for the cup to go. My first few times I didn't get it up behind the pubic bone well enough. When this happens, your body sort of pushes it out.

Pulling the cup out is a bit more difficult. I take it out while in the shower so that if I do spill it just washes away. While in the shower I can also rinse off and clean the cup. Taking the cup out can be tricky your first few times. I take my middle finger (longest) and wrap it up and over the rim of the cup to pull it out. Your body kind of "suctions" the cup in there, so it takes some good pulling to get it out. My first attempt I hadn't yet learned the middle finger up and over the rim technique so I was totally panicking! I was like "Am I going to have to go the ER to get this thing out!?" But I just calmed down, was patient, and tried again.

Now onto leaking. Excuse me if this is too much information, but I figure if you guys are interested, you should know. Quit reading now if you're worried. I have no leaks when I use the cup except for when I'm peeing or pooping. What happens is when you "bear down" and push to expel waste, it causes the rim of the cup behind the pubic bone to release a little bit. So in a sense, a little bit of the trapped fluid is spilling/escaping.

We have yet to try sex while I'm wearing the cup. I'm curious but a bit hesitant. So I have yet to report on that aspect. But personally, being able to have sex while on the rag, clean sex, is a super PLUS!

Now that I'm proficient at using the cup, I never use tampons or pads (an occasional panty liner). The cups are just waaaay too convenient not to use. Even though Instead is not renewable, you still generate far less waste than if you use tampons and pads. Each cup can last up to 12 hours. There is no odor w/ Instead as your menstrual flow is kept inside you, away from contact w/ the air. Lastly, there is little concern for TSS since the cup is a reservoir for your flow, rather than absorbing your flow.

THUMBS UP!