Guys, you may want to move on to another post. You won’t have the stomach for this one.
Ladies, I’m a pads kinda girl. I have been and probably always will be, ever since Aunt Flow decided to make herself known in my life. But I do get curious about the many different products out there. Every now and then, I give tampons another try but me-no-likey – talk about a cotton ball being wedged up there. Ugh!
So when I heard that the DivaCup gives you all the benefits of tampons minus the cotton issues, why would I not test it out!
DivaCup Benefits
- Durability: No need to throw it out, just buy one and you’re set.
- Saves Time: You can wear it for up to 12 hours, no problem.
- Flexibility: Run, swim, walk, jump, it stays in there and moves with you.
- Safe to Sleep: As long as you remove it to clean it out before bed, you should be able to wear at bedtime too.
Some people love it, others not so much. My experience is the latter but here’s why:
The first time I inserted it, I felt that same discomfort as when I use a tampon. It’s just there, you know? Kinda dry and uncomfortable.
The day went alright, although every now and then I felt I had to readjust my standing or sitting position because I just didn’t feel comfortable. There was something lodged up there. At one point I felt so uncomfortable, I had to get it out! And here’s where it all begins. Sitting on the toilet, I began fiddling around up there trying to get a good grasp on the stem that’s supposed to help you squeeze the cup and pull it out.
But trying to get that stem between my fingers was a bit of a slippery slope plus I kept pinching myself…IN THERE!
At one point I thought about going to the hospital to get it out because I was losing all hope after 20 minutes. Eventually, I gave up on trying to avoid pinching myself and just squeeze it, whatever it took. I managed to squeeze the cup and pull – which is why I’m sure it somehow had suctioned itself in because every pull would result in it bouncing right back in.
With that experience, I contacted the company. They provided me with some pointers I did find helpful:
- Relaxing the muscles is key with insertion and removal as the vaginal muscles are what hold the cup in place. Tense muscles will make both insertion and removal uncomfortable.
- It must be inserted horizontally (toward the tailbone and not up like a tampon) and must rotate easily at least once in either direction to ensure that it is positioned properly.
- Difficulty with removal could be caused from the cup not opening fully upon insertion.
- Squeeze the cup gently, and angle it slightly sideways while moving it from side to side to release the seal as you remove it.
After this, I decided to try it again next month. I did notice it went in easier than last time but the coming out was still a struggle. I had inserted it horizontally as suggested but I was only able to wear it for half the day. Granted that my “area” is a little bit slanted so that could have affected my discomfort but I can’t be sure.
One other extra month and I gave up on it – it’s not you, it’s me I’m sure. The company recommends giving it a try for a few cycles so you can get a better idea of how it can best fit with your lifestyle and notice the savings I guess. Sadly for me, I won’t be using it again. The concept is great and I seriously wish I could wear it but life’s too short to spend it sitting on the toilet fiddling around (and pinching myself) up there.
I do have a few friends that swear by the DivaCup so if you’re comfortable with tampons, I think the DivaCup could really be a great investment. At less than $30, you’ve already saved 2-3 months’ worth of what you normally buy.
There are two options to choose from Model 1 and Model 2. Have a look at their website (http://www.divacup.com) to know the difference and make the best decision for yourself.
For now, I’ll stick with my trusty pads and possibly try out another environmentally-friendly product I’ve had my eyes on for a while.
Have you had any experience with the DivaCup – love it or hate it?
Mary in Vancity 