To Diva Cup or Not to Diva cup..TMI...

When I did some research a few years ago, the reviews I saw said the Luna cup was more comfortable than the Diva cup (same concept, different brand). I didn't compare them myself though.

In general, using a cup is so much better, IMO. I did always still wear a panty liner in case of leaks, but they were rare and small - sometimes a few drops right after I emptied it (I say 'did' because I have mirena now and don't get periods. It was before I got my mirena that I used it.)

As for a public restroom - just dump in the toilet and wipe out with some TP. I cannot imagine doing what Riley J's friend does and taking it to the sink. EWWW. And totally unnecessary.

For soap, any sensitive unscented soap.

I've used my Diva Cup for about 4 years now. I'm on my second one. I LOVE it. They have a larger size for women who have had kids, but regardless, I suggest that you look into Kegal exercises to strengthen your pelvic floor muscles.

It will ABSOLUTELY stay in. There's a combination of the shape of the cup and some gentle suction going on, so it doesn't go anywhere. My uterus is tilted too, and I have no problems.

As for changing it, I just dump it in the toilet and wipe it out with a bit of TP. It's not bad at all, because once you have gotten the hang of inserting it properly, you won't have a bunch of blood to handle. It's all on the inside of the cup. Dump it in the toilet (don't drop it!), wipe it out, reinsert, wipe off your fingers and then go wash your hands at the sink. Too easy.

I don't use soap on it at all. As a matter of fact, the package insert says not to. I wash it with hot water every day during my cycle (whenever I have a sink available to wash it). At the end of my cycle, I boil a kettle of water and let it set in the boiling hot water for 10 minutes or so. I've never had a problem with it at all.

ETA: Veruca, love ya lady, but there is no more "ew factor" to this than there is putting a cotton plug inside yourself to soak up blood. Honestly, I find the Diva to be FAR less "ick" than tampons or pad...and no gross trashcan full of bloody feminine products to worry about.

I save about $200 a year by using my Diva cup. Even if it were kinda "ew," I'd get over it for that kind of savings.

I love my cup, but for me the Diva was too long so I got the Lunette and I turn it inside out to make it a little shorter. Its stays in great, and I also have had a couple of kids. You can wear it for 12 hours without changing it, but if you have a heavier flow and you must empty it in a public bathroom you can simply dump the blood in the toliet and wipe it out with a little TP, or better yet, those disposable flushable wipes (you can get then in single packs like moist towelettes). I like to use Dr. Bronners unscented castile soap, but any unseated soap is fine depending on if it causes you any irritation. You also don't have to use soap every time, many people use just plain hot water on some changes and just use soap once a day or so. Since switching to a cup I not only save money, but I have less cramping and my period is 2-3 days shorter then it used to be.

One poster was talking about the stem sticking out and being able to feel the cup, if that happens you can start by cutting off the stem, it is not needed for removal. If you can still feel it then turn it inside out. Also, pay attention to length, I could not use the Diva because I could feel it even with it turned inside out, but the Lunette, being shorter, feels just like a tampon, I can't feel it at all.

I have had mine for 7 years now. I always just wash it when I shower with regular soap. I love it because you can run, swim, exercise, etc and it is like you do not have your period. Also love it because if you forget about it there is no risk of TSS with it. All around a good investment.

I say give it a try, especially if you are having issues with tampons, etc. I have a Luna cup, which at the time I bought it was the largest cup volume available. When I was having huge hormone issues and heavy blood flow, I was changing mine upwards of seven times a day. Can you imangine the amount of tampons I would have gone through?

As for the logistics: Does it seal every time? No. Just as you can leak with a tampon, the cup can leak for various reasons. On heavy flow nights I often wore a pad for back up protection.

As for a public bathroom, two options come to mind. First, many places have family restrooms now that have the sink next to the toilet. Perfect if you need to empty the cup. However, when I am in a public restoom and can't make it home to empty the cup, the public restroom has not been a big problem. You dump it in the toilet, give it a thorough wiping inside and out and reinsert the cup. I have been using these type cups for more than 10 years and I have NEVER taken it out of the stall over to the sink in front of people. Good lord, I can't imagine. It just isn't necessary to do that unless you want to freak everyone out. Is it ideal to have to use only toilet paper? No, but you make do. You'll find that good planning will usually keep you from needing to change it when out of the house, but not always.

So, big vote yes from me. PM me if you have any questions!

I love the idea, but I can't get past the ew factor to try it.
-_-

They come in different sizes, and I just washed mine with hot water.

I would recommend trying it! I couldn't tell you if it would definitely stay in, but I have zero problems with mine. It fits snugly and has a bit of suction too. You only need to change it every 12 hours, so I have never had to do it in a public bathroom. That would be difficult. You would need access to a sink to rinse it clean. Generally you dump the bulk of the mess into the toilet and then rinse/soap it clean. No special soap needed.

It's only about $35. But it does take a bit of time to get used to, so don't give up after the first or fifth try. It really needs time to break in and for you to figure out the best insertion method and placement for you personally. Good luck!

I think someone at work used one. She would wet a few paper towels and take a few dry ones. I am pretty sure that was the case.

I've been using my Diva Cup forever, maybe 8 years or so now. I love it! I use it just like ChristyLee suggested.

I have tried it and just can't get it comfortable or to stay in especially if it's filled but try it. You never know!