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Ordered mine just now. I've never used one before, but all the reviews here make it sound pretty good. I currently use the Instead soft cups, but they really seem to big for me at times. Hopefully because this sits differently it will work a little better.
By the way, I bought mine at luckyvitamin.com for $20 if anyone else is looking into it.
Thanks nafula I just went and ordered one too.
Hi all!
I'm now happily part of a trial study for the Diva Cup (they're comparing it to tampons) and I was glad I got to be in the "Diva" group. I logged my tampon/pads use for one month and now I have to log my Diva use for three months.
I know that I have a retroverted uterus and a short vagina from being probed a lot down there when I had my ovarian cysts. I have used tampons all my life without problem. It was okay to insert it but I can't seem to push the thing far enough. It's poking me a bit from the inside and I can definitely feel it when I'm walking. I just rode 1 km on my hybrid this morning to get to work and it wasn't great, although it wasn't painful. I've cut the stem a tiny bit, without much improvement.
I've gone through much of the thread so I'll keep trying (in any case I have to). I am assuming that I should get to the point when I don't feel it at all. We'll see. I'll try the other way to fold it that someone illustrated...
I'm also interested in the Moon Cup though, since it's supposed to be smaller, but dunno where to find it in Canada (or the US, if I can order online). Any suggestions?
:eek:
can't get it up there at all - far too big-- it feels like there is a bit rubber cup stuck in my wotsit-- which of course there is!! and super-painful to extract... exerts a whopping suction - ouch!!
tampons for riding much better if i tuck the string in a bit. perhaps it's 'cos i have not had kids and am 52 kilos (115lbs).
the diva cup is in the trash...
bat
Have you tried breaking the suction (by pinching the sides) before pulling out the cup?Quote:
Originally Posted by batsheva
hello all. Well many moons (aagh bad pun) ago I got a mooncup too from reading about it here. I have to say it is not comfortable to put in OR remove. Placement I have found requires additional lubrication. Removal, due to the incredible suction, requires a few stressful moments in my shower. It does feel too large for me but I ordered per the charts (age, in this case). Perhaps I should just order the smaller one. Like bat I am small and no kids.
I didn't give up on it tho. Once in place, it is far better than the tampon or pad combo. With the MC I can put on a liner and be good for most the day. I am even comfortable enough to exercise which I never felt good about before. So, all in all it is a positive. But I do wish it were easier to situate.
I used the Diva cup on my summer tour and will never go back to tampons or pads ever again! Only once did I have trouble removing it b/c I put it in too far, but it still came out. I also find that it's totally not needed for me to fully rotate it once inside me. Just wanted to add my two cents!
I'm also 115 lbs with no kids. The first period using the diva, I found the cup somewhat cumbersome and difficult, but after cutting off the long stem and using the cup a few times, I wouldn't go back to tampons. One more happy customer.:D
I have to say I absolutely love my diva cup. I've been using it for about 4 years. The first 6 months or so had a learning curve for me. I would occasionally have leaks, but I often did with other methods, too. I have found that on really heavy flow days, I have to empty it 2 or 3 times a day, and actually I get a slight cramping feeling when my cup is near maximum capacity. I don't know how that is, but it is consistent.
Given the conversations about diaphragms, I will say I also use one of them for birth control. Yes, they actually still make those things. And I really like it. I don't think I EVER would have considered it if I hadn't gotten comfortable with my diva cup first, but I've used the diaphragm for about 3 years or so. I'm firmly against hormones and it works for me.
I'm built about the same way with a retroverted uterus and a fairly short canal. The best comfort level I was able to get was by lopping the entire tail off of the Diva. And I could still always feel it in there, it wasn't always uncomfortable but it was there. Kinda like a big hard turd.Quote:
Originally Posted by Grog
I used it for about two years (hey, it's still better than tampons!) but when I heard about Mooncups I decided to try one out. I bought one online from their website: http://www.mooncup.co.uk The Mooncup is much more comfortable for me as it is shorter. Sometimes when my cervix gets really really low (I always think that my uterus is attempting to flee my body at this point) I can feel the base of the cup nearing the outside but generally I don't feel it at all when it's in there. I also chopped the entire tail off of the Mooncup, too.
Hey, batsheva, it sounds like you've got two issues going on. First, your cup sounds too big. Second, you probably aren't breaking the suction before trying to remove it. If you decide that it's a lost cause, don't throw it away. Diva has a satisfaction guarantee, I can't remember exactly but I believe it's up to one year from the date of purchase?
Also, bear in mind that body height and weight are not exactly correlated to genital sizes in men or women. I've seen quite big and tall women who have petite hoohas and need a small cup, and some small and trim women who have larger anatomy. Your mileage may vary.
Wow, what a great description of my symptoms!!!Quote:
Originally Posted by Dianyla
I have thrown the towel for today. I am positive that I am pushing it far enough, plus it "spins" (well, sort of) very nicely in there, but it's poking me hard. No leaks though.
This morning I was really getting annoyed (and irritated) so I pulled it out and put an Instead cup in. I don't feel it at all, nothing poking out, and it's not leaking either. Too bad it's disposable.
I've ordered a mooncup and we'll see what happens, but I'll still give a few trys to the Diva cup this month and the next two, since I'm part of that clinical study...
OK, so I am getting a diva cup tomorrow and hoping to figure it out before I do the MS150 ride in Florida in 2 weeks.
Sorry if this is TMI, but I am in a bad way with cramps and heavy bleeding off and on for most of 2 weeks now, after not having a period since December. Yes, I've talked to the doc and yes, I've had all the requisite tests (endometrial biopsy--YOUCH!!!--blood work, etc., etc.). And I'm taking my vitamins and slow-release iron.
I was hoping to do the full 150--75 on that Saturday on my bike, 75 on Sunday with my sweetie on the tandem--but I guess I will just have to let Mother Nature fill me in on what's possible at the time.
I guess I'm just discouraged. I've ridden well all summer, including LOTS of climbing on a weeklong trip in Vermont, and now I've not felt like riding for 2 weeks.:(
OK, I will get off the pity pot and see if anybody has any suggestions or encouragement. I'm 51 years young, been riding 2.5 years, put 2,500 miles on the bike each year, and now I'm frustrated and a bit bummed out...
Thanks!
I've been thinking about trying these for a while and after reading this thread I ordered the sample 2 pack of Instead. If that goes well I'll try a mooncup. I've actually never used tampons. Back when I was a kid my mom made me try to put one in. It hurt and I couldn't get it in so I never tried again. Currently I use cotton flannel pads. For the most part I'm really happy with them. I just want to try all of the options and compare.
You guys really do answer everything. :)
Gee --have to say I'm in perimenopause that has wonderfully calm..slow..fading away symptoms ....and just am not motivated to try something different.
I just got mine in the mail yesterday which happened to be the first day of my period. I found inserting it really easy and haven't had a leak at all (yet, fingers crossed). When I tried to take it out the first time I didn't break the seal properly and it felt like I was trying to suck my cervix out with it. (Sorry for the over-share) OW! That caused me to panic for a few seconds but I tried again and it was easier. I'm still not totally comfortable taking it out. But there is a learning curve. All in all I think it will take a bit to get used to it, but I will probably end up liking it.
I ordered it from lunapads and got the diva cup and lunapads pantyliners kit. Wow! The pantyliners are so so so comfortable. I never would have thought I would want/like re-usable pantyliners but they're my favorite thing right now. I wish underwear felt like this. So much more comfortable than disposable liners.
(And better for the environment, too, of course.)
Oh, this makes me sad. :( I'm in pain.
In preparation of trying a Diva Cup, I found the cheaper Instead soft cups. I thought they would hurt to place. That was fine. Shortly after, I started to get cramping. I do not normally get cramps at this point in my cycle. Came in direct correlation with placing the device.
I gave it a few hours, and then could feel some leakage. It came out fine. I could see that the cup had collected some liquid. But, it just leaked part of the liquid as well.
I know there are several tips in this thread with seating the products correctly. Or trying one, vs the other. But, omg... the cramping is not happy! On Instead's web site, it says this can happen.
I don't think this would be happy out riding. I really would like one of these products to work for me, but I think on cramping, they all would produce the same result? :confused:
Miranda :(
I finally got to put my Diva to use. I was pretty much sold until I got these weird cramps. SO I figured out it was full. Emptied it. Put it back in, got weird cramps. Took it out. Left it out all night. Put it in this a.m. (no probs getting in, except after you shower it's a challenge bc of no moisture), and started getting the 'pelvic exam cramps'. Took it out. Mournfully put on a pad.Quote:
Originally Posted by xeney
I can't wear a tampon. Don't want to go into why I can't. I bought the Model 2 of the Diva, bc I'm over 30 but never had a kid. Could it be that I'm too small? At least something on me is small. Guess vagina size is not correlated with shoe size :)
I'm going to call the customer line and see if they can help me out. I loved wearing it but I still have funny stomach muscle cramps right below my bikini line, like I held my pee too long. Weird. Ah well..I still liked it and boy, what a feeling not having to worry about when I stood up that the gush would occur. I hate that so much.
TDG... I just went to my gyno this week for my annual and was telling him about my cup experience. I just love that man. He's a cyclists too, and so is his wife, whose also an MD. Now if he only did podiatry work for cycling, I'd have bike pain life kicked in the tail:p. I digress:rolleyes:...Quote:
Originally Posted by TahoeDirtGirl
:):cool:Please feel no privacy pressure to post here why as to what I say, but here's why he said it didn't work for me, fwiw...
(also thought I would post this, vs a pm only, since I think it is good "generalized" useful information for the thread that might help anyone else with my issue)
From my big babies, and very weak fashia tissue, I have had a couple prolapse repair surgeries. My docs told me with the weak tissue in my body, it would not last. A sure sign for ME that some part of my repair is coming undone is that the tampons lately have been hurting me again. Help doc... oh, no!, does this mean???....
Yes, part of my prolapse is re-occuring already *sigh*:(. The area is part of the front wall near the bladder. He said with the prolapse, it makes my cervix move down further towards the cup. If the cervix is pressured by the cup (and likewise other parts pushing the cervix down further in the vaginal canal), it will cause the cramping. Also, it puts the pressure on the bladder because it's not supported... and then is laying down on the cup object.
Reminds me of when I was pregnant and had my body filled up with babies. The baby would grow and be more pushed down on the organs. Bladder included... thus it makes you feel like you have to pee more often... as the bladder is not in it's normal state/capacity due to something pushing on it.
It really really sux as that cup is such a cool thing. The doc said one of his RNs uses it and just loves it. Crud, I wish it worked for me too:(.
No definately not a prolapsed problem. I never had kids and I always have problems during my annual exam (which I am happy to say, is no longer every 3 months as it has been for 5 years). I think I'm going to see if the good peeps at Diva can help me out, I emailed them, and see if I can get a model 1 to try out. Between the stress with my work and my personal life (aka divorce) I think the twink is just not happy about the diva. I thought about this as my gyn is always going...are you going to relax? And then it's "oh sorry..." Haha...Ah the Diva...it worked so well.
Sorry to interupt your conve, Tahoe and Miranda
:(
Mine broke last month - the little stem just snapped off
That happen to anyone else?
RR-
I've not had that happen - that stinks! I'd email the company and see if they'll replace it - IMO they should. That really shouldn't happen.
CA
I think you could still use it if the tip broke off unless well...there isn't a bottom to it now.
I wore it the rest of the weekend and I think its adjusting. The benefit for me outweighs the cramping curve if you will. I tend to agree on the spinning thing, it's a little hard to do...
I seem to remember reading that a lot of people cut the tip off, so unless there is a tear in the cup part, I would think it'd be okay to use.
I've been using the Diva for 3 months. No cramping for me, thank goodness. That could be a dealbreaker for sure. I've pretty well gotten the hang of using it by now, and I love the freedom it gives me.
You know, it never occured to me to try and use it without - I just tossed it
:(
However, I doubt it would have been useful stemless for me - my muscles snugged so tight around it that sometimes it would be difficult to find the stem... I'd hate to be messing around (LOL, literally) trying to find/grab the cup with no stem at all...
CA... hadn't occured to me to email the supplier and/or the manufacturor... I'll do that anyways I think. Thanks for the suggestion
Has anybody else noticed that the website for the Diva Cup now suggests you replace the cup yearly?!?! That seems really strange to me (and somewhat contrary to their "cost savings" argument). Any good reason to replace it? Mine is now several years old, but doesn't get used that often since I only have 2-3 periods a year (on my Dr.'s orders, I take my birth control pills continuously).
CA
I cut the stem off of mine and find is a lot more comfie without it. I have never had a problem grabbing the end to remove the cup without the tip there.
The Diva is a godsend for me. I love not having to drag tampons around or forgetting to grab some before I leave the house. Just insert and go...love it!
The only time I had any leakage problem was in the beginning when I was learning how to put it in correctly and make sure that it had opened properly. The trick I found to getting it open if it seems to not want to unfurl is to start to remove it about half way and then reinsert, for some reason that seems to work for me.
My Mooncup is here.:cool: I tried to like the DivaCup, but it was really uncomfortable for me no matter how it was positioned. I could feel the lip when it was in and I couldn't get it to completely unfurl either so I had major leak issues. After reading through this thread and finding some preferred the Moon Cup, I wanted to try one. Right off the bat, I noticed a difference in the feel of the material. The Mooncup is more supple than the DivaCup. The suppleness means that it's easier to keep folded during insertion - one of the major problems that I was having with the other. Ow!:mad: I purchased the size B in the Mooncup which is the smaller one because I think the other problem I had with the Diva is it may have been a bit to wide (model 2 - bigger size), thus the unfurling issue. Anyhow, the Mooncup unfurled right away and "disappeared." The cup itself seems shallower/shorter which is a bonus for me too. Now I'm keeping my fingers crossed that the better fit will translate into no more leaks. I'm really tired of having to use the super tampon with a maxi pad.
BTW, the company that I purchased the Mooncup from sent me two flannel reusable panty liners.
FYI, instead is good. However, as a small lady it felt like it was just too big. I will definitely try the softer option.
For the peri-menopausal...Another interesting option that your OBGYN might not know about. I heard this from a friend whose awesome doc did this to her last year. Its an outpatient procedure where you go in, they sedate you partially, and then fill your uterus with salt water and then zap the salt water (just quoting my friend!). Apparently this cauterizes your uterus and you are able to keep your ovaries and just stop the 2 week long bleeding cycles. Poof, no more period. WOW right. Google calls this Endometrial ablation. It also says you will not be fertile afterwards but what a great solution huh!
Long time diva user. LOVE it! I wore it a few times BEFORE I got my period, just to make sure I could get it in and out. I now swear by it.
Decided to buy a Mooncup after reading about it here & after Boots started stocking it. Tried inserting it without a period just to test it - no problems, except the tail bugged me. I decided to get the smaller one even though I am 43 as I am small myself. So I cut the whole tail off & got it really nice & smooth.
It's great! Breaking the vacuum before trying to remove it is important & I think I can feel it - but I also think there's a reasonable chance this is just psychological. Really useful when travelling - you don't have to take loads of tampons with you - & you don't have to worry about tampon availability if you are in a really remote place.
I'm sold. But I won't be buying a new one every year (but I might buy an extra to put in my washkit)
I have been trying the Diva Cup for the last few days--tired of dealing with tampons or having the string chafe my bits during rides.
Ok, so when I have gotten the cup where it belongs and had it successfully open it works well, but I can still always feel it...kinda like I have a golf ball crammed up my hoo-ha. Everything I read is that it shouldn't be felt if it's in properly and the right size. I have a tough time getting it to open, too, regardless of which fold method I use to insert. And it's sometimes kinda painful getting it in, much less trying to turn it to open. I keep seeing that one should be able to reach all the way in and feel the top edge--really?! Do I just have short fingers? I have a REALLY difficult time feeling for my cervix, too--always have.
This chart shows the Diva Cup as being the longest cup on the market, as well as one of the largest around. I almost wonder if it's just too big for me. The other day when I ran with it in it felt like it was working it's way down--THAT was not a pleasant sensation. I didn't really want to give birth to a little wad of silicone mid-run. :o
I went back to wearing a tampon today. I gave up after a sweaty and messy 10 minutes of battling to properly insert the cup and starting to make everything down there really uncomfortable.
i have the same problem with my diva, and it has worked it's way all the way down when it had been very high up to begin with. very unpleasant!
i have pondered trying a shorter wider brand of cup but have not got around to it yet.
who knew there were so many menstrual cups out there??Quote:
Originally Posted by zoom-zoom
My first Diva cup was really hit and miss in terms of comfort and fit (sometimes it never inflated properly and leaked). I finally replaced it after about 4 years and the second cup is so different. Never a problem with leaking, and I hardly ever feel it (first one I cut the stem off completely, the second only one "notch"). Very weird.
I know! I was familiar with 3-4...that chart is overwhelming!Quote:
Originally Posted by badger
Is your Mooncup the US or UK version (I believe the UK version is only available from overseas retailers who ship to the US)? I think I am having the EXACT same issue you are with the large Diva Cup. I've had a baby, but he was C-section and I just have the feeling that my anatomy is not generous enough to accommodate the DC. From that chart I posted it's about the largest one on the market.Quote:
Originally Posted by sgtiger
FWIW, the Diva Cup never fit me as well or as comfortably as the Keeper did, either.
I think I may order the US Mooncup today (which is the same size as the Keeper). I love the idea of menstrual cups and the Instead Softcups worked OK, I just don't want to be constantly having to dispose of them.Quote:
Originally Posted by OakLeaf
The Mooncup I purchased was the U.S. version. It didn't really work out for me either. I experienced major cramping with it in even though I couldn't really feel it in. I tried all the various ways of placing it that I found online but the cramping persisted. And if I found a placement where the cramping went away, it leaked to the point that I may as well not be using it at all. Oh, well... Back to tampons for me.
I first heard about the Diva Cup on this forum when I was trying to figure out what female long-distance cyclists do for 'that time'.:rolleyes: (I am interested in doing some long distances) I just bought one, and it got here just in time! :p
I am so glad to have heard of it! No leaking (except when it didn't seat properly)
no pain or even discomfort after it "settles in" ;)
It is a little uncomfortable to insert and remove, but no mess!
I am so happy!
My mom wants one now :p
I get a little leaking when my Diva cup gets full. Like overnight. I would have the same or worse with a tampon so I really dont complain.
I also saw a tip to use a little lube on the edges to make insertion a little easier. Diva makes one if I am not mistaken but I use my Emerita