Diva Cup

I learned about the diva cup on this forum a month or so ago. I bought it and tried it and I LOVE it. For anyone who hasn't tried it yet, it's AMAZING. You'll never use tampons again.
I admit the first few times you use it- it's weird and tricky. But once you get the hang of it, it is easier and more comfortable and cleaner than anything else out there. Plus you never need to bring supplies with you. So if you're going on a long trip and have your period-no problem.
You all must think I have stock in the company but I swear I don't. I am a new user and complete convert.
Anyone else with great experience like mine?

I haven't tried it yet, just those Instead things. I don't know if it's my aging parts to blame, but it's definitely not leak-proof. Has anyone used both of them and found the diva to be more leak-proof?

nuthatch - I use Instead also and the only days I have to change it frequently are the first few - and I'm changing it a Lot less than I was tampons. I agree with Doc it was weird and tricky the first few times - it could be you don't have it "seated" right? I'm only guessing coz that was my problem the first few times I used it too. The best line I read was: remember the first few times we tried tampons - it took a while to get that right too! :)
Just as a footnote: because of all the research I did on the Diva Cup - I do "reuse" the Instead cup - only 1 per cycle but I rinse it really well with hot water, reuse it and toss it when my cycle is done.

nuthatch- I never ever leak. :) They say only change it every 12 hours, but on my one heavy day I change it every 6 - but that's just cuz I'm nervous. Plus, since it's reusable for a long long time, you don't need to buy anything, pack anything or toss anything into the already bulging american landfills. I never tried instead so I can't give a comparison.

Thanks for the replies! It sounds like the Diva is worth a try - hopefully I can get the hang of it and peri-menopause won't overwhelm it!

doc, how heavy is "heavy" ? I'm in serious 24 hour flood and then I'm done mode these days... I'm really skeptical of trying anything new.

Irulan

Serious 24-hour flood and done mode? I can relate to that! Or else its trickle for 2 weeks then nothing for two months. Very weird.

Never tried the Diva cup but gave Instead quite a few tries. I don't think that I am seating it incorrectly. No matter what I do, it won't stay in and it leaks. Leaks badly, in fact. So I gave up. It does say in the instructions that it does NOT work for everyone. I guess I am one of the odd ones........ I can't imagine that the Diva, or anything else along the same lines, would fit any better. Anyone know?

annie

OK, I'm sold. I'm getting the Diva. I feel so special to have a serious 48 hour flood complete with put-you-on-the-floor cramping, all of which seems to be getting worse as I age. This is why women usually died before 40, I'm sure of it!

I use the Keeper which, as far as I can make out is the same as the Diva, but is made out of natural rubber and is meant to last for at least 10 years. I've been using it for about 2 and half years and apart from one 'incident' when I hadn't emptied it I've never suffered from any major leaks.

I must admit I find it a bit more tricky than tampons. Sometimes I just don't seem to be able to get it right. You also need to have a wash basin handy for hand washing and emptying, where as with tampons, if you use the applictor type you can pretty much get away with no basin if you really have to. eg if you're in the middle of a wood.

But the pro's certainly outweigh the con's. I used to hate swimming and going to the beach as I was convinced the tampon string would escape. Like the others have said, you don't have to carry spares, you don't have to change so often and you can even use it to pre-empt your period if you're expecting on the day of a big ride etc.

Yellow- Let me know how it goes. I'm just so thrilled I had to share.

Annie-I never used instead, but knowing diva I can't imagine how it would not work. It pops open inside and blocks/catches everything. But it can be placed wrong. So maybe that's been the problem. With diva, the lower in the vagina you place it the better. Of course not so low that you can feel it.

Mightymire - My sister and I decided to experiment and see the difference between the keeper and the diva. She bought both. The keeper has a longer "stick" at the bottom which she found annoying and didn't need for removal. I'm sure others might find the longer stick helpful. If you look at the pictures online you can see that difference. Plus the cup part of the keeper is slightly smaller. Otherwise I agree, they are essentially the same.

As for needing a sink. That part is true but I learned a neat trick from this TE site. If you do not have access to any washing facility then pee on your hand and diva cup after you remove it. Then reuse it. Wash it with water the next time you can. Remember urine is sterile (unless you're sick). If you can't stand that thought, and have no access to a sink it sure can be messy.

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Originally posted by Irulan
doc, how heavy is "heavy" ? I'm in serious 24 hour flood and then I'm done mode these days... I'm really skeptical of trying anything new.

Irulan

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Hmmm. Hard to say of course, but I doubt I'm that heavy. I'll have a day where I would change tampons every 2 hours and still leak sometimes.

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The keeper has a longer "stick" at the bottom which she found annoying and didn't need for removal
Doc

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Yes - not quite sure why it comes with such a long stick. They suggest you trim it down to length with a sharp pair of scissors but I cut mine off altogether as I don't need it either.

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If you do not have access to any washing facility then pee on your hand and diva cup after you remove it.

Doc

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Hee-hee. Think that might have been me on a previous thread!Thanks for reminding me. Trouble is - I can't always pee on demand:)

They make "travel" wipes that are in a small pack - about the size of a jersey pocket. You could always just throw one of those in a pocket if you think you might need it. I chose to go with the Instead product coz - like most of us it sounds - my periods are very sporadic and inconsistent. I'm not sure how much longer I"ll be bleeding and didn't want to spend the money for the Keeper/Diva if its only going to be another 6-12 mnths. Of course - with my luck it'll be another 10 yrs and by the time I decide to spend the money - I'll stop! :rolleyes: Also, if I remember correctly - the Keeper is a rubber/latex product and the Diva is silicon for anyone with latex allergies! But I'm with Doc - I learned about all 3 products here and darn it - wish I had known about them earlier!...the things our mothers won't tell us eh?! LOL

Just ordered a free trial sample of the Instead soft cup. Although I use the Keeper I'm always open to try new products. That's how I came to be using the Keeper in the first place.

The Keeper is good but the rubber is very firm and I like the idea of the softness of the Instead cup. Thought I should give it a try. You can't actually buy it in the UK so I've ordered it off the Belgium version of the website. Figured the p&p would be cheaper than from the US. :)

MightyMitre, let us know how the two compare to each other after you've given Instead a try.

I have used instead for several years-and have problems with leaking if I don't get it seated correctly.

If you ever used a diaphram for BC, it should seat like that, over the cervix.

I have to empty it several times the first day, but much after that.

What are the web sites for the keeper and the diva?

Ok - reporting back from my field studies. I received my free sample of the Instead Soft Cup and here's my report:

Insertion - not too tricky, since I've been using the keeper for a few years and it was very comfortable. I also watched a video on the Instead website which was very helpful.

Performance - erm. I only tried it at the start of my period and I didn't get any leaks, but ... when I went to the toilet it literally poured out as I sat there!! Not sure this is meant to happen, especially if I hadn't been sitting on the toilet, so it put me off a little. I only had 2 in the free sample pack so didn't really get a chance to experiment. Might splash out on a whole pack and give it another go.

Summary - mixed. Needs further trials for a conclusive result.

Thanks for the update. Always looking for the new and improved. I think your main compaint with the keeper was the stiffness. Is instead better? Diva is much softer than the keeper. That I know for sure.

sandra b
the websites are keeper.com and diva.com conveniently enough

Thanks Doc. Yes - the Keeper is very stiff and that's what appealed about the Soft Cup. Apart from that, I don't really have any complaints about the keeper, but like you, I'm always on the look out for alternative.

Maybe I should give the Diva Cup a try, especially if it's softer. I must admit, the natural rubber colour of the Keeper does give it a bit of a medieval look .:p

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Originally posted by sandra b
I have used instead for several years-and have problems with leaking if I don't get it seated correctly.

If you ever used a diaphram for BC, it should seat like that, over the cervix.

I have to empty it several times the first day, but much after that.

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I THINK I am inserting Instead correctly. I know where it needs to go and put it there. But it doesn't stay seated, it slides forward and then I have a disaster on my hands - literally! :) :p I used a diaphram for BC many years ago.........Hmmmmmm, I wonder if that wasn't fitting quite correctly, too. We call my baby (he's 17 now) my diaphram baby. With good reason. Wouldn't give him back for anything, but news of his impending arrival was a shocker all those years ago. :eek: I may give Instead one more try but if I can't get it to work, I'll have to stay with tampons. Does anyone think Keeper or Diva Cup would be different enough from Instead to be worth sending for? I can buy Instead at the corner drugstore, much easier that way.

annie

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Performance - erm.

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This is exactly what happened to me with Instead. Sitting, moving, squatting (!) were all risky maneuvers, and wearing a "security" pad really defeats the purpose. It was only successful when I was sleeping and my flow wasn't heavy.

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I THINK I am inserting Instead correctly. I know where it needs to go and put it there. But it doesn't stay seated, it slides forward and then I have a disaster on my hands - literally!

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I know I'm inserting it correctly. I can't get it any further up there! And it does come sliding back down at the least excuse. I guess this is just due to the "lay of the land" down there - 10+ pound baby in my history!

Thanks, MM, for the testing!

Annie
You should ask MM who's tried both the keeper and instead, but I think they are very different. Also, see her post above. I like diva better than keeper (my sister has both and we compared) The web sites explain the products really well. They do NOT sit high next to the cervix. In fact, the lower the better. The main trick is to spin after insertion to make sure it's open.

Annie -

The only time I ever had a leak with the Keeper in nearly 3 years use was when my flow was heavier than expected and I just left it too long. Saying that, I do admit I wear a slim pad over night as well, just in case, but 9 times out of 10 I don't really need to.

I thought about trying Instead not really because I was unhappy with the keeper, but just to keep my options open.

If it was a toss up between Instead or tampons I think I probably would go with tampons, based on my recent experience, but if you can afford it I'd seriously give the Divacup or Keeper a whirl.
You can leave it for longer, it's reusable so you don't need spares and you don't have to spend a fortune on products each month.

Doc mentioned the Divacup is softer - the Keeper is natural rubber and quite stiff but does the job very well. It's true, you need to make sure it opens up properly but it doesn't take long to get the hang of it. It's easier to position than Instead - it's either right or it's not and you'll know if it's not.


Also - TOP TIP if you've just washed it and it's warm you may find the suction stops it from opening properly. Try running it under the cold tap to cool it down before using - I've found this works very well.

Hope this helps.

I've also found that there's a possibility one may need the larger size regardless of childbirth... The 'keeper_cup' forum on Livejournal had several ladies saying women with well endowed husbands may need the larger size, because sometimes their pelvic floor muscles weren't as tight as others... just a thought.
I'm experiencing leakage, too, and am trying out the Diva size 1 because the Keeper gave me a latex allergy... I may switch, though, if I'm still leaking... for the reason stated above. =P

I leaked the one time I didn't rotate the diva to make sure it was open. Are you careful to open the diva after insertion? Folded it definitely leaks! I have kids, but size #2 just aint that big. I bet you're right about certain women needing a larger size for reasons other than childbirth.

Okay, so after reading this thread, I decided to re-try the Keeper yesterday. I had bought one years ago, tried it for a few months, had some leakage problems and found it uncomfortable to insert and remove (messy too), so put it away in a drawer and hadn't used it for years.

Got brave last night (and was out of Super tampons), so tried it again. Read all the tips here and the ones that came with it. However, I still had a bad experience. It hurt going in, I could feel it inside me, it leaked (even though it seemed to be open inside), and it hurt like hell coming out. Ouch! I would think the softer Diva would be better in that regard. The Keeper is pretty stiff rubber and to me is painful. And it was awfully messy once again. Don't think I'll be trying that one again!

Emily

MM,

Thanks for the advice! I may give the Keeper a try. I am so tired of tampons and leaking and really would just like the whole thing to end!! Menopause sounds better and better! ;)

A question for those who talked about 24-48 hrs. of flood-like flows -- I am into day three of this! The longest I've had before was about 36 hrs. And it is very heavy bleeding for me - If I leave a tampon in for two hours, I've had blood dripping down my legs. This is weird. I can literally feel it gush out sometimes. I am wondering how long I should give it to slow down or if I should call my doc? I feel fine. No cramps, no energy loss. I figure another day or two before I get concerned, but if anyone has any advice, I'm listening! Tons of experience in all sorts of things on these boards. Feels like being with a group of women friends, but a really biiiiiiiiiiig group. :cool:
Thanks!

annie

For days like that I go with super duper pads, with wings and plastic backing. And with tampons if needed. I feel like pads are 'safer", at leaast against leaks.

~I.

Annie, I think this is pretty typical for those of us approaching menopause. I've had lots of friends and relatives tell me the "running like a river" story! If you aren't feeling faint or weak, I bet it's okay. I've had a couple of friends that are so heavy that they actually pass out and they went on to have hysterectomies but I think that's pretty unusual. It never hurts to let your doc know what's going on and see if they have any advice!

what nuthatch said. I'm what they call perimenopausal (read I'm Almost there!) and the last year has been very interesting to say the least. Right now I haven't had a period in 6 wks, but between Aug and Nov it wasn't unusual for me to have a period every 2 wks. Some heavy, some a week long, some very, Very light, some only 2 days. I also experienced what you're talking about: waking up in the middle of the night and everything is ruined and my legs are a mess. Me who had Never had anything like that before. Depending on your age - this could just be the beginning of the change for you. But as Nuthatch said...it wouldn't hurt to check with your doc if you continue to be concerned.

Irulan, Nuthatch, Corsair,

Thank you!!! I wasn't TOO concerned, but still, it was more than I'd ever experienced before so I did wonder........ I'm on day 4 now (close to 96 hrs. of what seemed like hemorraghing to me) and it is finally slowing down. I was wearing pads and tampons and black pants and changing every two hours, at the least. And not keeping up. Now, finally, it's under control. And, yes, I am definitely of an age where the "change" should be upon me. Obviously, it is! So I guess I will expect weird things from here on out and accept it as a new stage of life. I am fine with that. As long as it is "normal" for me and simply something my body needs to do as I transition into the next era, bring it on! I'm ready. Sorta a milestone year coming up for me soon. Very soon. I have a birthday in 4 days. I turn 50 YEARS on Jan. 29. I am excited about it. I am proud to be that far. I would rather be 50 than the alternative. :D Yada, yada, yada........... Too many quotes, platitudes, etc. I won't go into them. Just believe me, ladies, those of you who aren't there yet, keep riding your bikes!!!!! Keep living your life. It is a good place to be. I've got an entire poster filled with inspirational quotes that I will have hanging up on Saturday. We are having a celebration/party on Saturday. If any of you are in Iowa that day, let me know! You're invited!

annie

Happy birthday, Annie! You inspire us all!

Happy Birthday Annie,

As one who is going-on-44 and kicking and screaming all the way, your words give me hope and inspiration.

Hope your day is a brilliant celebration!

Emily

Happy Birthday Annie-girl! Gosh but I hope you have a GrandWonderFun Day! I threw myself a birthday party when I turned 40 (I had just gone thru a divorce and moved Cleeeeeeeeeeeeeeeear across the US so most of my new friends didn't know it was my birthday or my age!) I had a blast! I plan on the doing the same thing for my 50th!

By the way - theres a book called "The Pause" I can't remember the author. Its a little red "pause" book thats Wonderful. Written by a woman whos gone thru it and includes obversations from All walks of women who have gone thru it. Your story Annie brings it to mind coz there was an observation from a female news anchor with the same issue you had. She writes something about wearing 2 heavy pads, a super tampon and bladder control pants just to do her news stint on the air. Its a Great, insightful book that answered Many of My questions better than most doctors and took the "fear of the unknown" out of what I was going thru.

Happy Birthday, Annie! I, too, am suffering from the every-two-hours thing, but it only lasts for 24 hours. That's a lot of super-plus tampons, pads and underwear to wash. Here's one for all you neophytes...there are actual clots! Anyway, glad it's coming to a close (for this month.) Don't let it stop you from riding. Just be prepared. :)

This thing is awesome!!
I recieved it the day after my last visit with AuntFlo, but has come for another visit and the Diva cup is now in use and working wonders. I keep expecting to leak but not a drop on tissue. I am thrilled, seems to be unnoticed (comfy) and going to go for a ride today to put it to another test. :D I plan to tell my sisters the results after today. Funny thing that normally I dread this time of month, but think it will be much easier to cope with having this product. No more pads and tampons taking up room in the backpack or purse, coming out of the packages and sloppy messes in more areas than one. ;) Again...Thank you to those that have brought this product to my/our attention!!

I KNOW! It's hard to believe a little thing like that can make such a difference, but it does. I'm a recent convert myself. Congrats on a smart move. I want to tell everyone I know, but it's sort of impossible to work into normal conversation.

Glad you both like it. I've been a convert for getting on 4 years and can't see any reason to switch to anything else.

I too would like to spread the word, but like you say Doc - it's hard to work into everyday conversations. :p

Not a conversation easily made usually but here at least we are all ok with it.
I rode 32 miles today, a longer ride then my avg.20-23.
It was wonderful, usually during my first couple of days it is the hardest because I have to usually change out the cotton so much to prevent leakage.
Awesome to feel so carefree!

Actually when I first got it and it was brand new, I discretly brought it to a woman in my office and told her about it and showed her my new found device that she may be interested as I was, because I also had no clue of it until finding this forum...
The one lady asked that I let her know how well it works for me. I will of course do so....again ever so discretly with confidence of its worth.