Real embarrassing question

[CorsairMac]

So... haven't investigated these in local shops yet...have been reading this thread with interest since I arrived at TE... and have another question - are they reusable or not? If not, how wasteful are they in terms of world resources - are they more non-biodegrable stuff we fill our landfills with?

I really must go and have a look to suss these out properly...

The diva cup and/or the keeper are both reusable for up to something amazing like 10 yrs. I bought the Instead since I'm almost done and didn't want to pay for something that I won't use too much longer. The Instead pamphlet states you should throw away every change but since it's basically the same material as the keeper, I just rinse well and reinsert. I do throw it away at the end of my cycle but now it's 1 cup once every few months (which is about how often I need one anymore) instead of multiple tampons.

[mtnmunch]

Question for the ladies using the Diva/Moon/Keeper cups.

I work in a corporate office building, so our bathrooms are several stalls and open sinks. Is it a big deal emptying the cup while at work? also do you wash everytime you empty it?

last question, when I actually do get in my 64oz of water a day, I'm making many runs to the bathroom, do you empty the cup everytime you go?

thanks!
diana

[doc]

How often you empty the diva depends on your flow. You definitely DON'T have to take it out everytime you go to the bathroom. On regular days I take it out in the shower in the morning, and before I go to bed. That's it. The shower is the best, no mess. On heavy flow days, I take it out only once more in the middle of the day.
The only downside is if you change it in a public restroom without a sink in the stall, you can have a bit of a mess on your hands (literally). The trick I learned here on TE (I think the credit goes to MightyM) is if you are in a public restroom without a sink in the stall, take it out and pee on it to wash the blood off it and your fingers. Then put it back. Remember, urine is sterile unless you are sick. (In certain african countries they bathe babies in cow urine because it's far cleaner than their water. But I digress.)
So one of the many great things about it is you change it quite infrequently. Much less often than tampons.
You're going to love it.

There is a big Q & A section on the diva website www.divacup.com It has a lot of good info. I disagree with only one thing. They say to wipe it off with toilet paper if you're in a public stall. Ick. It sticks and makes a mess. You're better off just emptying it and reinserting it as is. You will spot a little if you do that so be ready.