About the spinning thing - I used to find this very difficult and would often have to have several attempts but as I've been using the cup for about 3 years I'm now very used to it. In fact, now I think about it, I 've totally deviated from the instructions for insertion that came with it.

I actually use the Keeper which I understand is the same as the Diva cup but made from rubber and is a bit stiffer.

When I insert I gently release the sides when it's only half way in and I can usually feel it as it opens up. I then carry on inserting by pushing from the base until it's in far enough. This works very well with the Keeper - I don't know if it would work with the Diva cup as I think it's made of a softer material.

Other tips for helping the cup to pop open more easily is to run under the cold tap after washing with warm water so it's not so bendy. Also, I've found it helps if the inside of the cup is dry. There seems to be less suction that way and the sides don't suck themselves together as you pinch it for insertion.

As for unpleasant /strange noise during removal - I'm with you on that one. At my last office I used to go to an alternative Ladies that was less used as I didn't want to run into anyone. I find it can help if you bear down a little during removal and if you do it very slowly you can reduce the slurping noise quite a lot.

Hope this isn't too graphic and hope it makes sense.