Ladies Only, Please!

poledanceromance started this discussion · 1/17/2010

/looks around to check for boys *sniff sniff* /looks under couch cushions...hmm nope no boys *snnnnifff!!! sniffsniffsniff* /looks behind lamp...nope no boys here either! *yells* If there's any boys in here you better get out!!!!!!! Phew! Guess the coast is clear! Time for period talk! 😂 I've been going back and forth about getting a menstrual cup for a few years now. I tried instead soft cups, but they didn't seem to work for me so I put them away. Just found them again. It's been at least 3 years since I last tried them, so I'm giving it another go. The jury's still out. Basically, this has motivated me to look into getting a solid silicone cup again. My question is, have any of you ever used them? Any current users? In the US? My research seems to show a lot of the manufacturers are foreign, and there are sooo many options my head is spinning! I know one of the main US manufacturers, Diva Cup, is one of the brands I've researched most. I've seen some complaints that it's too long, but given the measurements I don't think it would be a huge issue for me personally. I finally got motivated to do this because my hatred of pads means I use tampons 24x7 for the duration of my period, and not only is it wasteful, that kind of continuous use has proven to me that tampons are unhealthy. That's why I reached for the dusty box of Instead cups today in the first place. The dryness I have during my period can be almost painful and it quite unfavorably shifts the balance of things down there such that I'm not situation normal until a couple days after the technical end of my period. Incidentally, I got surprised this morning with it while at the mall 20 blocks away from my house. Had NOTHING on me. Booked it to the car and sped home. Damn uterus. 👎

148 replies

Rubi · 1/17/2010
Diva Cup!!! Seriously, this is one of the best purchases of my life. I'm not exaggerating. It's a cliche, but seriously it is so liberating! I will never ever ever ever go back to tampons. In hindsight, tampons are so icky and gross and gag-inducing, but I never realized it at the time of course. I have never ever ever had an unpleasant surprise since using my cup, and never carry "extras" around for those "just in case" times. You can go swimming, water parking, etc etc etc without fear or even so much as a second-thought. Going someplace with iffy (or NO bathrooms)? No probs, you can go up to 12 hours before you have to make a pit stop. If that's not enough to convince you... they are so much healthier to your body and SO much more eco-friendly. Not to mention all the money you'll save over the course of time. Also, your husband/boyfriend will delight in not having to suffer being seen buying those products for you ever again. (Why does this bother guys? Guys, everyone knows it's not for YOU). It also has sort of psychological bonus, too. My cramps and such just aren't as bad as they used to be. This is probably just because when you have 12 hours of freedom, your period isn't on your mind all day, and you just don't have to think about it like tampon/pad users do.
SissyBuns · 1/18/2010
I've never heard of a cup before so I just went to the divacup website and checked out a little bit and um....I've never seen anything like this or even heard of it. LOL, so the cup basically fills up...then you take it out, pour out the contents, wash it off and put it back in??? 🤔
Rubi · 1/18/2010
Well hopefully it doesn't "fill up" as in full capacity. But yeah, that's it in a nutshell. 🙂
Veena · 1/18/2010
I have heard of the cup....but what about those who have had babies?? I used the birth control ring for a short time and the thing wouldn't stay in place, I would worry about cup slippage. LOL Is this an issue??
luvlee · 1/18/2010
I am w Sissy. I have never heard of this. Do you need to get it from the Dr???? I would be afrair it would get stuck!!!!! LOL! This sounds sooo cool. More info anyone??????????
Rubi · 1/18/2010
Resident cup expert at your service! 😉 The cup won't slip. You could do roller derby with it in and not even worry. It has about 4 TINY holes around the perimeter of the top which allow it to sort of suction to you. And I HATE to use the word suction because that isn't exactly correct (and it scares people; they think they'll feel this thing clinging to their insides! yuck). That helps keep it in place. I hope this isn't TMI, but you can (without use of hands) TRY to expel it from you and it won't budge. The cup is great for mothers! There are two different sizes. One size is for women under 30 who have never had children. The second size is for mothers or women who are 30+ years old. I have seen both cups and the difference in size is sooo small, but I guess it makes a difference. They actually look the same to me, so make sure you get the right one if you go cup shopping. You can get it from any place that sells pads/tampons! No doctor necessary. 🥂 However, sometimes they are hard to find, simply because they aren't as popular as pads or tampons and some places just don't stock them (yet!). However, you can always buy it at Drugstore.com. Here's a link to Model 1(under 30 and no children): http://www.drugstore.com/products/prod.asp?pid=170328&catid=9586 onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; And a link to Model 2 (30+ or have had children): http://www.drugstore.com/products/prod.asp?pid=170329&catid=9586 onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; The following is a completely different type of cup, which I have NEVER personally tried, but some of you may be interested in. I've HEARD that it's a bit trickier than the diva cup, but it does have the advantage that you can "do the deed" with it in place without any, shall we say, "evidence" of your period becoming an issue. Check it out here: http://www.drugstore.com/products/prod.asp?pid=40597&catid=9587 onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
drugstore.comWalgreens: Pharmacy, Health & Wellness, Photo & More for YouYour go-to for Pharmacy, Health & Wellness and Photo products. Refill prescriptions online, order items for delivery or store pickup, and create Photo Gifts.drugstore.comWalgreens: Pharmacy, Health & Wellness, Photo & More for YouYour go-to for Pharmacy, Health & Wellness and Photo products. Refill prescriptions online, order items for delivery or store pickup, and create Photo Gifts.drugstore.comWalgreens: Pharmacy, Health & Wellness, Photo & More for YouYour go-to for Pharmacy, Health & Wellness and Photo products. Refill prescriptions online, order items for delivery or store pickup, and create Photo Gifts.
Veena · 1/18/2010
Does anyone know what they are made from....Silicon is the only thing that doesn't bother miss vag jay jay. Rubber and latex isn't friendly to my body. This is cool though because I use tampons but don't really like the thought of them.
RoxyPink · 1/18/2010
I've seen these before and never really had a desire to check them out...but I just might...esp those last ones! 😉
Rubi · 1/18/2010
Does anyone know what they are made from....Silicon is the only thing that doesn't bother miss vag jay jay. Rubber and latex isn't friendly to my body. This is cool though because I use tampons but don't really like the thought of them. Yeah, it's silicon! From the Diva Cup Web site: "This form of silicone is odorless, has antibacterial properties, is latex-free, plastic-free and BPA-free. It has been used safely in healthcare applications for over 50 years. Our silicone is approved for use in The DivaCup as feminine hygiene protection by the FDA and Health Canada. " 🥂
Runemist34 · 1/18/2010
This might seem like a really crazy question...but does it ever get "lost" up there? And what if you have a really heavy flow? How do you check it? Is it comfortable? See, I'm picturing something more like a drinking cup 🙄
Rubi · 1/18/2010
This might seem like a really crazy question...but does it ever get "lost" up there? And what if you have a really heavy flow? How do you check it? Is it comfortable? See, I'm picturing something more like a drinking cup 🙄 I had these same questions when I was looking into getting a cup. It never ever gets lost. The same way it has little tiny holes that keep it from sliding down and out, it is prevented from sliding upward and becoming more difficult to remove. It turns out that it's anatomically impossible for the cup to truly become "lost." Thank god. Just like tampons, there's no way to check to see if it's getting too full without completely removing it. I went ahead and looked this up in DivaCup.com and I found the following information: "The DivaCup holds one ounce (30 ml). The entire average monthly flow is approximately 1 to 1.4 ounces (30-40 ml). By monitoring the fullness of the cup over a couple of periods, you will quickly learn how often to empty it according to your specific needs. Most women find that the cup is not even half full after 12 hours. For those with heavier flows, the cup is simply emptied more often." This information makes perfect sense to me because even after a marathon 15-hour slumber I found I wasn't even close to having a problem. 👍 It's completely comfortable. I have, on occasion, completely forgot I was having my period. I can't feel it after I put it in and leave the bathroom. However, I will mention that the first few times using it I was clumsy with the insertion of the cup and had to redo it a few times and ended up ever so slightly sore down there. But that's just because I was clumsy and nervous; I bet most women have no such problems. 😎
Runemist34 · 1/18/2010
That sounds cool! I also had another question...but it's kind of...personal 🙄 How far up does it go? I had this problem when I was looking at alternate methods of birth control, too (because I didn't want to keep taking the pill!) and some of the more "convenient" ones actually go all the way up there...and there's no way for me to get them out! My fingers aren't long enough! 😳 But it DOES seem like a pretty good method for controlling these things. My sister got a tampon "lost" once, and it was a huge hassle for her, and very uncomfortable...I've never worn one, not ever. I've always just used pads...mostly because I knew tampons could get lost up there. Thanks for letting me know! 🥂
Rubi · 1/18/2010
That sounds cool! I also had another question...but it's kind of...personal 🙄 How far up does it go? I had this problem when I was looking at alternate methods of birth control, too (because I didn't want to keep taking the pill!) and some of the more "convenient" ones actually go all the way up there...and there's no way for me to get them out! My fingers aren't long enough! 😳 But it DOES seem like a pretty good method for controlling these things. My sister got a tampon "lost" once, and it was a huge hassle for her, and very uncomfortable...I've never worn one, not ever. I've always just used pads...mostly because I knew tampons could get lost up there. Thanks for letting me know! 🥂 Oh my goodness! Your poor sister! I would be so traumatized. 😨 The base of the cup will stay right at the opening of your vagina and the stem will even stick out ever so slightly (I cut the stem of mine off just because I can). The stem and the base of the cup have little ridges on them that make it very easy to grip (though you can't feel them "down there" when it's in) and to remove. Even if the cup were to become inserted too high up, I think you could still grab it with your fingertips (fingernails even!) and pull on the ridges until it comes out. I think the cup is long enough so that even if the tip top of it went up as far as possible the base of it would still be within reach. Unlike a cotton tampon, the silicone cup will mostly retain its shape inside you, so no chance of it scrunching up or flipping sideways or anything, making it unreachable. During my years using the cup I've never had any issues with it moving upward. I have short, baby fingers though so I can relate to your concerns. I hope this was helpful to you. I'm the world's biggest cup fan so I have no problem answering your questions. Keep them coming if you have any. ☀️
Audball · 1/18/2010
I don't really get periods at the moment (thanks to implanon! 😀) but the wholw cup idea intruiges me, but i'm not totally convinced. The thing I like about pads/tampons is that after 3/4 hours you change them and its all fresh! 12 hours seems like a long time to leave stuff down there... (I know it sounds totally gross, but I felt I had to ask!) Also, does it not take ages to trust it! I think i'd be really paranoid!
gzspeed · 1/18/2010
this is really cool! thanks for all the info. I had never heard of it before but i am definitely going to try it out.
Runemist34 · 1/18/2010
One other question...is it one per period? Or do you reuse them for a bit? 'Cause I know you can take them out and clean them, but I wasn't sure if you can just keep them for a bit...
Rubi · 1/18/2010
One other question...is it one per period? Or do you reuse them for a bit? 'Cause I know you can take them out and clean them, but I wasn't sure if you can just keep them for a bit... The Diva Cup can be washed and reused and put away until next month for an entire year. If and when you buy it, it will come with a cute little purple bag to store it in between uses. Way back when I got mine they said you could keep it up to ten years, but they've since changed their tune. I don't know why. I guess it's not profitable to sell a product your customer only needs to buy maybe 4 or 5 times during the course of her life. But whether you replace it yearly or longer, it is indeed reusable. However, the Instead Softcups (completely different type of cup) can be thrown away after each use or washed and reused until the end of the week and then disposed of.
Rubi · 1/18/2010
I don't really get periods at the moment (thanks to implanon! 😀) but the wholw cup idea intruiges me, but i'm not totally convinced. The thing I like about pads/tampons is that after 3/4 hours you change them and its all fresh! 12 hours seems like a long time to leave stuff down there... (I know it sounds totally gross, but I felt I had to ask!) Also, does it not take ages to trust it! I think i'd be really paranoid! I thought about getting an implant; they sound so convenient. As for cups... you can take it out every 3-4 hours if you want to, but you don't have to. Whatever you're comfortable with is the right choice; it's YOUR body. 🙂 Now that I think of it I do agree that there's always that nice "clean slate" feeling after reinserting my cup, but I still usually wait til I'm closer to 12 hours anyway. I guess 12 hours is kind of a long time, but these cups have the FDA go-ahead so I don't think there's any medical need to empty it more frequently than that. Only if you just want to. The first time I used it I didn't trust it not to "slip out" or to not leak so I was very paranoid. But the cup lived up to my every desire and it's been smooth sailing ever since. Yay! Fortunately for you, you don't even have to think about any form of menstrual control right now. You lucky thing!
Audball · 1/18/2010
Yeah I had a bit of a rocky start with the implant, but it's working out now. Thanks for all the info about the cup, it's difficult to get honest info about these things. I'll definitely consider it when I start needing that stuff again 🙂
Runemist34 · 1/19/2010
Laaast question, I think! Er, I live with guys, so if they find anything to do with the particular female cycle, all three of them get all silly and flail around the house. So...when you clean it...where do you put the blood? 😳 Also, I'm in Canada, so do you know anywhere I can get it around here? I don't have any SUPER AWESOME big stores, so I'm just curious if there's somewhere special I might have to go, or go online, or something...or if it's just a US thing.... 🙄
Rubi · 1/19/2010
Laaast question, I think! Er, I live with guys, so if they find anything to do with the particular female cycle, all three of them get all silly and flail around the house. So...when you clean it...where do you put the blood? 😳 Also, I'm in Canada, so do you know anywhere I can get it around here? I don't have any SUPER AWESOME big stores, so I'm just curious if there's somewhere special I might have to go, or go online, or something...or if it's just a US thing.... 🙄 As long as you don't leave the cup bag lying out in the open between periods I bet they'd never even notice. They may not even know or care what it is if they do see it. As for where to put the blood... I suppose there's more than one way to do it, but personally what I do at home is pour it out in the toilet or sink and then wash it really good in the sink before putting it back in. You could probably even take care of it while you're in the shower if you wanted; just aim for the drain. The Diva Cup is actually made in Kitchener, Ontario! So I'm 100% sure you'll be able to get it in Canada. Go to this Web site http://www.divacup.com/en/search/ and enter your postal code and they will help you find a place to buy it. Otherwise you can get it at Drugstore.com (if they ship to Canada; I'm not sure if they do or not).
spinnyfox · 1/19/2010
Don't mean to be the party pooper, but I HATED the Divacup!!!! 👎 I bought one about a year ago for all the reasons listed here, and I was so excited! I've had 2 kids, so I bought the one that's a little larger (made for women over 30 and women who've had children). It absolutely would NOT stay in place. I tried over and over again for months to try and make the stinkin' thing work for me, but my body rejected it every single time. I read the directions a million times, tried inserting it all kinds of different ways when the direction way repeatedly did not work, and it still would slip out after about 45 minutes EVERY time, making a mess in the process! 😳 It's obviously one of those products that works great for some bodies and not for others, me being one of the unfortunate "others". Don't know if it has anything to do with me having kids. It does say something about doing Kegal exercises if you find it's slipping, but after years of doing those religiously after I had children, if it won't stay now, it ain't ever gonna stay. So really the question is, are you willing to spend the $$ (ranges from $25-$35) to find out which of those 2 women you are? In theory it's GREAT, don't get me wrong! I really wish it had of worked for me.
halfjack · 1/19/2010
Oooh! I find this really interesting, I'm thinking of getting me on of these things. My friend has a mooncup and she loves it http://www.mooncup.co.uk/ I guess its the same thing. She said she found it difficult to get used to the first time but now its easy as pie.
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verucablue · 1/19/2010
Don't mean to be the party pooper, but I HATED the Divacup!!!! 👎 I bought one about a year ago for all the reasons listed here, and I was so excited! I've had 2 kids, so I bought the one that's a little larger (made for women over 30 and women who've had children). It absolutely would NOT stay in place. I tried over and over again for months to try and make the stinkin' thing work for me, but my body rejected it every single time. I read the directions a million times, tried inserting it all kinds of different ways when the direction way repeatedly did not work, and it still would slip out after about 45 minutes EVERY time, making a mess in the process! 😳 It's obviously one of those products that works great for some bodies and not for others, me being one of the unfortunate "others". Don't know if it has anything to do with me having kids. It does say something about doing Kegal exercises if you find it's slipping, but after years of doing those religiously after I had children, if it won't stay now, it ain't ever gonna stay. So really the question is, are you willing to spend the $$ (ranges from $25-$35) to find out which of those 2 women you are? In theory it's GREAT, don't get me wrong! I really wish it had of worked for me. Sooooooooo with you on this - used this years ago and hated it! REALLY hated it...so messy and wouldn't stay in place and then when I finally got it to I would have to fight to get the damned thing out...seriously pissed me off and a waste of money for me - but hey 🤔 it might work for others lol
Rubi · 1/19/2010
Don't mean to be the party pooper, but I HATED the Divacup!!!! 👎 I bought one about a year ago for all the reasons listed here, and I was so excited! I've had 2 kids, so I bought the one that's a little larger (made for women over 30 and women who've had children). It absolutely would NOT stay in place. I tried over and over again for months to try and make the stinkin' thing work for me, but my body rejected it every single time. I read the directions a million times, tried inserting it all kinds of different ways when the direction way repeatedly did not work, and it still would slip out after about 45 minutes EVERY time, making a mess in the process! 😳 It's obviously one of those products that works great for some bodies and not for others, me being one of the unfortunate "others". Don't know if it has anything to do with me having kids. It does say something about doing Kegal exercises if you find it's slipping, but after years of doing those religiously after I had children, if it won't stay now, it ain't ever gonna stay. So really the question is, are you willing to spend the $$ (ranges from $25-$35) to find out which of those 2 women you are? In theory it's GREAT, don't get me wrong! I really wish it had of worked for me. That's no fun; I've never heard of anyone having that much trouble keeping it in. I guess it isn't for everyone. I'm glad you posted though; this thread was getting one-sided; it's good for more, differing opinions to weigh in. With that said, I would argue that spending that $25-35 to find out whether or not it will work is a worthwhile gamble. The average woman spends 150-200 dollars (US) annually on tampons and/or pads, which is a far greater expense. The economic climate is kind of tough right now, so anything that can save $100+ every year is a big help. That got a little convoluted so bottomline of what I was trying to say: It's probably not for everyone. There are plenty of reasons you may not want to try it, but expense shouldn't be one of them. 👍

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