[Rubi]

I don’t really get periods at the moment (thanks to implanon! https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_e_biggrin.gif) 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. https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_e_smile.gif 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!

[Rubi]

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]

That sounds cool! I also had another question…but it’s kind of…personal https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_rolleyes.gif
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! https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_redface.gif
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! https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_cheers.gif

Oh my goodness! Your poor sister! I would be so traumatized. https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_pale.gif

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. https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_sunny.gif

[Rubi]

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 https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_rolleyes.gif

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. https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_thumright.gif

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. https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_cool.gif

[Rubi]

I agree with Charley in that if you have a good class around you should try to get involved with it.

If you don’t have anyone around the area who teaches pole I think it’s ok to go it alone, but I imagine you do have to be careful and, with regard to safety, it’s not a bad idea to look for video instruction with real teachers such as Veena’s online lessons or the Art of Pole DVDs. (I don’t teach pole or know anything advanced so keep that in mind when you weigh the value of my opinions).

It’s true that sometimes the ladies on YouTube do wonderful amazing moves, but they aren’t necessarily done correctly in a way that will minimize risk.

I hope your pole comes soon! https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_bounce.gif https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_e_biggrin.gif

[Rubi]

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. https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_ncool.gif 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. " https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_cheers.gif

[Rubi]

Resident cup expert at your service! https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_e_wink.gif

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. https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_cheers.gif 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;" 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;" 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;" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[Rubi]

Well hopefully it doesn’t "fill up" as in full capacity. But yeah, that’s it in a nutshell. https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_e_smile.gif

[Rubi]

Oh there’s no need to take a class to learn how to pole; there’s a TON of self-taught dancers around here. I just took the class because I wanted to make sure I liked pole dancing before I invested in a pole. Turns out I love it!

The x pole can absolutely be adjusted to whatever height your ceiling is. Out of the box it will fit ceilings anywhere between 7’4” and 9′. If your ceiling is higher than that you can buy additional extensions that will allow you to make the pole taller. All the way up to 12′ if necessary. Here’s X-Pole US’s FAQ about the X-pole: http://www.xpoleus.com/faqs.php#g3

Happy poling! https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_e_biggrin.gif

[Rubi]

Do you mean this one? http://ver3.studioveena.com/lessons/view/2626

I’m almost positive she has a chrome X pole (looks like 50mm, but not sure). Hopefully she’ll stop by and let us know. https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_e_smile.gif

[Rubi]

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.

[Rubi]

That’s wonderful! I’ve been taking a once a week class since October. On the first day I learned how to climb (with the instructor holding on to me. I didn’t get too far up. lol) and a fireman spin, and sexy walks. Overall, the class is very slow moving which is wonderful because I’m a former couch potato and I’m still rather weak. I bet you’ll catch up to me in no time! https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_sunny.gif I only recently got a home pole, which is helping me build up strength and practice more.

Whether you’re a slow, weak person like me or someone who works out a lot, I think the first couple days provide plenty of challenges, and they just keep coming from there. However, even I was able to do a few basic things within the hour of my first class, so I expect you’d have something to show off even after your very first practice! It feels so wonderful every time you manage to do a move you couldn’t do the day before.

There’s a DVD that comes with the X Pole that has some instructional information on some spins and a little bit of floorwork. And I think there’s instruction on how to walk kind of sexy and also to do a body roll. It was pretty helpful so make sure you take a look at that. Also look at Veena’s "Pole Sit" freebie lesson on the StudioVeena.com homepage. That should give you plenty of stuff to work on your first day. https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_cheers.gif

[Rubi]

Congrats!!! Mine is of course my first one, too! I did a little dance when it came and I couldn’t wait to set it up!!! Are you new to pole, or just new to poling in your own home? I’m new to both, but it is so much fun I can assure you! https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_cheers.gif

[Rubi]

I bought one just recently from this Web site and it looks and feels 100% legit. This is based not only on indications for what a fake one will look like (missing the little X’s and whatnot), but also that the sticker on the box reads XPOLE US.

Additionally, Veena has built a wonderful pole community and in order to preserve that, she can’t afford to sacrifice her members’ safety by selling fake XPoles. Think of how quickly people would turn away from a pole forum that pushes potentially unsafe, inferior products, all in the name of saving a buck.

P.S.
Thanks for the pole and community, Veena! https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_e_smile.gif

[Rubi]

I bought mine from here at StudioVeena.com. The box was big and plain… except for a big NEON green sticker declaring its origin: XPOLE US. The sticker is about the size of a bumper sticker so it’s kind of big and the color is pretty obnoxious, so it’s hard to miss.

[Rubi]

Just posted my first youtube video ever!!

It was just my first run through, so its not perfect yet. I was just so excited that I finally had a routine!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d_ZmoW14P-I" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

or search under Stephanos – male pole dancer.

Enjoy https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_e_smile.gif

Wonderful! The only routine I know is actually to the very same song so it was really fun to see a different take on it. You look so strong and fearless. well done! https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_cheers.gif

[Rubi]

I wouldn’t sweat it. In this case, I think it’s the same as any other hobby someone might have (knitting, jogging, painting, etc). Just like someone’s significant other might not be interested in knitting, he may not be that interesting in pole dancing. As long as he isn’t trying to stop you from doing it then I’d just keep on doing what you do. https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_e_smile.gif

[Rubi]

I don’t want to jump to conclusions without more information, but it’s possible she didn’t know how to tell whether or not she is ready to invert (especially if she doesn’t get on pole forums with stickies about how to tell when you’re ready), and in fact her instructor may have assured her she was plenty strong enough. To people like us on StudioVeena, it is easy for us to forget that it may not be easy to tell if you’re strong enough or not.

If her instructor advised her that she may not be ready, then it’s a whole different story, though….

[Rubi]

The only difference between the 45 and the 50 is the size. Neither size is necessarily better; it comes down to personal preference. Some people say that if you have rather small hands you’ll do better with the 45, which is the smaller of the two.

So yes, both the 50 and the 45 can do both static and spinning. You just adjust the little screws at the bottom to change between spinning and static.

Happy poling! https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_cheers.gif

[Rubi]

Thats great you got it figured out! Tantric_Limpet’s advice on the hex key was something I had never thought of!! https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_cheers.gif Sounds like your pole is working just fine now, when on spin it wont turn on its own, like if you turn it by hand it wont just spin and spin, but it shouldn’t catch, if its catching then its too tight, and if you feel like its spinning forever when your on, thats the way it should feel…nice and smooth! https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_geek.gif https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_puke_l.gif

Wonderful! I’d say I’ve finally got my pole just right, then. Thanks again! https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_cheers.gif https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_cheers.gif https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_cheers.gif

[Rubi]

Great news! I was indeed using the wrong end of the L-shaped hex screw adjuster tool. When I tightened the screws the correct way the problem went away (although I didn’t get to do a long practice today I still feel fairly confident it has been resolved).

So I decided to let the pole into spin mode to see if the pole would now spin freely. Sure enough, it did not. It would spin and then stop quickly and almost try to go in reverse. Weird, huh? So I decided to loosen up the pole and sure enough it started to spin much more freely and normally. Yes!!!! Thank you everyone! It is so nice that you would come check this thread several days in a row to make sure I’m getting this resolved and to keep thinking of possible solutions I could try. You are all so sweet. https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_cat.gif

My question now is… how do I know when it’s spinning freely enough? If I just push it around with my hands and watch it go, it does still stop fairly quickly on its own. If I get on it and do a spin… it spins for longer than I’m willing to be on it while it’s spinning. https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_puke_l.gif

[Rubi]

I don’t have Veena’s lessons (yet), but my understanding is that they are in order of progression (beginner all the way to advanced) and broken down into easy to follow steps. If you still don’t understand them, you can post comments to her lessons and she can help you even more. Again, let me stress this is what I’ve heard, and not anything I’ve seen myself.

The "pole sit" freebie on the home page is really helpful, though. I have been working on it since viewing that lesson.

I don’t think Veena’s lessons have anything that is like a full start to finish "workout" or routine to follow along with, but once you start getting the hang of the moves it becomes easier to throw a couple moves together on your own.

I hope this was helpful to you.

[Rubi]

Brilliant! This seems to have helped https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_cheers.gif , but I am resting today so I can’t test out the pole properly until tomorrow. Will let you know. Thanks so much!!!!!

[Rubi]

Thanks, ladies. I messed around with it a little, and in the end it didn’t help at all. I even broke out the 4 foot level from the garage just to make sure. I loosened and retightened the pole as well as the the hex screws and SOMETHING fixed it https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_cheers.gif … but after just a couple minutes of dancing on it, it went back to the same wiggling it was doing before. Booooo! I’m going to mess with it some more in the morning and if it’s no different I’ll take your advice and give Xpole a call.

Thank you all so much for helping and suggesting everything you can think of. You girls are wonderful. https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_sunny.gif

[Rubi]

So you have it figured out now? https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_e_wink.gif

Yes, I think so. Have a look (very bottom of post)!

The collar/nut was on REALLY tight so if I tried to just unscrew the collar, the whole pole would loosen instead. I had to put one release rod into the nut, and another in the pole and push one while pulling the other. It was really tricky, but it’s fixed now. Once it finally came loose I could finish lowering it by hand alone.

Unfortunately, I have a whole other problem now. I noticed after I finished that the pole (static) would rock back and forth a little. Nothing major, but it did bother me. I made sure the Xs and screws were aligned, retightened them, then retightened the whole pole and each section. Nothing fixed it. So I let it go into spin mode to see what it would do and it spins "wonky." It’ll spin a bit, but always stick and look off-axis kind of. Hard to explain, but I am wondering if anyone can give me information about it.

Any ideas?