Diva Cup / Instead Cup - tampon / pad alternative

Ginalynn - I've had no problems wearing the DC while running or working out. I can't even feel it anymore!

Jacqueline - Unfortunately, you can't have sex while the DC is in...from the DC FAQ:

Q. Can you wear The DivaCup during intercourse?
A. No, The DivaCup is bell-shaped and worn low near the vaginal opening. It should be removed before intercourse. The DivaCup is not a birth control device and should not be used for this purpose. The DivaCup is regulated by the FDA and Health Canada solely for use only as feminine hygiene protection.

BTW, I've found it's easiest to empty and wash the DC while in the shower in the morning (I usually empty/wash 2-3x in 24 hrs), does anyone else do that?

Definitely a +! I love that I can wear the DC all night and not worry about TSS, unlike with tampons...and I hate pads!

So, basically this thing is just like a diaphragm, except that instead of keeping stuff out, it keeps it in?

 

Interesting. I had a diaphragm for a while after undergrad but holy hell did I get UTIs! Seriously, it was like if my boyfriend even looked at me I got the itchy tingle. Ugh.

 

Sorry. TMI. But I wonder if the cups have the same problem, especially if they can be worn during... um... activities.

 

And on that front, guys can feel a diaphragm, too. I wouldn't be too concerned.

 

I don't know if I'm wiling to go this green. I use OB tampons, so no applicator. That might have to be enough for now. The thought of another UTI makes me cringe.

I know I would be grossed out just at the thought or sight of having to "sterilize" it....I don't know about this one girls...I may have to stick to my tampons....

Damn, Rebecca, I didn't even think about UTI's. I never had one and certainly don't want to get one! Will look into that...

wait. dont you mean think "inside" the "box" blahahahahahahaha!

sorry. dirty mind contained, going back to read the rest of the posts now....

So this is the first chance I've had to get back to this thread... Morgan, feel free to PM me with any questions. I'd be glad to try to answer them.

 

Okay, I want to add a couple more things because I love my DIVA so much.

 

1. If you're squeamish at all about blood or putting your fingers in there, this is likely NOT the product for you. Really, for me anyway, it isn't a big deal. I pull it out, wash it out in the sink using natural soap, scrub, scrub, scrub. Shake the water off and stick it back in. At the end of every cycle I scrub it with rubbing alcohol and an old toothbrush. There are tiny holes in the rim of the silicone to help with the suction (I think that's what it's for). It does get stained around the rim so that's why I scrub it so much. Not because it isn't clean, but just because I like it to look new(ish). I only clean mine out 2-3 a day, just like a poster mentioned earlier.

 

2. Besides being a green choice (cost about $30) and loving NOT putting all those chemicals in me, I also love that it doesn't dry me out. Another poster mentioned this briefly. It's actually very eye-opening to realize how much moisture is in there and how much tampons suck out of you.

 

3. The reason I can distinguish this from the blood is because you can wear them from just before the beginning of your period until the very last bit of spotting. I LOVE that because I hate messing with liners and such. So, at the very end of my period when I'm just spotting a bit, I can see all the lubrication in the cup. It's very interesting. Now, my FI is VERY squeamish so we don't even talk about it. I told him when I started using DIVA so he wouldn't freak out when it took me a little longer in the bathroom. BTW, it doesn't still take me a little longer than changing out a tampon, but since I only do it 2-3x/day it's no big deal to me.

 

For those of you worried about its cleanliness, I've been using it for over two years and have never had any infections or any problems at all. Now, I will say that I religiously clean it and have only had to wipe it out with toilet paper (in public bathroom) maybe once or twice. But, I've never boiled it on the stove. LOL I've thought about it, but have never been able to bring myself to do it. "Honey, whatcha cookin' tonight?" LOL! He'd never eat anything from that pot again!!!

 

I do really love it, but like I said, it's not for everyone. Oh, and I think this has already been said, but you DON'T use it during intercourse, not like a diaphragm. DIVA sits just at the edge of the opening, which is why the OP was feeling it.

oh no, you took it too far. a mod is going to come by & close this thread now

my concern about boiling it is what pot to use. I wouldn't want to use the same pot I cook with. But, I'd be embarassed to have a seperate diva cup pot. maybe a little camping pot that can be stored out of the kitchen.

ok i was too embarassed to elaborate on what went terribly wrong with me & the instead cup, but now that this thread has gotten so graphic I'll tell my story. I went #2 & the cup was moved in the process & spilled. it was terrible. I was in a dairy queen bathroom. anyone have that issue with the diva cup? i'd hate to have to remove it each time.

also, how do you know it's full & needs to be dumped? I have a really heavy period & I'd hate to be having to dump it a lot from my work bathroom.

as you were posting this I got brave enough to post my question.

i was wondering that too morgan, how do you "know" its full? or is it just because you've had it in the recommended amount of time?