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Mon Mar 13, 2006 8:50 pm |
I got my Diva Cup and used it this weekend. While I love the concept, I'm not sure I will ever really get used to this thing.
First of all, putting it in is no easy task. The material is really thick and it's not as flexible as I thought it would be to fold in half and insert. Once I did get it in, the directions say to reach in and rotate it one full turn so that it will open up completely. Every time I tried to do this I'd end up pinching myself. It took many tries (Ouch!!!) but I don't think I was ever able to rotate it a full turn.
It was never really uncomfortable but I did have quite a bit of leakage.
Then taking it out, , it's so difficult to grab a hold of and then as it's coming out completely expanded, Yow! it kind of hurts.
I'm not going to give up on this but I'm curious if anyone who uses the MoonCup has had a similar experience because if not and the MoonCup is better, maybe I should give that a try. |
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Mon Mar 13, 2006 9:43 pm |
My sister used the Diva cup. (I was waiting to see how things went for her before trying it myself.)
I think there are 2 sizes. She is 37 yrs old but never had a baby. It still said to get the bigger size so she did. It hurt her/pinched her going in and out so she tried the smaller size. She said that putting it in was okay b/c you could fold the sides over but taking it out was difficult and it still hurt her.
Anyhow, she said that she also had leaking all the time even though she was using the right size.
I like the idea of this but I don't think they have the design of it quite right yet.
There is something that she is going to try. It is called "Instead". I don't know who makes it but it is at my local Peoples Drug mart. It is like the diva cup but more flexible and it comes in a package of a whole bunch. I think you wear one for a whole day then throw it away- you do not re-use it. If my sister does try it I'll update you on how she likes it. (I'd try it but I have an IUD and it says not to use them if you have one.) |
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Tue Mar 14, 2006 6:51 am |
Ouch! This makes me nervous. I am awaiting my mooncup to arrive. I am interested in how it works on me. I have heard the DivaCup and mooncup are identical, but from the reviews I have read the Mooncup is a tad smaller and that seems to make a big difference on comfort for many women. I opted for the Mooncup because I'm a lemming when it comes to the majority.
I hope it is more flexible than your description or I'm in for some uncomfortable moments.
I have read that you should try the cups for up to 3 cycles to give yourself a chance to get the knack of it. I'll post my experiences when I get it. Let us know how you do with the Diva...if you keep it or try something new.
I never knew these Cups even existed until this forum. I hope it works for me or its $32 dollars that I could have spent at PSF. |
_________________ 40. Routine: OCM, ThayersRoseToner as needed, Dr. Denese Dream Cream and Eye Cream |
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Tue Mar 14, 2006 10:22 am |
I was gripped by "Mooncup fever" too and am currently using mine, which arrived a couple of days ago.
Because I'm 39, I was also advised to get the larger version, despite not having given birth. I really wish I'd gone for the smaller one, though.
I've finally gotten the knack of insertion, but getting it out again is a bit of a nightmare and I'm finding it painful as well as difficult.
I'll probably buy a smaller one and try that, as I do think it's an excellent idea. |
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Tue Mar 14, 2006 5:35 pm |
Lily- I got the larger of the two sizes as well. I can't imagine the leakage I would have had if I'd gotten the smaller one. It's funny, I've heard the name "Instead" before but I never knew what it was. I checked out their website and it looks interesting but it still seems like it may be difficult to remove. Please let me know how it works out for your sister. This would certainly be much better than having to clean the cup every time.
Deanne- I never knew the cups existed either, until reading about them here. Let me know how the Mooncup works out for you. If it doesn't, I know they have a money back guarantee. Worse case scenario, your money can still go toward PSF products. I hope it does work though because that also means there's still hope for me. But I def. will still give my Diva Cup two more cycles to get used to it and then go from there.
When you get your MC, it would be a good idea to practice putting it in and taking it out a couple times before you start your cycle to see what your in for without dealing with a big mess. And, when you do start, take your time so you're completely relaxed. Good Luck!
Majorb- Let me know how the smaller one works out for you when you get it. I'm curious if it would still be a snug fit and protect from leakage.
It's too bad there are problems associated with such a great concept but it does make me feel a little better knowing my experience is similar to others and I'm not alone. Thanks, everyone, for sharing. |
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Tue Mar 14, 2006 5:54 pm |
I've used Instead, and I really like it.
The cups are disposable--you're not supposed to reuse them, so they lack that benefit of the Moon/Diva cups. BUT you can wear them 2x as long as a tampon generally (and, honestly, I've rinsed them out, dried them off and reused them... I haven't had any problems w/ that, but I can see how there might be a risk of infection or contamination).
If you've ever used a diaphragm, they're very similar to that. You pinch to narrow the circle and insert. (The insertion method is also similar to the Nuvaring birth control if that helps anyone).
They kind of settle into place, and I've never had a problem with leakage, except when I've gone to the bathroom. If you bear down, it may start to come out (like a diaphragm or the Nuvaring) or change position.
Sometimes it can be messy when you take it out--but that's really only on heavy days, and you're over the toilet so it's not too bad. That said--I prefer to use this when I can use a restroom at home, or a restroom that has a sink in it (i.e. not a public restroom where you have to leave the stall to use the sink).
Bottom line, these are a good alternative to tampons, I've never had discomfort, I haven't had leaking. I don't use them all the time, BUT the big advantage in my opinion is that you can have sex while wearing them and it's not messy. |
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Caspers Mum
Moderator
Joined: 02 Nov 2002
Posts: 1694
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Tue Mar 14, 2006 6:58 pm |
A very important footnote to all of you ladies who want to use these aforementioned products!
If you have an IUD, you cannot use any of these cups or Instead!
Don't even try. You will risk dislodging the IUD, due to the suction. |
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Tue Mar 14, 2006 8:54 pm |
Cloe,
I'm so sorry to hear that you're having some issues with your Diva Cup. I use a Mooncup and also had some trouble getting used to it in the beginning, so I'm not sure that the Mooncup would be significantly better. The problems all got better with time, and now I love it so much that I've actually considered buying a second Mooncup as a backup in case anything happens to mine.
Anyway, I don't have any pearls of wisdon to offer, but here's my experience with regards to the issues you mentioned:
I definitely know what you mean about the flexibility issue. Unfortunately the cup likes to retain it's shape (which is good), but it also can make it hard to get used to inserting. I have had it pop open on me a few times when I'm trying to insert it, which is not SO fun. This is one of the times that I think practice really does make perfect. It seems to get better with time.
I'm not sure that you have to turn the cup every time you insert it to tell if it's open, but maybe that just takes getting used to. I can usually tell if it's not opened all the way because it just doesn't feel right or it feels like it opens really sluggishly and doesn't really pop open. When that happens (maybe once every 20 times?), I do try to twist it a bit to release the side that's stuck but it definitely doesn't take a whole turn.
Like you mentioned, I do experience a tad bit of discomfort sometimes when taking it out, but it doesn't happen very frequently anymore, so I think you either get used to it or your technique improves with practice. The thing that helped me the most when taking it out was waiting until about the time that I had to empty it before trying to remove it. This is a really weird concept , and it might just be me, but even though you wear the Mooncup really low, it seems to be harder to remove shortly after inserting it, whereas once it's been in for a while it drops lower and is easier to remove. That doesn't always help 100%, but "bearing down" really helps me get it within reach the rest of the time.
Last but not least, as soon as you feel confident, trim the stem to the correct length to fit your body. It took a while to get the guts to cut the stem so short, but it alleviated the small bit of leakage that I had experienced.
Okay, that was long enough...sorry for rambling. I hope that it ends up working well for you! All the things I mentioned aside, I would not go back to tampons. The benefits definitely outweigh the issues for me. Good luck! |
_________________ Dry sensitive skin with hormonal breakouts, 29 years old |
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Tue Mar 14, 2006 10:24 pm |
Tularyn- Thanks for all your input on Instead. That's a lot of good, detailed information and it's nice to hear that it doesn't leak and has other benefits. If I decide the cups aren't for me, I'll def. give this a try.
Marmur1- You're not rambling. This is information I need to hear. I hope my experience with the DC turns into a positive one like yours with the MC. I REALLY want this to work out so I'm not giving up.
Quote: |
This is a really weird concept , and it might just be me, but even though you wear the Mooncup really low, it seems to be harder to remove shortly after inserting it, whereas once it's been in for a while it drops lower and is easier to remove. That doesn't always help 100%, but "bearing down" really helps me get it within reach the rest of the time. |
I experienced this as well and find it to be true.
Quote: |
Last but not least, as soon as you feel confident, trim the stem to the correct length to fit your body. It took a while to get the guts to cut the stem so short, but it alleviated the small bit of leakage that I had experienced. |
I'm not sure I understand. How does cutting the stem help with leakage? Do you know? Is it because it can sit even lower inside you?
Thanks for all the great info and support. I needed that. |
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Tue Mar 14, 2006 10:39 pm |
Hi Cloe,
The stem length on my Mooncup combined with how my cup dropped down a bit while I was wearing it made it so that the stem ended up rubbing sometimes. That made the cup move a bit, which caused some leaks. You may not have the same problem...you just want to make sure that the stem isn't at all "external," if you know what I mean.
Sorry, that wasn't very explanatory. Here's a quote off of the Mooncup site that explains a bit better:
"You need to check that the whole of the stem is fully inside you. If there is any sticking out this will make it leak as you move. You need to remove your Mooncup and cut the end with scissors a little at a time until it is fully inside you, and comfortable."
Hope that helps and I wish you the best of luck! |
_________________ Dry sensitive skin with hormonal breakouts, 29 years old |
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Tue Mar 14, 2006 10:48 pm |
Sorry, I almost forgot...when I was on the site they suggested to aim towards the small of your back when inserting the cup rather than just aiming up to help with leaks. You may already be doing that, but I wanted to mention it, just in case |
_________________ Dry sensitive skin with hormonal breakouts, 29 years old |
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Wed Mar 15, 2006 7:28 am |
Cloe - I certainly will. Probably won't be until next month until I get the smaller one. I've definitely had no leakage whatsoever with the larger one, though.
I do hope that removal does improve with practice, as I'd like to keep using it. |
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Wed Mar 15, 2006 10:37 pm |
Quote: |
"You need to check that the whole of the stem is fully inside you. If there is any sticking out this will make it leak as you move. You need to remove your Mooncup and cut the end with scissors a little at a time until it is fully inside you, and comfortable." |
This makes sense. Although I don't think my stem was ever sticking out and I never had any discomfort. Since I can't pull the cup out by the stem anyway, cutting it down can't hurt anything. And, if it helps with the leaks that would be great. Thanks for all the info. I really appreciate it.
majorb
Quote: |
I do hope that removal does improve with practice, as I'd like to keep using it. |
Me too! |
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Thu Mar 16, 2006 3:07 am |
though I've not used the diva I've read that the mooncup is supposed to be more flexible?
Inserting the cup can be a bit of an act I'll say that, I dunno sometimes seems more tricky than others but I think that's because I'm thinking about it too much, if that makes sense?
I'd advise against turning the cup - again if it's the same design as the mc it has tiny holes round the rim that act through suction to keep it in place. You turn the cup it releases the suction hence leakage. To release the cup I press one side in which releases to suction and then tilt it to remove it.
Pretty much as soon as I got mine I chopped the stem right off. I know it seems like a worry that you'll lose it or not be able to remove it but by design it sits lower than a tampon so you shouldn't have problems getting it out. |
_________________ Using. ADCE day & night |
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Thu Mar 16, 2006 1:08 pm |
Hi Eve,
The DC does have the holes at the top. I should try it without turning.
The directions say Step 4:IMPORTANT: Finally, pinch the base of the cup (not the stem) and give the cup one full rotation in either direction. It must spin easily as this ensures that it has popped open and that you have angled it properly towards your tailbone. Note: If the cup will not rotate easily, will not pop open, feels uncomfortable or pinches when you sit down, you have inserted it incorrectly.
I dont know. It's nearly impossible to turn this thing inside of me. So maybe I am doing it wrong. But it never was uncomfortable or pinching. It was just difficult to rotate. However there was plenty of pinching and discomfort from my fingers every time I tried to turn it.
They also say not to cut the stem more than 1/4 inch and that cutting it off completely will make removal difficult.
Did you cut your stem off completely? I'm all for cutting mine if it will stop the leaks. |
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Thu Mar 16, 2006 7:17 pm |
I feel stupid not knowing what a MoonCup is |
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Thu Mar 16, 2006 10:16 pm |
SourApple,
Don't feel stupid. I only recently discovered them here at EDS. It's a menstrual cup. It catches and holds your fluid while on your cycle. You use it instead of tampons. It's supposed to be much better for you. You can check it out here.
http://www.mooncup.co.uk |
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Sun Mar 26, 2006 1:23 pm |
Ooh I have been using a mooncup for the past three cycles and i really like it I have been using the smaller one and although I still get the odd bit of leakage or discomfort inserting and removing it. It is definetly the best menstral product I have ever used.I used to use pads and found as a lot of women do that they triggered cystits in me and tampons are just too uncomfortable for me.
If you take into account the enviromental impact of disposible sanitery products then the any kind of mentrual cup looks like a good option.
It's good to see so many women are using them or thinking about trying them.
Go for it!
P.S. I also advocate cutting the stem right off. It's also easier to get to grips with if you don't mind keeping your nails short! |
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Sun Mar 26, 2006 10:25 pm |
This is such a great thread! Introduced me to a whole new world in a sense I ordered some Instead's to try out first. I can't believe it but I'm actually anxiously awaiting my next period Very curious to see how it works. |
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Mon Mar 27, 2006 8:18 am |
pumaka wrote: |
I can't believe it but I'm actually anxiously awaiting my next period |
That's how I felt - for the first time EVER!!!! |
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Tue Mar 28, 2006 3:30 am |
tularyn wrote: |
I've used Instead, and I really like it.... I've never had discomfort, I haven't had leaking. I don't use them all the time, BUT the big advantage in my opinion is that you can have sex while wearing them and it's not messy. |
i second everything that tularyn said! tried the Diva Cup and was absolutely miserable with it -- what can i say, i'm small??? got the Instead instead and absolutely love it! while not as ecologically sound, they are a wonderful alternative for those that can't quite get the Diva Cup to work right and in IMO they're just way more comfortable. seem to lessen cramps as well. |
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Tue Mar 28, 2006 3:46 am |
Caspers Mum wrote: |
A very important footnote to all of you ladies who want to use these aforementioned products!
If you have an IUD, you cannot use any of these cups or Instead!
Don't even try. You will risk dislodging the IUD, due to the suction. |
what is an IUD? |
_________________ Location: Denmark. Me = 32, think I'm combo without oiliness + sometimes sensitive. Have noticed that skin doesn't heal as quickly anymore and I've developed fine lines around my eyes... Hormonal breakouts which are sometimes cystic. PCOS |
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Tue Mar 28, 2006 3:52 am |
Ruth wrote: |
what is an IUD? |
an internal birth control thingamabobber or, to be more precise, an Intrauterine Device. first thing that came up on goggle search, if you want more info: http://www.fwhc.org/birth-control/iudinfo.htm |
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Tue Mar 28, 2006 3:59 am |
aaah...thankyou sweetie...thought it might be one of those but never heard the english word for it... |
_________________ Location: Denmark. Me = 32, think I'm combo without oiliness + sometimes sensitive. Have noticed that skin doesn't heal as quickly anymore and I've developed fine lines around my eyes... Hormonal breakouts which are sometimes cystic. PCOS |
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Thu Apr 06, 2006 12:10 pm |
I'm sooooooo Happy!!!! Used the Diva Cup for the second time and had a much easier time with the whole experience.
I decided to cut off a little more than half the stem and there was hardly a hint of a leak. Better than tampons this time. Yaaaaay!! I was able to go without any protection when sleeping which was GREAT!!!
Getting it in and out was also much easier. I think I really got the hang of it. The only bad part was my cramps were terrible this month. Much worse than usual. I hope this is just a coincidence and not related to the cup because I know many people mentioned their cramps got better. Did anyone experience bad cramps their first couple of trys?
If I can get my cramps under control I will be completely sold on this concept. Fingers Crossed. X |
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