Addicted to All Things Pretty

Diva Cup Size A and Diva Cup Wash

Diva Cup

Diva Cup

Diva Cup Size A

Long time Addicted to All Things Pretty reader, DBLCR, talked about her love for the Diva Cup a couple years ago during our first Kitty Care chat.  The thought of a menstrual cup was intriguing to say the least, and though it took me a long time I finally took the plunge to get one.  Since this post is long and very in-depth and high on the too much information meter, I’ll break it into several categories.  If talking about menstruation, vaginas, and everything that comes along with being a woman and having a period grosses you out, read no further.

Ease of use

The first day was tricky, which I found odd because I’m use to wearing tampons.  They’re 2 ways to fold the Diva Cup for insertion; the C-Fold and Pointed Folder.  I find the C-Fold to be the easiest to use.  The trick is to relax and insert quickly, since the silicone’s natural reaction is to pop open.

I had a small amount of leaking one time because I had it inserted too far into the vagina.  Knowing your body and understanding your cycle is vital for using the Diva Cup.  During my cycle my cervix drops lower and it feels like my bladder moves along with it because all I do is pee.  Just in case you’re wondering you can use the restroom without removing the Diva Cup.

I didn’t find the Diva Cup to be uncomfortable at all, most of the time I forgot I had it in.  For the first time I could ever remember, I slept like a baby during my cycle.  No waking up in the middle of the night because of the discomfort of sleeping with a huge overnight pad on or paranoia of leaking.  I slept with a panty liner on.  I was in heaven! This cup is unbelievably comfortable.  It’s changed the way of the way I think about my period.  Not to say that I dread my cycle, but it isn’t a picnic in the park either.

Removal, cleaning, and handling the cup while out during the day

Removing the cup is a bit tricky.  Instead of gripping the cup by the stem you grip it at the base and slightly wiggle it back and forth while pulling it out.  The process isn’t messy as there is not menstruation on the outside of the cup.  But the sound of the natural suction will catch you by surprise.  Don’t be alarmed it’s completely natural because of the shape of your vaginal canal.  But the suction also serves as another (possible unintentional) purpose.  It seems to help the menstruation’s flow, making my period days shorter than normal.  #WINNING!

When I’m in the comfort of my own home I can easily wash the Diva Cup for reuse, but I was baffled as hell as to how I would pull this off while at work.  I can’t just walk out of the stall, wash the cup, and then go back into the stall without raising concerns.  Nor could I walk in the stall with a water bottle and paper towels to wash it over the toilette.  I’m already grossed out by women that bring lunch bags in the restroom or talk on their cell phones.  So what I did was grab a paper damp paper towel on my way into the stall, emptied the cup in the toilet, cleaned it with the damp paper towel, and reinserted it.  It was so quick and easy.  Quicker than using sanitary napkin and tampons.  Since the cup can be worn up to 12 hours I only find myself having to change it once a day, even on my heaviest day.

Pros

• Cleaner and greener.  Now I have 4 boxes of pads ad tampons to give away.  With proper cleaning you can keep the Diva Cup for years, some have reported having their cup for well over 10 years.
• No period funk.  Since the blood doesn’t come in contact with air it does oxidize and have a chance to start reek.  For those that may not know, it isn’t the blood that smells, it’s once it comes in contact with air.
• It doesn’t mess your pH.  Every month at the end of my cycle my pH gets slightly off balance because of my period.  I didn’t get thrown off this month at all J.
• You can save your coins to buy more makeup.  The Diva Cup is $25 on Amazon, and will last for years!
• No period funk!
• You can sleep comfortably
• No need to worry about TSS since it’s made from medical grade silicone.

Cons

• You have to be familiar with your body or at least be prepared to get to know it.  I know its women out there that haven’t looked at their vagina in a hand mirror.

Available:  Amazon.com, DivaCup.com, and select retail store locations (such as Whole Foods and Sprouts)

Price:  SRP $35, but I found mine on Amazon for $25

Rating:  A+

Note…I bought the Diva Cup Wash and love it but you really don’t need it.