Period Problems Begone. Diva Cup to the Rescue.
I've got problems. Period.
No, let me rephrase - I've got period problems!
If you're like me, you don't look forward to the crabbiness, cramps, and discomfort that your oh too generous Aunt Flo brings with her each month. It's no wonder my overall mood elevates whenever she leaves! Honestly, I just try to get through each visit, so I'm constantly looking for whatever makes getting through it get easier. It got worse when I got my IUD, but that's staying put so I have to cope.
A few months ago at work I overheard Nurse Heidi and Nurse Katherine talking female things, and when they mentioned this thing in particular that they absolutely love called The Diva Cup, I was all ears! And then I was all in their conversation. I'd never heard of this mysterious cup that they'd sworn by for years. I thought the only options for managing Aunt Flo were pads and tampons, neither of which I love.
An alternative sounded great, so I had to learn more about this menstrual cup, and what such a thing even was. They explained that it's a little cup that's used in place of tampons and pads. Got it. What I didn't get was how this cup was supposed to make it's way inside my you-know-what, so Nurse Heidi used a rubber band to demo how it folds for insertion (best she could do in an office).
OK, I figured I could give it a try. I did my research, found it online, but didn't place an order...I was scared. To be honest, the nurses' explanation of the cup was unsettling. They went on to tell me the small cup sits inside my vagina the entire day (up to 12 hours), collecting everything the red tide carries in. At the end of the day I'd remove the cup and dump it in the toilet or shower. I don't think I'd ever gotten that close to Aunt Flo's gifts. No no no. But then they sold me on the positives.
Menstrual cups can stay in all day. Yes, I did just complain about that but it really is a positive. This is the case with tampons as well, but tampons are more likely to leak. I was told the cup does not leak when inserted properly. And this is for up to 12 hours!
Menstrual cups are far less expensive in the long-run because they are reusable. They costs $35 - $45 and lasts up to 10 years. That means I save tons on the money I'd spend buying pads and tampons.
Menstrual cups are also good for the environment. Again, being reusable means it doesn't generate the trash that comes from tampons and pads, which is eco-friendly. We're making mother earth proud when we use menstrual cups.
But, this does mean handling, washing, storing, and then reusing the cup - too much for some...too much for me, I'd thought. So I didn't rush to order. Funny thing, about a week after chatting it up with the nurses I walked into work and found this sitting on my desk.
Menstrual cups can stay in all day. Yes, I did just complain about that but it really is a positive. This is the case with tampons as well, but tampons are more likely to leak. I was told the cup does not leak when inserted properly. And this is for up to 12 hours!
Menstrual cups are far less expensive in the long-run because they are reusable. They costs $35 - $45 and lasts up to 10 years. That means I save tons on the money I'd spend buying pads and tampons.
Menstrual cups are also good for the environment. Again, being reusable means it doesn't generate the trash that comes from tampons and pads, which is eco-friendly. We're making mother earth proud when we use menstrual cups.
But, this does mean handling, washing, storing, and then reusing the cup - too much for some...too much for me, I'd thought. So I didn't rush to order. Funny thing, about a week after chatting it up with the nurses I walked into work and found this sitting on my desk.
It was a sign. Time to place my order and give it a try. (FYI, menstrual cups are also carried in many health food stores, like Nature's Market in Indianapolis)
My Diva Cup came and despite my hesitation, Nurse Heidi assured me I could do it, and I did. I'm still deciding exactly how I feel about it but I can say it's not as bad as I'd thought. Like I said, it's eco-friendly and actually easy to clean. I washed mine as recommended in the shower and placed it in its cute little diva pouch when it dried.
One of my biggest issues with pads and tampons is changing them several times throughout the day. Yes, even tampons. Nurse Michelle from work suggested I try the Kotex Super Plus tampons, at least while I adjust to my Diva Cup.
My first thought was TSS (Toxic Shock Syndrome). Super Plus seemed intense, too intense, but she swears by them and insists they're great for leakage issues, which is an issue for me - damn IUD, oh and my tilted uterus *sigh*
It's now been several months since I first tried The Diva Cup, and I continue to use it occasionally. It really does stay in place during normal activity, but the insertion can be tricky. Rotate? Even still, I've only had true problems on rigorous workout days. The website also has a section for teenagers but I don't believe I would have handled a menstrual cup during my teen years, and it would be questionable in my early twenties. FYI, they have two sizes. Model 1 is for women under 30 who have not had a vaginal birth and Model 2 is for women over 30 or have had a vaginal birth.
daughter will be 12 next month (God help me) and her aunt flo will be coming any time now. We're already talking about it, and I've made her a basket of essentials so she's prepared for the arrival...but you won't find The Diva Cup, or even tampons for that matter.
As for me, I'll keep using The Diva Cup on occasion, especially heavy days. I currently use tampons more, but I may eventually make The Diva Cup my staple because I'd rather spend money on clothes than feminine care products.