You know, I used to be a champion for the Diva- but suddenly it stopped working for me. I used it for years but it suddenly started leaking and hurting.. .I tried another one, then tried a different size, and it just wasn't all that comfortable for me anymore. I don't know WTH happened and I miss it!

I have the DivaCup too, but I've only had it for a couple of periods, now.

It is messy to get used to (or at least, was for me) I recommend to my friends for them to test it out before they start their periods, and plan to use it on their periods, during a weekend they know they'll be home to clean up. And putting it in/taking it out in the shower works way better for me than sitting on the toilet.

I also had a terrifying experience where I put it in way too high and it like, suctioned itself to my cervix or something and I nearly keeled over from the sheer terror of having to go to the ER to have them get my menstrual cup out. (I posted about it somewhere on 3FC, lol). Luckily, some beautiful poster here just told me to push down like you're having a baby to pull it out, and all was fixed.

I've found that after using the DC for a couple of periods that tampons and pads really really irritate my vajayjay now (to the point of not even wanting to try them), which I never noticed them doing before. Pads keep it too moist down there, and tampons keep it way too dry.

I also have incredibly heavy periods - and I like with the DC that I can "measure" how heavy my flow is way more accurately to discuss with my OBGYN. During my super heavy flow days, I have to change the DC every two hours or so. During my normal days, only twice a day, and during light days I could get away with once every 24 hours (but clean it more often just for cleanliness sake).

With DC I have no leaking, no irritation, and within 15 minutes of it being put in I totally forget its there - which was not something I'd ever say about tampons. The only downfall I have with the DivaCup is a mental one : During the first few heavy flow days of my period when I'm already super queezy and feeling awful, I really don't want to deal with shoving stuff up "there" at all, and especially taking it out. So I think for now, the first two days are still going to be pads (which sucks after realizing how entirely uncomfortable they are after using the DivaCup!), and using the DC for the more normal flow days when I feel more up to taking on the world again.

And for what it's worth : I got mine at REI!

I didn't know there was even such a thing! LOL

Oh, instead, that's what they were called! I remember once getting up in the middle of the night to comfort my 2 year old, I picked him up and with the exertion, I leaked all over his carpeted floor, because it spills, like a cup! Ugh! And I had problems getting them to fit right, so quit. I might have to try the divacup though. I hate putting unnatural fibers in my body!

Theres a great youtube video on this, by: lacigreen. I've never personally used one and only have heard about it through that video. But the video is very informative, and should answer any questions about it.

I personally dont have any experience w/ them.

I know plenty of people who use them and love them. I have a prolapse, so I can't use them or tampons or anything else that goes inside. I use disposable pads these days, but I used cloth ones for a long time. I liked them better than disposable ones, but when they started to fall apart, I never replaced them. I cloth diapered my babies, though, so I'm not too squeamish about that sort of thing. As an aside to the poster upthread who said that the cloth seemed to reduce her flow, that wasn't my experience. I've heard other people say the same thing, though, so maybe there's something to it - or maybe the cloth is better at absorbing it than the gel. I know I had far fewer leaks with cloth diapers than I ever did with disposable.

I bought one a few months ago but I'm too nervous to try it. My period is so incredibly light, it probably wouldn't even fill a Super tampon the entire 4 days! I'm on the pill, though. So that's why. But I never fill up my tampons so I feel like I'm ripping my vaginal wall when I take them out (gross... but it seriously sucks!) I'll have to give it a try, now!

Ive used the Diva cup for a couple years and LOVE it! My flow has lightened and become shorter since using it and I would also say PMS symptoms have decreased as well. I think we really take for granted what the chemicals in tampons and pads do to our bodies.
I did struggle at first- - there is quite a learning curve and I would say it took me 5 months or so before I was completely comfortable. For me I had to trim the stem completely off or it poked me on the inside, but now it is SO comfortable. Definitely recommend!

i hated tampons, i think i only tried it once or twice, and that was a long time ago. i'm on bc that doesn't have a period, but eventually i will again. i like that the cup is reusable, but i don't think i'll be comfortable putting anything inside. just old fashioned pads for me.

I love my Diva Cup! I highly encourage all women to try it.

I'm another one that LOVES mine!

Cheaper in the long run, more comfortable and more reliable for me. I've been lucky that I haven't had any problems with just the standard size DivaCup - it doesn't work for everyone, as every body is different. There are quite a few brands and sizes, so there are options if it doesn't work at first - but it's just not for everyone.

I followed the instructions for cleaning it, but it still gave me a yeast infection every month that I used it. Maybe I'm allergic? If it doesn't give you that problem, it's otherwise great.

Wow, I've never had a yeast infection. I'm not sure since it is supposed to be hypoallergenic but who knows?

Aclai, did you use natural chemical free soap?

I had a Diva cup and had similar experiences with it. I no longer use it.