DivaCup Menstrual Cup Model 0

After a 7 year battle with tampons, I've decided to give menstrual cups a try. Since switching to commercial tampons, I've developed some feminine health issues (increased bleeding & Uterine Fibroids), which I am certain now, was caused by the use of commercial tampons because they occurred a few years later. I have a gut feeling it's the cause of a lot of issues with women's health in general. I mean, how much does the average woman knows about what goes into making tampons? Yet, we so willingly place one after the other, month after month, into our bodies without any thoughts as to how they are made and whether or not they are safe. I tried the natural cotton tampons a few months ago and they were okay, but I was tired of the frequent trips to the bathroom on my heavy days (once an hour) and the expense. Not to mention, lugging around my Ant Flo gear. With that being the case, I decided that I've had it with tampons all together and there was no way I was going back to pads, so I decided to get a DivaCup (size 2). Not sure what being over 30 had to do with anything, but I got the size 2 more for that fact that I know I flow heavier and that size 1 was not going to do anything for me. When I got my cup, I gave it a test run to see how it will work before my period. I wanted to get as much practice as possible. Let it be known that you will have a learning curve with this product, as you will with any menstrual cup; and you will need to erase your tampons tendencies from your head as this is not a tampon and cannot be treated like one :) On first handling of the cup, I noticed that the rim was a little stiff. It wasn't hard, but I found it a little difficult to hold and insert with one hand. In fact, my hand started hurting, so I had to use both hands, which made things more awkward. But I was willing to keep going. It took me about 3 tries, but I was able to insert using the "C" fold. Yeah, the second fold made a smaller insertion point, but it was a little more challenging to get the cup to open up once inside. Really, it's something you will have to figure out for yourself, as our bodies are all different. Once inside, I found that the 360 degree turn is something of trickery. It is possible, but it was not until I very slightly pulled down on the stem that I felt it pop. From the base, I slowly turned to make sure it was in place and then moved it more inside. I let it stay on for about 45 minutes. On removal, I experienced a little challenge, and found the stem to be a little short. I had to bear down with my butt to my ankles in order to get it. Once I got a good grip on the stem. I slightly pulled until I can pinch the base to release suction. It slide out okay and I felt good about trying it out when Ant Flo arrived. Once I began spotting, I immediately inserted my Divacup. Insertion was easy, and I was glad that I tried it out before my period to get a feel for it. I had the cup in for about 8 hours and wanted to take it out to see what going on. By the way, I didn't feel it or anything, which made me really curious what was going on. It took me about 20 minutes to get it out the first time. It was mostly due to me not really being able to get a grip on this the stem. I had to constantly bear down. I never given birth before, but I would imagine that type of bearing down would be required. As a side note, if you have to use the facilities in any way, I found it to be helpful to do that first, before removing the cup. Finally, I was able to get a grip and from there removal was easy. I would recommend using your other hand to hold on to the rim of the cup as it will do kind of a "popping" out thing once removed. I believe that was from the rim being kind if stiff. It was about 1/4 oz of fluid and I was feeling pretty good about the cup. I mean, sure there are a few minor challenges with removal, but I was pretty happy. Then, my heavy flow came! I experienced a lot of leakage and was changing about once an hour at my peak times. This was no fun at all. If there is leakage, the whole thing is just a mess. I thought about putting a tampon in, but I said no and I stayed with the cup. I feel that the cup works very well on my light days and I don't even notice I have it on. I mean, I have to remind myself to check. But on my heavy days, Diva is just not for me. I would totally recommend this product to anyone, but feel it's just not right for me. All-in-all, I found the stem to be too short, which made removal exhausting and messy on my heavy days. I have little hands and fingers, so I need more stem. Also, the cup was prone to a lot of leakage on my heavy days, so I need more capacity and better leakage protection. With my flow and body design, I must say that I will be looking for another cup. I am very glad that I gave it a go and appreciate the experience because now I know what to look for in my next cup. I say try it. If anything, you will get a better idea of your body's needs and what you really want in your menstrual cup. Who knows, Divacup may be your cup! In any case, a menstrual cup is the way to go. You just have to be patient and find one that works for you. It's definitely a safer and a more environmentally sound choice.