Sorry, I'm going to talk about the Diva Cup again - removal issues

Tambcat

Okay, I've been using this for a couple of days. I think I've gotten the hang of putting it in (found a good internal spot for it and trimmed the stem a couple of times so that it sits there w/o poking me in the vagina), but I'm still having a hard time removing. How far am I supposed to pull it out before releasing the suction? I can only get my thumb and forefinger in there so far in pincer position - I can't reach the top. The instructions say to angle sideways when pulling out to release the air. Huh? The thing barely fits through my vaginal opening when it's straight. It hurts if I try to pinch, pull and tilt sideways all at the same time.

CDMay2006

I'm pretty sure i just pinch the ridged part and slowly pull straight down... i'll take notes next time and get back to you

daisygirl17

Tambcat:

Okay, I've been using this for a couple of days. I think I've gotten the hang of putting it in (found a good internal spot for it and trimmed the stem a couple of times so that it sits there w/o poking me in the vagina), but I'm still having a hard time removing. How far am I supposed to pull it out before releasing the suction? I can only get my thumb and forefinger in there so far in pincer position - I can't reach the top. The instructions say to angle sideways when pulling out to release the air. Huh? The thing barely fits through my vaginal opening when it's straight. It hurts if I try to pinch, pull and tilt sideways all at the same time.

are you bearing down when you are trying to remove it? if not, this will help A TON. by bearing down, I mean, act like you are trying to poop...haha. i know it sounds funny but it works. I have to do that every time I remove it. Then, I can easily stick my fingers up there, usually my forefinger, and remove the suction, then pull it out with my thumb and first two fingers. I used to have trouble keeping everything contained in the cup and it was like a murder scene, but now I NEVER spill any before dumping it.

let me know if that helps...if you already are bearing down, then you might just need to stick your fingers up farther. You really need to get to know your body when using the Diva Cup!

so glad to hear you found a good place for it to sit, etc though

Tambcat

I am bearing down (I have to to be able to get any kind of hold on the cup!), but I guess I just haven't figured out how to manipulate the thing yet. If I don't keep a thumb on the opposite side of what's left of the stem when sticking my finger in there to release the suction, the stem digs into me and it hurts. But when I put a thumb there, I can't reach the top of the cup. I haven't spilled anything yet, so that's good. lol

Tambcat

So what's the worst that could happen if you don't even try to release the suction and just grab the base and pull?

laptopprancer

Tambcat:

So what's the worst that could happen if you don't even try to release the suction and just grab the base and pull?

Your head pops out of your arse!

WendyGR

I didn't know you were supposed to grab the top . . . I usually just bear down, reach up and squeeze the middle of it and pull down. That usually does it. I just have to remember to do it slowly to avoid spillage.

Tambcat

Hm, well I just checked out the FAQ on their website, and that does just say to pinch the base and pull down.

Lol, laptop. My more immediate worry was pulling my IUD out of my uterus.

SuperGreen

I bear down, reach in with my thumb and index finger, pinch the cup closed while it's still inside (which releases the suction, I usually hear a slurp sound), and pull straight down slowly until it's out.  Then empty it.  If the stem is digging into you when you do this I would cut it some more.  I cut mine pretty much all the way off, there's juuusst enough stem left so that I didn't cut a hole in the bottom of the cup.  I don't think you're supposed to use the Diva with an IUD because maybe removing without breaking the suction seal first could pull your IUD out.  I don't have an IUD so I'm not sure.  I would ask your OB.

Tambcat

Okay, I think I've got this thing figured out. I think part of the problem was that I was putting it in the wrong way - like a tampon. I couldn't figure out how I'd put something in any differently until I'd just done it few times. I also cut the stem some more, so that there's barely any left, which is much nicer. Now I'm able to get my fingers around it and release the suction.

I asked my gynecologist about the diva cup the last time I was in there, but she'd never heard if it. She pulled up the website really quickly and gave me the okay, but we were both only considering whether I'd accidentally pull the string, not whether I'd suction it out.

jpeazybreezy

Uh, not breaking the suction on my cup feels like I'm going to pull my lady castle inside out

I always bear down until I can reach the bottom, pull until I feel tension, releas the suction on one side by pressing the back to the front, and then pinch to remove. There is an audible air suction sound that make public restrooms extra fun...but at leat I know the suction is broken. I made the mistake of trying to take it out once just by pulling straight down, WORSE IDEA EVER! LOL

SuperGreen

Tambcat:

Okay, I think I've got this thing figured out. I think part of the problem was that I was putting it in the wrong way - like a tampon.

Yeah that's definetely the problem.  You should insert the Diva parallel to the floor, not "up and towards the small of your back" like a tampon.