Diva cup learning curve? (potential TMI)

GRKaters

How long did it take you to be 100% confident with using it? This is my first cycle, and while it's already miles better than the pads/tampons I was using, it's still not perfect and that kinda bugs me. I know I should allow some time to practice and shouldn't expect perfection right out of the box, but still... it's frustrating to hear how much people love it when I really WANT to, but seem very fumbly right now.

How many cycles did it take for you to have it down? My biggest hangup is removal, believe it or not. Sucker is slippery. And I don't know how short you all keep your nails, but mine are not exactly hand-model material and I manage to pinch or pull something every dang time. Bah.

 

 

MrsOjoButtons

My mom sent me a Diva cup while I was stationed overseas in 2006.  I used it at night for a couple years, but always slept on towels because it just wasn't reliable.

After a couple years of wanting to love it, I upgraded to the bigger size Lunette cup.  Now I can wear it during the day.  (ETA: I still practiced with it, only used it on weekends for a few months because I was afraid to have issues with it at work.)  My flow is way too heavy to go all day without emptying it, and I actually have to do it every single hour for two or three days, but the same would be true for tampons. 

I keep my nails short and I scrub scrub scrub because I end up with blood around my cuticles.  How's that for TMI?  I usually don't have any issues with pinching or scratching, but when I'm really bloated, I get sore from the cup popping open in there.

Lanerbell

I have semi short nails and I still pinch or poke something I dont want to, I dont really know how to get around that.

It took me 3 cycles to really feel comfortable.  Im about to be on my 5th and I still get a little apprehensive that first day, but once Im fine for one day I forget about it.  It takes some time, I wouldnt give up on it for a couple more cycles.

I do want to add though, on other message board devoted directly to menstrual cups, some girls had to try a couple different cups before they found the right one for them, the Diva is just the most readily available.  

annabelle.27

It took a few cycles. The biggest improvement came when I learned a new way to fold and insert it- I now use the punch-down fold instead of the U-fold, which I find much easier.

I had mild mild leaking for the first six months or so- I still don't know why it stopped, other than that maybe I'm better at inserting it now? At any rate, the leaking was usually only enough to stain toilet paper but not my clothing.

I've never had a problem with removal. I just pinch the bottom and fold it into a slight U-shape and pull.

I love it now. Hang in there.

GRKaters

OK thanks. I like it, and it's comfortable, but I feel like I'm all thumbs when it comes to removal. I'll keep working on it.

 

brideofaussie

annabelle.27:

It took a few cycles. The biggest improvement came when I learned a new way to fold and insert it- I now use the punch-down fold instead of the U-fold, which I find much easier.

Can you describe the punch-down?

GRKaters

brideofaussie:

annabelle.27:

It took a few cycles. The biggest improvement came when I learned a new way to fold and insert it- I now use the punch-down fold instead of the U-fold, which I find much easier.

Can you describe the punch-down?

I think that's what I do--hold the cup upright, and press one of the top edges down to meet the center, inside of the cup. From the side it should look like a little triangular silicone taco. Head-on, the top part (that would go in first) is curled like when you roll your tongue, and is narrower than a standard tampon. It's one of the folds described in the instructions.

 

 

annabelle.27

GRKaters:

brideofaussie:

annabelle.27:

It took a few cycles. The biggest improvement came when I learned a new way to fold and insert it- I now use the punch-down fold instead of the U-fold, which I find much easier.

Can you describe the punch-down?

I think that's what I do--hold the cup upright, and press one of the top edges down to meet the center, inside of the cup. From the side it should look like a little triangular silicone taco. Head-on, the top part (that would go in first) is curled like when you roll your tongue, and is narrower than a standard tampon. It's one of the folds described in the instructions.

 

 

http://community.livejournal.com/menstrual_cups/453392.html?thread=4016400

juno

The only fold I found that works for me is the "7."  I wanted to throw it out the first few cycles, but I eventually got the hang of it.  Removal was the worst part for me too.  It took me 3 months or so to get everything worked out.  After that, it's been pretty smooth sailing.  At first I always had to squat for the removal, but I've gotten a lot better at it and don't have to do that now, even though mine always migrates waaaaaay up. 

GRKaters

juno:

The only fold I found that works for me is the "7."  I wanted to throw it out the first few cycles, but I eventually got the hang of it.  Removal was the worst part for me too.  It took me 3 months or so to get everything worked out.  After that, it's been pretty smooth sailing.  At first I always had to squat for the removal, but I've gotten a lot better at it and don't have to do that now, even though mine always migrates waaaaaay up. 

Thanks!

 

CDMay2006

I haven't read the other responses, but here are my thoughts (TMI central):
Removal is the hardest.  You may want to try in the shower till you get the hang of it b/c you won't have to worry about making a mess.  Squat, bear down and take it out.  You could also try multiple ways of removing it while doing that till you find one you like or get the hang of it.  Pulling on the stem didn't do anything; i eventually cut it off for comfort (big improvement), and it's easier to remove b/c there is less stuff in the way.  To remove: bear down (this is key), then pinch the grooved part of the cup.  I use my thumb and index finger, but around the first joint of the finger; that helps break the seal and give a little bit more purchase, then pull straight down (with a little twist if necessary).  Sometimes it works its way further up and/or i've inserted it further up and a couple attempts are needed, even after using it for several years.  I don't know how to help with the pinching; sorry.

Edit: I also use the "7" fold.  Otherwise it doesn't insert comfortably or pop open (even with twisting).  

WendyGR

I also almost always remove it in the shower. Squat way down, pinch the bottom of it a little to sort of break the seal, then gently pull it out.

tokenhoser

I think it took me a while - like 6 months - before I abandoned my backup pantyliners/pads.

The key for me ended up being figuring out how to clean the holes well so it stopped leaking.

I've had it a long time now - 6 or 7 years? I guess I'll replace it post-baby and get the larger size. For the record, the new recommendation to replace yearly is crazy talk. Mine is still like new. Hydrogen peroxide = magic.

GRKaters

tokenhoser:

I think it took me a while - like 6 months - before I abandoned my backup pantyliners/pads.

The key for me ended up being figuring out how to clean the holes well so it stopped leaking.

I've had it a long time now - 6 or 7 years? I guess I'll replace it post-baby and get the larger size. For the record, the new recommendation to replace yearly is crazy talk. Mine is still like new. Hydrogen peroxide = magic.

Good tip! I couldn't see replacing it after just a year. 

 

 

I made it through the first cycle with no major mishaps, and I've already worked out a hole-clearing method, so I think it'll just take some more time to get comfy with removing it better. Trimming my nails helped a little yesterday. Thanks for all the advice!

 

Lady*Timot

Someone suggested that you turn it upsode down with water and squeeze it out through the holes.  This works really well for me to clean the holes.

 

I also use the shower.  I would say I'm savy, had it for 6 cycles now and I thought I had the hang of it but my period was PSYCHO heavy this month and I didn't dump in time...my own fault.  Otherwise I think it took at least three to get the "hang" of it.

Good luck and like others said after 6 months if it's still not going right try the Luna or another cup.

GRKaters

Lady*Timot:

Someone suggested that you turn it upsode down with water and squeeze it out through the holes.  This works really well for me to clean the holes.

 

I also use the shower.  I would say I'm savy, had it for 6 cycles now and I thought I had the hang of it but my period was PSYCHO heavy this month and I didn't dump in time...my own fault.  Otherwise I think it took at least three to get the "hang" of it.

Good luck and like others said after 6 months if it's still not going right try the Luna or another cup.

Exactly what I do.  

 

elviebird

Just wanted to tell you guys that I tried my diva cup for the first time this morning and I jumped on the laptop before getting in the shower to read all your advice one more time.  LOL  Insertion wasn't bad but I think I put it in too far and then realized I couldn't turn it, so I panicked and had to push it down before trying to adjust.  I THINK it's in right but I guess only time will tell... I'm cramping and I'm hoping it's just normal menstrual pain and not the cup.  Do yours actually turn easily?  I was fighting for a quarter turn much less a full one.  Next time I'll try turning after inserting halfway.

GRKaters

elviebird:

Just wanted to tell you guys that I tried my diva cup for the first time this morning and I jumped on the laptop before getting in the shower to read all your advice one more time.  LOL  Insertion wasn't bad but I think I put it in too far and then realized I couldn't turn it, so I panicked and had to push it down before trying to adjust.  I THINK it's in right but I guess only time will tell... I'm cramping and I'm hoping it's just normal menstrual pain and not the cup.  Do yours actually turn easily?  I was fighting for a quarter turn much less a full one.  Next time I'll try turning after inserting halfway.

Not putting it all the way in before I try turning it works best for me. I just get it in enough for the rim to be inserted, then turn. Usually when I try it this way, I'll feel the "thwap" of it fully opening. Then I push it the rest of the way in. If I'm not sure about it, I have realized that I can pinch the cup mid-way up with thumb and forefinger and feel if it has "inflated."