PSA (Diva Cup)

[dichroic]

There is a current discussion on Ravelry which began with someone's idea of a hand-knittde tampon (which strikes me as an awful idea) and quickly veered off into discussion of the Diva Cup and other brands of menstrual cup (MoonCup, Lunette, Keeper). These are reusable silicone or rubber reusable cups that replace a tampon or sanitary pad: less leakage, much less money spent, possibly more comfort, no need to carry stuff around, and some women find they cut down on cramping.

In the course of the discussion, an online friend of mine of about a decade's standing wrote, "Why has no one told me about this before?" I feel a little guilty about that: I've used a Diva Cup for 5 years or so and it has seriously improved my quality of life. That's been especially a factor with frequent travel.

So, if no one has told you about it either, or if you've heard of them and had questions you couldn't get answered, here's your chance. I will frankly answer any questions that fall within my experience, in the comments. All comments are screened; if you don't want yours published just say so. Or ask anonymously. I will still answer.

P.S. The offer also applies to the Freshette funnel (and similar ones), that allows women to pee standing up (useful to camping, hiking, and dirty bathrooms - and I suppose for squat toilets if you find squatting difficult. I wrote about mine years and years ago, and when I used to check blog search terms there were always a lot of searches for that, so I think there's a fair bit of curiosity out there.

Comments

[damned_colonial]

OMG, I saw that handknit tampon thread when it was first posted, and yeah, *ick*.

I have a Diva cup question! I have one and use it but I'm not very good at it. My problem is that I fold it to insert, and then I can't get it to open out into a circle; it stays folded no matter what I do. The instructions say to turn it 90 degrees, but I can't grip it well enough to give it that twist. The result is that it doesn't open out, and so it leaks. Not all the time, but often enough that it's a serious nuisance.

Suggestions?

(No need to screen.)

[dichroic]

How do you fold it? If I recall correctly Diva's instructions suggested a few different folding methods. I tend to fold it in quarters (that is, the vertical access stays vertical, and if the top opens into a circle I fold that circle into quarters. I don't think I do a 90-degree turn; instead I end up inserting it farther in, where it can open up and then pulling / bearing down to get it low enough to be in proper position. Keeping it low seems to prevent leaks.

One other thing is making sure you have the right size. Diva recommends a large for women over 30 even if you have not had kids but I tried it and it was too big - uncomfortable and very, very difficult to get out. I talked to a Diva rep on the phone; first she suggested snipping the stem to make it shorter but that didn't help. So per their guarantee, the company sent me the small size, free.

[damned_colonial]

I've tried with a simple U fold and a 7 fold. I don't understand your quarter fold, sorry, just can't visualise what you're saying... unless it's the same as the U fold?

I have the larger size, as I am 34 and also, um, I am used to large things. I don't have any trouble with getting it in or out, and it's comfortable when it works. I just can't always get it to unfold.

[dichroic]

Dentists always complain about my small mouth; I think it's a related issue ;-)

(I'm small-framed overall and only 5'2", but I understand that's not necessarily a factor.)

[damned_colonial]

Hmm, perhaps I should try this push-down fold. Some websites are describing it as the "super fold".

If you have had problems with inserting and getting the cup to open up and create a tight seal, well, look no further. This folding technique will change your life. Really.

Hmmm.

[dichroic]

I thnk I end up with either a U-fold or a pushdown depending how precise (or not) I'm being. But I do think I end up pushing it further in or else running a finger around it (not very easy for me, might be easier for someone roomier) to get it to unfold.

[damned_colonial]

I can run a finger round, but it doesn't work. In fact sometimes I wonder if I'm pushing it in too far, because I think it's maybe even getting caught on my cervix? Anyway. I will keep experimenting.

They ought to have diva cup consultants! Like lactation consultants, but for diva cups! They could come round to your house and help you figure out what works best.

[dichroic]

I suppose you could take it alog on your next ob-gyn checkup and ask if it's in right. Assuming they know.

Having it too far in can also be a source of leaks - it's supposed to ride really low, with the little stem sticking out. I just push it in far enough to expand, then pull it back out to the right spot.

[sara]

*wanders in* The trick is to put it in, then, if it hasn't unfolded, pull it out until it's almost but not quite out, and wiggle until it opens up. Then push back in once it's popped open. (This is one of those things that's much easier to do than to describe.)

Also, make sure it's actually over the cervix. I've had some, er, unexpected surprises that way, when it gets on one side or t'other.

[kiwiria]

I've been using my mooncup for a year now and LOVE it! There's so much less hassle (okay, that sounded grammatically horrible) and I feel cleaner too.

Never heard of the Freshette funnel before though. I wonder if they're obtainable in Denmark.

[dichroic]

I've also got a disposable version of it and I'm pretty sure I got it in the Netherlands. Look in the sort of store that sells outdoor hiking / camping gear.

[adrian_turtle]

If you're willing to do business with Amazon, and none of your local stores sell Freshette funnels (or variations made by other companies), you may want to consider this:
http://www.amazon.com/s/?ie=UTF8&keywords=freshette&tag=googhydr-20&index=aps&hvadid=3402720977&ref=pd_sl_7xj1cwppt3_b

I don't even know the brand I have. It works fine, in a technical sense...but the situations in which I can't find a toilet all turn out to feel wildly unsuitable for peeing on the ground. Going off the bikeway and behind a tree tends to put a person right against the edge of somebody's back yard, for instance.

[dichroic]

REI also sells them and also ships internationally.

Where the Freshette was *really* usedful was for hiking in the Arizona desert. Plenty of wilderness, but no cover - you can't really hide behind a cactus the way you can behind a bush. It's also useful when there is a restroom but you don't want to touch anything in it.