DIVA Cup Model 0 Reusable Menstrual Cup Medical Grade Silicone Period Care For Teens And First Time Users 1 Count

I did a ton of research before deciding on the diva cup. I had never previously used a menstrual cup.I decided on the model 2 since I'm 35 although I've never given birth. My first time using it was pretty easy and I'm going to list some really helpful tips as I go.Before you use it, wash it with hot soapy water. The hot water kind of makes the material a bit softer and comfortable to insert. I kind of squat and fold the cup like a taco by making a U shape by pushing the sides toghether, then gently push it in towards your tailbone rather than straight up. It should be far enough up that the base isn't sticking out or visible. You shouldn't be able to feel it. The first few times I put It in I could feel it and I was worried I got the wrong size, but it just wasn't in right (it took a few tries until I couldn't feel it). After it's inserted I kind on wiggle the base around so that it pops open and creates a seal. You can also push it up a bit if it's too low by inserting a finger and pushing it a bit at the top. So for my first period using it I thought it seemed like a lot of work and stressful to put in and take out (looking back now It's the complete opposite). I got lazy and used tampons half the time.When you go to take it out, bear down (I like to do this in the shower or on the toilet) and push with your muscles down there until the base is sticking out, then pinch the base hard to break the seal. Pinch and wiggle it while gently pulling it out. Pour the contents into the toilet and wash with hot soapy water and repeat.While researching, I had come across horror stories about it getting stuck, but I've never had that issue. Just squat and push down if that ever happens. I also heard people say they couldn't move their bowels with it in, or that it was painful, but I don't have that issue. I can go to the bathroom just fine with it in.I'm so glad I stuck with it and didn't give up because after using it for a few periods it got easier every time and is second nature now. It takes seconds to put in and take out and now there's no mess, waste or leaks to worry about. I have an extremely heavy flow and have never had a leak whereas before I was bleeding through a super size tampon in less than an hour. The diva cup is comfortable to sleep in and work out it. Sometimes it slips down a bit when I'm working out, but I just go in the bathroom and push it back up or even kind of pull it back in by doing kegel exercises (weird but it works). The diva cup is a harder cup which is good because that is what causes it to pop open inside of you and prevents leaks, but if you prefer a softer cup this may be too hard for you. If you are unsure or have never used one, its a good one to start with. My tips are to run hot water over it (Don't dry it off) before insertion to help it slip in easier (you can use lube too) and so the cold material won't be uncomfortable. Squat down in the shower to remove it and wash it each time you shower. Bear down in a squatting or sitting position to remove. To insert, stand up, arc your back like you are getting ready to do a squat and put one foot up on a ledge, insert and aim it up and back towards your tailbone rather than straight up. And finally, DON'T GIVE UP! It gets so much easier each and every time you do it. By period #3 you will be a pro. It can be intimidating at first, but it's so satisfying once you master it. It's so worth it.

It's taken me a few months to write a review on this product because I wanted to give it a fair chance, and I'm so glad I did. My reason for trying this product is because I ALWAYS leak with tampons and it's only getting worse the older I get. Another side benefit of course was not having to purchase tampons, pads, etc. Here is my experience ( a little graphic) and some tips if you're considering buying:Month 1 - I almost threw the DivaCup out the window the first month. My cycle came on immediately after a "session" with my husband and I think because of swollen tissue, etc. it wasn't the best time to try it for the first time. I had a very difficult time with insertion and after several "painful" attempts, I just gave up. My advice is to NOT try this if you have any vaginal irritation. Just wait until next month.Month 2 - The first day of my period I used a tampon. I was pretty sure I wasn't going back to the DivaCup. I'd been too traumatized:) But something about it kept calling me. I'm not a quitter, so I tried again on the second day of my period. I think this was KEY for me at that time, because the second day is usually the more heavier day for most women. I was more lubricated. This helped, but insertion was still difficult because I wasn't sure how to fold the damn thing and insert it without it popping back open. (This comes with practice) I visited the DivaCup website and browsed through Dropy reviews and learned from others the two techniques that most women were using. I use the "lotus" fold technique which makes the entry of the cup as small as possible. Then the cup pops into place once it is inside you.Month 3 - I had some success in the previous month, but not total success. I was scared to take the thing out because there wasn't a guarantee that I could get it back in. I was still having trouble with the cup unfolding before I was able to insert it all the way in. I was able to solve the issue by only inserting the cup while I was sitting on the toilet (that position makes insertion easier for me) instead of in the shower or standing up at the sink, etc. I was also able to solve this by drying the cup (after rinsing) with a little toilet tissue before insertion so that there was no chance of slippage. In fact, you can hold the base with the tissue while you insert just to get a better grip. This helped a lot. Also when they tell you to push the cup "Down" while pushing it in your vagina they are right. This is what helps it slide into the proper place. Inserting it "up" like a tampon will result in leaks. Don't worry this will take some time to get use to.Final Tips:TAKING THE CUP OUTThis is a breeze if you've ever had a baby. Just bare down like you're pushing the baby out and your kegel muscles do all the work. Feel for the little rubber tip of the cup, grip it with your fingertips and pull. If it keeps slipping, grab a square of toilet tissue and use that to help you "grip" the tip of the cup and pull.DON'T CUT THE TIPIn some reviews they suggest that the cup may feel more comfortable if you cut the tip off or turn the cup inside out. I recommend not doing this, because I can't imagine how you would get the thing out if you didn't have that little rubberized tip at the end. If you feel the tip of the cup rubbing against your vagina or labia, then you don't have the cup far enough in. Don't be scared to insert it until it's all the way in. You WILL be able to get it out. You should NOT be able to feel the cup once it's in. If you do, then you don't have it inserted correctly.PREVENT LEAKSI bought the DivaCup for this very benefit, but there's definitely an art to it. When you first try the cup you probably aren't going to insert it correctly for a while. Everyone goes through this. The only way to get the water tight "suction" like fit that the cup provides is by proper insertion. Pushing it in far enough, pushing "down" when you insert it, turning it while it's inside to make sure it properly fits. Until you master this or if you have HEAVY periods, then I recommend wearing a pantyliner. But once you master this, you will find that you do not even have to wear a pantyliner. It's amazing!!! The third day of my period, I have to remind myself that it's in there.RINSING CUPI'm in my mid-40's, so I'm starting to get a heavier period on the second day. Like really heavy. So I end up rinsing the cup at least 3 or 5 times a day, but on my first, third and fourth day, I don't have to empty it nearly as much. On fourth day I may end up popping it in the morning and have it in all day. No leakage. (Cup can safely stay in 12 hours before having to rinse and reinsert). How often you will have to empty the cup and reinsert will depend upon your period. You will figure it all out after about two periods. Again, wear pantyliners until you figure it all out.Finally - I love the freedom of this cup. I love how clean I feel with this cup. I love that I don't use a lot of tampons and pads any longer. It'