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About once a month all of us ladies wish we were male for the sole reason of trying to escape getting our period. We have all been there. We have experienced the crime scene in our underwear because our tampon leaked or our pad failed us (if you have yet to experience this, consider yourself lucky). Is there any other alterative? With the rise of menstrual cups, HC Drexel decided to have someone try it out and give us their honest opinion on one of the number one selling menstrual cups. Luckily my roommate had been wanting to try one.
What is it?
The DivaCup is a bell-shaped menstrual cup made out of 100 percent Healthcare Grade silicone. It contains no chemicals, plastics, or dyes. It can be used as an alternative to pads and tampons and promises 12 hours of leak-free protection.
The DivaCup is available in two sizes. Model 1 is for those who have never had children and are under 30 and Model 2 is for those who have given birth or are over 30. Here is a handy guide for choosing a size to help prevent leakage.
This particular menstrual cup costs $27.99 on Amazon with Prime Shipping. However, if you don’t feel like waiting two days, CVS also sells them for $39.99.
What comes with it?
In the box, you’ll find the DivaCup, a carrying pouch, and directions on how to fold it for easy insertion. The DivaWash, a special soap to clean the cup, is sold separately. However, warm water and water-based soap will wash it just as well. It is recommended to wash the DivaCup before inserting it and after removing it.
The End Result
When I presented my roommate with the DivaCup, she was actually pretty excited. She went on and on about how much money she could save because she wouldn’t have to buy pads or tampons, only panty-liners on the off chance it would leak. Coincidentally, my roommate started her period the next night and was eager to test it out.
Ideally, it should only take a few tries to insert it. My roommate was in the bathroom for about 30 minutes trying to insert it comfortably. She tried all the different folding techniques but kept complaining that while in the middle of insertion, it would start to open up before it was completely in (ouch!). She kept it in for around one hour due to the discomfort it caused. There is also no easy way to take out the DivaCup. She contemplated how horrible and uncomfortable it would be to take it out after 12 hours with blood in the cup. (I was more concerned on how I would change it if I was in a public bathroom.)
Even after all the trauma I put my roommate through, my roommate still loves me and still likes the idea of the product. While I was writing this, she wanted it to be clear that these are her personal opinions about the product and by no means does she want to discourage anyone from trying it for herself. Like most things, this product may work better for others. Everybody is different, so what didn’t work for her might work for you. As for myself and my roommate, we will continue to use our handy pads and tampons.