Disclaimer: This post contains graphic descriptions and information about female menstruation.
I have used a combination pads and tampons since my first period when I was 12. I never had any problem with them—my mom always bought them for me, so I never realized how expensive they were until I got to college. However, these bad boys aren’t just expensive; they started to dry me out in places that shouldn’t be dried out. Lately, my tampons were absorbing more than I wanted them to. I looked it up, and my body isn’t going out of whack. Tampons and pads are super absorbent, and this happens to a lot of women. So, when the Diva Cup showed up on my doorstep (literally, thanks Her Campus!), I couldn’t wait to try it out.
It even has a cute carrying pouch for weeks that you aren’t on your period. Yay!
The Application
As a sexually active woman, I am extremely comfortable with my vagina and was not averse at the thought of inserting a menstrual cup. I was, however, worried about it getting stuck up there. I read the pamphlet that came with my Diva Cup diligently to avoid any mishaps. I learned that if the cup gets “stuck,” not to worry; as it collects fluid, gravity will make it naturally fall down to where you can reach it.
I was ready. I folded it up like a U, and inserted my Diva Cup.
I’m not going to lie to you; I had a mini panic attack when I put it in for the first time and had to sit down. What if it really does get stuck?! I slowed my breathing down and felt around to see if I could feel the little stem of the cup. Of course, there it was. My vagina didn’t “swallow” it up, thank goodness.
You have to get very up close and personal with your vagina to use the Diva Cup. Like I said, I had already reached this comfort level and didn’t really care if my fingers brushed my labia. If you aren’t this comfortable with your vagina, you will be after using this for a few cycles. I can see how this would turn some girls off from using a menstrual cup—there’s no applicator that keeps you distant like a tampon. However, I feel that getting used to this is a small price to pay for all of the benefits of a menstrual cup.
Also, it didn’t hurt to put it in. This experience may be different if you have never had vaginal intercourse or never inserted a tampon.
Comfort Level
After I put it in, I sat down on the floor. I did stretches. I walked around campus. I couldn’t feel anything. It was like I wasn’t even on my period! I’ve worn tampons for 7 years, and while I’ve grown accustomed to them, I can always feel something there. In contrast, I constantly forgot I was wearing a Diva Cup. Most of the time, I forgot I was on my period at all. They only recommend changing it every 12 hours (or more if your flow is heavier), so it wasn’t something I had to think about all day.
Cleanliness
The first time I changed was while in the shower. I definitely recommend this way if you can; with constant water running everywhere, the entire process is quick and clean. However, you may not always be able to hop in the shower when you need to empty your cup. Changing in a public bathroom is less fun. I took it out and emptied the contents in the toilet. I then wiped it inside and out with toilet paper. This was slightly time-consuming, and I was very aware of the fact that I needed to wash my hands. On the other hand, I didn’t have to find a tampon or pad to replace it with. It was super convenient to already have everything I needed to carry on with my day—no more scrambling at the last second to find a menstrual product when I forget.
Aside from what your hands touch while emptying it out, the Diva Cup felt overall cleaner than tampons and pads. I never had the sticky, warm feeling between my legs that comes with periods. I also felt like I had a nicer scent because the flow never really left my vagina. As previously mentioned, I usually forgot I was even on my period.
Leaks
I have a slightly heavier period, so I changed my cup about 3 times each day. Before Diva Cup, I would have to combine my tampons with pads. If I just wore a tampon, some of my flow would leak to my panties, even if the tampon itself wasn’t full. With my menstrual cup, I didn’t have to worry about this. Nothing could slip past the Diva Cup!
All in all, I would rate the Diva Cup with a 9/10. Although I plan to use the Diva Cup for a while, I do wish something could be done about changing in a public bathroom. I would recommend this product to a friend.
I went in with a positive attitude, and my expectations were met. If you purchase a Diva Cup, don’t be frightened by it—I believe this could completely change your attitude and your experience.