I have this secret that I carry around in my purse. I’ve showed it to a few close family members and have gotten some strange looks and interesting comments. It’s a little silicone “cup” that looks a little like a champagne flute without a foot.
You Put it Where?
The Diva Cup is a menstrual cup. Stay with me here – it’s not as strange as it sounds, but it is exactly what it sounds like – a little cup that you insert into your vagina during your period. I’m losing you…come back to me.
I promise you’re going to love it and praise my name for introducing you to it. It’s one of those crazy things like bacon flavored ice cream – don’t knock it till you’ve tried it.
This Really Exsists?
As I’ve become more and more aware of the chemicals in everyday products and the impact they have on our bodies as well as the impact of my carbon footprint, I’ve searched for better alternatives for everything I use. The Diva Cup is one of those alternatives. It’s reusable, safe 
and in my opinion, easier.
I’m going to warn you – in order to use the Diva Cup, you must become acquainted with your vagina. You have to know it, understand it and love it. It is your friend.
There is a learning curve and the first couple of cycles will likely be a little awkward. For me, it was love at first insert. Seriously – I immediately couldn’t believe I’d put off buying it for so long. It’s twelve leak-free hours of period protection without worrying about chemicals, changing a pad or tampon.
So, here’s the specs:
Can be worn up to 12 hours.
Lifespan of at least one year.
Savings of around $100-$150 per year compared to disposable products.
It’s made of medical grade, non-pigmented silicone and is FDA approved.
If you’ve had a baby and your lady area is beyond the point of no return, you order the Big Mama Size (post-birth size).
If you haven’t had a baby and still have perky boobs and a supple and beautiful mid-section, I curse you and you need to buy the pre-birth size.
Once you get the hang of inserting it, it’s a piece of cake and it’s not a scene from a horror movie when you remove it for cleaning. You’ll learn so much about your body and your period and you’ll be surprised!
So, here’s the details:
- It comes with detailed instructions and if you follow them exactly, you will have no problems. And no, it won’t get lost. Your vagina’s not THAT big.
- It doesn’t smell and it’s not that gross. It’s your body, your parts and your insides. You can handle it. Don’t let society fool you into thinking it’s a big scary abyss that you shouldn’t touch.
- It’s much more comfortable than pads or tampons and I usually forget I’m using it. As a person who gets yeast infections from pads and tampons, this was a Godsend.
- It saves time, money and saves trees! Imagine being able to go to work or wherever you go ALL day without worrying about your period. Awesome.
- It’s better and safer for your body than pads or tampons.
- Many people either buy the special (and expensive) wash or boil it after use. I’ve always just rinsed it thoroughly, let it dry completely and put it to bed in its adorable little pouch. Because I’m crunchy and I don’t like chemicals…and I’m lazy.
- If you want more details, go to this link.
Just Try It!
For me, the Diva Cup was one of those things that I immediately couldn’t remember what I ever did without. I now carry it around in my purse hording it like a squirrel on crack and protecting it like a family jewel. It’s that awesome.
While I was not asked to write this review and did so of my own free will and choice, the following are affiliate links and I may receive compensation if you click the link below and buy this, the most beautiful of all period products. I sincerely appreciate your support in my blogging endeavors.
Pre-birth Perky Boob Size
Big Mama Size
So…how are you feeling about this? Have you ever used a menstrual cup? What did you think about it? Leave a comment and let me know.
Image courtesy of Franky242, BoazYiftach via freedigitalphotos.net
Join me on:
Awkward Question, or two… I’ve never used a cup before. So you wear this thing for up to 12 hours without having to change anything? Then at the end of the day do you pull it out and… well… Pour out the day’s business?
And when it goes inside does it sort of find its place on its own or do you have to fumble around with it a bit?
Okay, maybe one more question? Do you feel it? And if you lay down does it leak? I know that was two questions! Sorry! Guess I’m a little more curious about this thing than I thought.
[Reply]
Jesi Reply:
August 29th, 2013 at 9:54 pm
Okay – good questions. Yes, you actually REALLY can wear it 12 hours without doing anything. It’s incredible. When I insert it, I typically shimmy it around a little until it feels right. Once you use it a few times, you figure it out and it gets super quick and easy. At the end of the day you remove it and empty it into the toilet, rinse it, put it back in. This can get a little tricky if empty time is at say…Walmart. Obviously you can’t walk to the sink with pants on the ground and rinse your cup. Gross. But…with a little forethought, it’s a non-issue.
I don’t feel it. It’s weird because it’s bigger than a tampon, but I always felt tampons – don’t feel the cup. When you lay down, it doesn’t leak. Rarely EVER leaks. Laying down kinda freaks me out because I think about it sloshing around up in there soiling my cervix, but you just have to go with it. It’s awesome – try it!
[Reply]
Anonymous Reply:
August 30th, 2013 at 10:29 am
Thanks Jesi! I just may have to try it. But here’s another question for ya. You said if you have perkies then you should get the smaller one but if you have had kids then the bigger one is for you. Well… I most definitely have some saggy baggies but I had to have c-sections with both kids. So what size would you suggest?
I’m glad you’re open and willing to talk about these things! Thanks!
[Reply]
Jesi Reply:
September 2nd, 2013 at 9:30 am
Thanks you for your comment. This is a really good question! The Diva Cup folks say that if you have delivered either vaginally or by c-section, then get the model 2 (Big Mama Size). I guess the route of exit for the bambino doesn’t really matter. The pre-baby size is about 0.3 cm smaller, which doesn’t seem like a lot, but apparently it will make the difference between leaking and not. So, long story short, whether you’ve had a c-section or a vaginal birth, you are doomed to the Big Mama Size. Thank you!