Menstrual Cups, Confusion

Category: Health and Wellness

Post 1 by Reyami (I've broken five thousand! any more awards going?) on Tuesday, 08-Jan-2013 21:29:35

I don't usually post topics of this nature, but I need some assistance understanding how this is supposed to work.
I know there are several women on here who posted to a thread about this subject years ago. in fact, I posted to it out of curiosity. Sadly, that thread has been locked, so I've had to create this one in its place. I've just switched from pads to the DivaCup, and am wondering how on earth I'm supposed to fold the cup and exactly what do I do after folding the rim down? The site is a little confusing in its description. The instructions are as follows. Please note, the, "hold," part is where I get lost.:

Step 1:Fold
Fold Option 1 “U Fold“: Press the sides of the cup together and then fold it in half again forming a tight “U” shape.
Fold Option 2 “Push Down“: Place a finger on the top rim of the cup and press it down into the center of the inside base to form a triangle. This makes the top rim much smaller to insert.
Step 2: Hold
Hold the folded sides firmly in place between your thumb and forefinger so that the curved edge is facing away from your palm (or so that the stem is facing your palm).
Step 3:Insert
In a comfortable position and with your vaginal muscles relaxed, gently separate the labia with your free hand and then push the curved edge of the folded DivaCup horizontally into the vaginal opening.
Step 4:Seal and Rotate
Grip the base of the cup (not the stem) and turn the cup one full rotation (360 degrees) in either direction or insert the cup about half way, turn the cup one full rotation and then push it horizontally in the rest of the way. The DivaCup must rotate easily as this ensures that it is fully open and that it is positioned horizontally towards your tailbone."

That's about it. I only need clarification on that one little portion and I should be okay. Take care, all.

Post 2 by Dana (Veteran Zoner) on Wednesday, 09-Jan-2013 0:50:56

ok, let me try and describe this. smiles. first you squeeze the rim together so it's long and flat. then fold it in half so it is sort of in the shape of a U. now hold it so that the bottom is inside your hand, so that when you let go it would open in your hand. same as inserting a diaphram or cervical cup. if it's held backwards you will know because it will open up upside down when you insert it. wow, i hope that made sense.

Post 3 by Reyami (I've broken five thousand! any more awards going?) on Wednesday, 09-Jan-2013 10:20:23

Ah, I understand now. Thank you for your help. Now, if I can just get myself to relax long enough to get this to work the way it should. I know this is going to be uncomfortable the first time I use it, and it will take some getting used to.

Post 4 by softy5310 (Fuzzy's best angel) on Friday, 08-Feb-2013 23:36:54

I really love cups. Have been using them for a few years now. I hope you love yours, too. After the enitial learning curve, it really is nice!!
Take Care,
Dawnielle

Post 5 by Dolce Eleganza (I'll have the last word, thank you!) on Thursday, 21-Mar-2013 5:25:09

they sound creepy, I feel someone would have to instruct me on how to use then, no, thanks I'd rather stick to tampons and or sads...

Post 6 by rdfreak (THE ONE AND ONLY TRUE-BLUE KANGA-KICKIN AUSIE) on Thursday, 21-Mar-2013 23:50:03

It took me a while to get the hang of tampons - try ten years but they actually make me feel bloated.
I've been contimplating one of these cups for a while now but like the poster above, I'd fear I wouldn't get the hang of it; still, I can always try; I do hate pads but I have no choice. :(

Post 7 by WomanOfWisdom (Generic Zoner) on Thursday, 25-Apr-2013 19:23:50

That sounds, um, incredibly complicated!! And, what are you supposed to do when said cups fill?? change them like you would a tampon ... but I also heard they are, um, washable?? Not sure how that aspect of it is handled. But until I have further information, I'll stick to my playtex gentle glide ultras, thanks. lol.

Post 8 by Dana (Veteran Zoner) on Friday, 26-Apr-2013 2:11:56

have you not ever used a diaphram or cervical cap? this is just the same thing but it catches the stuff and, then you take it out and empty it, wash it and put it back in.

Post 9 by UniqueOne (I'll have the last word, thank you!) on Friday, 26-Apr-2013 23:32:07

I think I have to agree with woman of wisdom here..It sounds very complicated..and well, I'll just say it, sounds messy! Especially for women that bleed a lot.

Post 10 by Reyami (I've broken five thousand! any more awards going?) on Tuesday, 30-Apr-2013 0:03:47

There's another topic on this matter, like, three pages down. Can't post to it as it's locked, but a whole bunch of people posted to it years ago.

Post 11 by rdfreak (THE ONE AND ONLY TRUE-BLUE KANGA-KICKIN AUSIE) on Tuesday, 30-Apr-2013 0:47:19

Ah you'd get the hang of it; so so many people I've heard about sware by them. :)

Post 12 by Musical Ambition (I've got the gold prolific poster award, now is there a gold cup for me?) on Tuesday, 30-Apr-2013 12:03:28

Not complicated at all! I've been using cups for years now, and I would never, ever go back to using pads or tampons. I wish I had known about them earlier in life as a teen.

Using a cup is actually much cleaner and safer than using a pad or tampon. Some people get a bit squeamish about having to clean them, but it doesn't bother me at all. I guess it depends on how comfortable you are in your own skin.

I definitely recommend giving one a try. There is a slight learning curve, but it doesn't take long for you to figure it all out, and once you do, you will be so much happier!

Post 13 by little foot (Zone BBS is my Life) on Sunday, 09-Jun-2013 1:58:50

so can you go swimming with theese cups is it possible.
would like to know.
and what are they called

Post 14 by Tila Tequila! (Zone BBS Addict) on Sunday, 09-Jun-2013 2:45:50

I have never heard of this lol! So are they prescribed? I havenever seen a commercial on TV about them lol

Post 15 by Nicky (And I aprove this message.) on Sunday, 09-Jun-2013 16:57:50

i got mine off of amazon for a cheep price. mine is a diva. I will look it up to post on here soon.

Post 16 by Nicky (And I aprove this message.) on Sunday, 09-Jun-2013 17:02:52

the one I got has gone up in price by like $10
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000FAG6X0/ref=wms_ohs_product_img?ie=UTF8&psc=1

but here is a moon cup wich is simpular for a cheeper price.
http://www.amazon.com/Glad-Rags-Moon-Cup-Size/dp/B0016D7S28/ref=sr_1_5?s=hpc&ie=UTF8&qid=1370811626&sr=1-5&keywords=diva+cup

I have seen instead cups and they are a one time use. Try looking in to them

Post 17 by sugar (Entertain me. I dare you.) on Saturday, 29-Jun-2013 16:04:54

There are so many different ones, just a matter of trying a few really. I tried one, liked it, and that was that. Many people cut the stems off though as they really can be unnecessarily long and uncomfortable depending on which brand you settle on.

Post 18 by Musical Ambition (I've got the gold prolific poster award, now is there a gold cup for me?) on Tuesday, 02-Jul-2013 11:04:47

No, these cups are not prescribed. You can find them online or at health food stores. There are definitely several different brands to choose from. I went with the Diva Cup. As the previous poster said, I had to cut off the stem, as I found it irritating, but the cup works great.

To the person asking about swimming with the cups, yes, you can!

Post 19 by Damia (I'm oppinionated deal with it.) on Saturday, 27-Jul-2013 14:31:56

Yes they're great for swimming.
Also I've found my favorite cup thus far has been the luna cup. I love the options they have for stems. Mine had a ball stem so it's not all pointy, and they have 5 sizes so much more user friendly. I also have a deva cup and a lady cup. You can buy deva and moon cup on amazon. The others can be usually bought on ebay. Yes brand new. I'd never buy a used one.
Most of the companies are based out of europe how ever which is why ebay is an easier option or their websites directly.
I've had some trouble using them since I had surgery in January, and have had to use tampons, but I sure miss my cups. The scar tissue is getting better though so hopefully next time around I won't have trouble anymore.

Post 20 by chelslicious (like it or not, I'm gonna say what I mean. all the time.) on Saturday, 27-Jul-2013 16:24:02

ooh, no thanks. I'll stick to my trusty pads.

Post 21 by changedheart421 (I've now got the bronze prolific poster award! now going for the silver award!) on Saturday, 27-Jul-2013 16:41:14

So glad someone started this again because I actually am about to purchase one but wanted a little detail on how to um get it situated.