Have you ever heard of menstrual cups (like the Diva™ Cup)? They’re these small, flexible cups made of silicone or rubber. They can be inserted into your vagina during your period to catch the blood. They might seem a bit weird at first, but they’re actually pretty cool and have some great benefits. Is a menstrual product like the Diva Cup right for you? Maybe! Every woman has their own unique preferences.
There’s a whole lot of period products and options for you. Read more about period products and try out a few to see what you like. I get it; periods are no fun. But trying out different products can help you feel confident during your period. The way your body works is beautiful. Your health matters. And it’s really important that you feel comfortable during all the parts of your cycle.
Here at ThriVe+ care about you and your health. At ThriVe+, your comfort, health, and choices come first. We’ve got your back with medically accurate info about your cycle, pregnancy, abortion, and sexual health. We’re part of your village, girl.
Like any period product, there are pros and cons to menstrual cups. First off, let’s chat about the pros of products like the Diva Cup.
Benefits
1. Cost savings: Menstrual cups can save you money in the long run. Instead of buying pads or tampons every month, you just buy a cup once! It can last for years. You’ve just got to follow the product care directions (which is actually pretty easy).
2. Eco-friendly: Because menstrual cups are reusable, they might be better for the environment. Since you’re not throwing away pads or tampons every month, you’re creating less waste. That’s always a win!
3. Longer wear time: You can wear a menstrual cup for up to 12 hours.1 That’s way longer than pads or tampons (which need to be changed every 4 to six hours),1 so you don’t have to worry about changing it as often. Of course, that depends on how heavy your flow is. But generally, the consensus is that menstrual cups can control your flow for longer between changes.
4. No irritating chemicals: Menstrual cups are made of flexible, hypoallergenic silicone. Although the FDA doesn’t require pads and tampons to list ingredients on the package, many women are concerned about chemicals and pesticides in the products. These chemicals can irritate your skin and your vaginal area, and might cause itching or pain for some women. So a product like the Diva Cup might be a great option for you if you experience irritation with disposable menstrual products.
But, like anything, there are some challenges too.
Learning curve
When you first start using a product like the Diva Cup, it can feel a bit awkward and confusing. Most women need a bit of time to get used to using one. If you aren’t finding success at first, it’s okay to keep trying or to take a break. Just do what makes you feel comfortable. Plenty of people find it rewarding and helpful to use a menstrual cup like the Diva Cup, and some women choose not to. There are no rules when it comes to your period! That means you’re in charge.
You’ll want to keep these in mind when you’re getting started:
– Insertion: You might need a few tries to figure out how to fold the cup properly for insertion. There are different folding techniques, like the “C-fold” or “punch-down fold,” and finding the one that works best for you is key.
– Positioning: You need to make sure the cup is positioned correctly inside your vagina to avoid leaks. This can take some practice, as everyone’s anatomy is a bit different.
– Removal: Removing the cup can also be tricky at first. Take a deep breath. You need to pinch the base to release the suction seal and then gently pull it out. It’s important to stay relaxed to make this easier. Always remember to pinch it first; if you pull on the Diva Cup without pinching it, it could be uncomfortable.
Taking care of your cup
Maintaining good hygiene with a menstrual cup is super important. It isn’t hard, though. Make sure to read your product’s directions, but the care instructions might go something like this:
– Rinsing: Each time you empty the cup, rinse it with water and wash it with a mild, unscented soap.
– Boiling: After your period is over, you can sterilize the cup by boiling it in water for a few minutes. This helps ensure it’s clean and ready for your next cycle.
– Public restrooms: If you need to empty your cup in a public restroom, it can be a bit more challenging. You might want to carry a small bottle of water or wet wipes to clean the cup before you rinse and wash it at the faucet.
Sizing differences
Products like the Diva Cup come in different sizes because everyone’s body is different. Here’s how to find the right one:
– Trial and error: You might need to try a few different sizes or brands to find one that fits well and feels comfortable. Your comfort is super important!
– Factors: Factors like whether you’ve given birth, your age, and the strength of your pelvic floor muscles can influence which size will work best for you. You can always talk to your doctor if you have questions about using a Diva Cup.
– Guidelines: Many brands provide guidelines or quizzes to help you pick the right size based on your personal factors.
Extra tips
– Relaxation: Being relaxed can make insertion and removal easier. Stressed? That can cause your muscles to tense up, which makes the process harder. Just try to relax your muscles during this process.
– Practice: Practice using the cup when you’re at home and have plenty of time, so you don’t feel rushed or stressed. You can keep using your old period products while you’re learning; you’re in charge!
– Support: Don’t hesitate to look up videos or guides from trusted sources to help you through the process. There are great resources for medically accurate info and support. You can even find online forums and social media groups to talk to other women who use cups.
You’re in control!
Switching to a menstrual cup (like the Diva Cup) is a personal choice! It’s okay if it takes some time to get used to it (most of us who use cups do). Once you get the hang of it, you might find it to be convenient. And comfortable! Don’t find it comfortable? Try a different size. Still not feeling right? You can talk to your doctor if you’d like to see if they can help. Or, you can try a different period product. There are pads, tampons and even cloth pads.
Here at ThriVe+, we’re passionate about empowering women with medically-accurate information. We believe you deserve to understand your body, health options, and choices for your future.
If you have questions related to abortion, pregnancy, or STDs, check out ThriVe+. We’re a great support to women in any stage of life. We offer several no-cost medical services to women, including pregnancy tests, pre-abortion screenings, and more. We’ve got your back.
So, what do you think? Interested in trying a menstrual cup? You can find them at most big-box stores, pharmacies, and online. Try it out, and keep advocating for your health! Take our quiz to find which product might work best for you! Good on you for equipping yourself for a more comfortable period. You deserve it.
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