[mouse]

i boil mine before each cycle. it disinfects, but it's no longer a clear plastic. i don't care, though--it's not like i'm showing it to anyone.

i am crossposting in other pertinent threads but i have a question--i'm looking into buying cloth pads, just as a backup for the divacup or overnight, and there seem to be a few to choose from. does anyone have experience with a specific maker that they loved? any suggestions greatly appreciated.

thanks!

[katzenkraft]

Hi there again,
in the meantime I found a great way myself, maybe it helps others, too

I "cooked" the divacup in a pot with water, apple vinegar and baking soda.
It looks like new now, but you have to be careful, if too much water is gone, the cup will melt (that's what I read, mine is fine
So enjoy your fresh cups
<3 <3 <3

[katzenkraft]

Hi there,
I use the Diva cup since a couple of months now and I really love it, I couldn't ever even think about using tampons again

*themeiu, I think I read something in the Diva Cup instruction, that told that there isn't a high risk of tss while using the cup but I don't remember the details

By the way - I haven't read the whole thread and so I don't know if it had been mentionend - does any of you ladies have an idea how to clean the cup - I mean I think I'm not the only one whose cup got an ugly brownish shade after using it for longer - or am I ?

I'm thankful for any advice on how to "bleach" it without totally screwing it
thanks!

[themeiu]

I just had a friend who was hospitalized for Toxic Shock. You hear that it could happen all the time, but I've never known someone who had gotten it. She was in critical condition for a while, but she pulled through. However, she has to be extra extra careful now because she is much more likely to get it again.
Anyone know anything about whether the diva cup can contribute to TSS or if it's just tampons? From what I understand the body is reacting to the presence of dead blood cells still in the body. It seems like with the diva cup, there is more of a barrier between the cells and the skin vs. tampons, but I could be misunderstanding. Any thoughts?

[tanks79]

asparagus-it's never felt as though the cup would suck the IUD out. Lighter flows are fine with the cup, but you might also want to try the sea sponge tampons-which are perfect for that. You can find them at jadeandpearl.com

I was reading up on the diva cup, cause it sounded interesting, I was reading the website FAQ and this is what it said about IUD



The DivaCup is not suggested for use with an Intrauterine Device (IUD). It is possible for the IUD to become dislodged, displaced or removed when the menstrual cup is removed by inadvertently pulling on the IUD string. As with all gynecological concerns, please consult with your physician.

[pqhaattte]

i have been using the keeper for about two years now and i looooove it. i recommend it to everyone i meet. i even gave my sisters and best friend their own keepers for christmas a few years back.

it looks like most of you use the diva cup. i have a friend who returned hers because it's made of silicone and therefore isn't biodegradable. she's going for seasponge tampons and padded undies now.

it is so nice not to spend $60 every two months on tampons/pads. my mother said to me the other day, "wow, so we're going back to dealing with our periods the way my mother did, hm?" kind of an interesting way to look at it -- getting over our commercial, starched and bleached approach to a period and returning to what our "foremothers" did. it's reassuring in a sense. but also -- i think we're waaaay more technically advanced than my grandmother's counterparts were. and this thread is just further proof of that.

[Lady Selena]

Well I got my Diva cup! Now I just have to wait for my period, which should be any day now. I plan to wear a pad just to make sure i get the hang of things. I had my hubby pick it up at whole foods on the way home from work. I like to make him blush, evil aren't I.

Now I just have to work out how not to feel like I am PG when I know I can't be..sigh

[humanist77]

asparagus-it's never felt as though the cup would suck the IUD out. Lighter flows are fine with the cup, but you might also want to try the sea sponge tampons-which are perfect for that. You can find them at jadeandpearl.com

[AsparagusBerry]

I have a question about the diva cup, I am thinking about trying it, but I am pretty apprehensive because I have an IUD. I have been reading that a lot of girls are having trouble getting it out, and was wondering if I had that problem, would it suck out the IUD? My periods are super super light and I hate wasting/wearing pads because my period is too light for a tampon...what do you girls think?

EDIT

As I scrolled down, I noticed that humanist mentioned something about her iud, so I am guessing it is relatively safe...but I still want to know if it could be sucked out, or if the diva cup is good for a light flow.

[humanist77]

You should definitely give the cup a try-but for the first cycle wear a back-up pad until you know how often you need to empty the cup to prevent leaks~

[Lady Selena]

humanist - Thanks... I have to change my clothes at least twice because i leaked threw pad and clothe s. I can't even wear tampons because i leak around them and have to wear a pad anyway. I don't mind if I have to empty it twice I just want to stop the flood.

[humanist77]

Selena, I have a copper IUD which gives me insanely heavy flow the first couple of days-like 2 ounces each day-and the Diva Cup holds up quite well. I have to empty it at least twice a day, as it only holds one ounce. If I don't empty it more than once a day in those first two days, it will leak-but that's with A LOT of fluid. I haven't had any experience with the Keeper. Does anyone know how much it holds?

[Lady Selena]

I am looking to getting either the Diva Cup or the the Keeper. But I have a VERY heavy flow the first three day. i am getting tired going threw all the pads and stuff. Does any one have any advise on which hold up the best to a heavy flow?

[jsmith]

I certainly will try that.
A big concern I have with the air escaping is that it might be the cause of leaking for me. My diva would sometimes leak like mad, so I'm thinking, maybe the air that gets trapped and wants to come out is interfering with the suction?

[mouse]

i do, jsmith. it's really annoying, especially as it fills up and the air has nowhere else to go. what i've found that helps is to squeeze it a little after it's situated...usually i can get quite a bit of air out without losing the suction seal or "popped-out" feel that the cup gets when it's properly inserted. maybe try that?

[jsmith]

Does anyone else get air escaping after putting in their cup? Usually, it happens for just a little while after I put it in. It's kind of annoying.

[.eilleen.]

I used to use a latex diaphragm for BC, but it made a great menstrual cup as well. Unfortunately I ended up with BV and I'm pretty sure I can blame the diaphragm for that.

Should I bother getting a cup? My period only lasts 1-2 each month and isn't very heavy.

I highly recommend it. You not only save so much money in the long run, but you are also helping the environment by eliminating the use of tampons and pads that get thrown in landfills. It's great for all: light, in between, heavy days.

[hellotampon]

I used to use a latex diaphragm for BC, but it made a great menstrual cup as well. Unfortunately I ended up with BV and I'm pretty sure I can blame the diaphragm for that.

Should I bother getting a cup? My period only lasts 1-2 each month and isn't very heavy.

[chickenlittle]

thanks for the suggestions, eilleen! appreciated.

[.eilleen.]

hey, all-
i've had my diva cup for a few years now- i LOVE it and won't ever go back to tampons or pads, no question- but lately i feel like i'm not getting it as clean as it could be. i soak it in warm soapy water, i boil it occasionally and even soak it for a few minutes here and there in a vinegar/water combo. Anyone have any suggestions for getting it squeaky clean?
thanks!

You can boil it for a few minutes or so. Any stains? Wipe it with rubbing alcohol.