advertisement
![[photo]-Say](http://www.divine.ca/en/upload/articles/0790511d954924b90b6d51fc8711f41d.jpg)
Did you know that every woman throws out an average of 10,000 to 15,000 tampons, panty liners and pads in her lifetime? Luckily, there are other options you can consider when it comes to feminine hygiene: alternative, reusable menstrual products. Not only are they better for the environment, they’ll also save you money and are better for your health. Curious? Keep an open mind and read on for several interesting options. The menstrual cup
Made of either latex (the Keeper) or silicone (the DivaCup and the Moon Cup), a menstrual cup is a little funnel-shaped container with a ”tail” on the end (kind of like a tampon’s string). The cup is inserted into the vagina to catch the flow from your period. You can use the same one for up to 10 years.
How do you use it?
*After washing your hands, fold the cup in half (it’s flexible) and insert it, positioning it comfortably using your thumb and forefinger. Be sure to relax your vaginal muscles as you do this– the principle is the same, more or less, as inserting a tampon. *Once it’s well inserted, release the cup; it will then open up. Gently turn it (one full rotation) with your fingertips to make sure it’s in the open position. At this point, a suction will occur against the inner walls of the vagina, preventing the blood from flowing on the outside.
*You may find it more comfortable to sit on the toilet when you remove the cup. Pinch the base of the cup, allowing the passage of air into the vagina, so you can remove it easily and comfortably.
*Next, empty the cup into the toilet. If your cycle is not over, rinse out the cup or wipe it with toilet paper before reinserting it.
*When your period is over, leave the cup in a glass of water mixed with vinegar (1 part vinegar to 9 parts water) for about 24 hours, then rinse it out and wash it with a gentle soap before putting it back in its case.
Once you understand how to insert and use it, you’ll appreciate the freedom of the cup. Unlike a tampon, which needs to be changed regularly, you can leave in the cup for longer periods of time– you may actually even forget you have your period!
 1. The Keeper (latex), approximately $45 at www.keeper.com
2. The Moon Cup (silicone), approximately $45 at www.keeper.com
3. The DivaCup (silicone), approximately $45 at www.divacup.com |
Related Content:
Rate this article: 
We wanna know! Post your comment below.
41
comment(s)
-
Kinda gross but a good idea. Way better for the earth. -
where do you purchase these cups? -
I got my a sexual health clinic, but you can get them at health food stores or online. If you visit www.divacup.com and go to the store locator section, you'll be able to search for stores that carry them in your area. -
Has anyone used this - do they work? Are they easy to use? Are they comfortable? Are they messy?
-
I'm a big fan of the Diva Cup and have been using it for over a year now. As far as comfortable goes, you won't even feel it's there. And well, it's less messy than tampons if you ask me. You'll also save a lot of money-- I haven't bought pads or tampons in over a year!-
moon mama
May 14, 2011 at 11:03 pmYes, they work. Once you figure out how to fold it and insert it, you will be on your way. Yes they are comfortable so long as you don't leave a long tab on it. Just don't cut the tab too short or you won't be able to extract it. They are a bit messy at first, but once you get the hang of removing and emptying it works good.
-
-
-
gross
-
i've had my diva cup for a year now (i bought it at the sex shop) and it's great. it's much cheaper than tampons and pads.
-
how do you know when it's time to empty it?? How often do you empty it? -
hmmmm, I'm not to sure about this and to be honest this is the first I have seen of these products. I think maybe more people need to post if they have used this and I need a good recommendation to even consider buying one. I would hate to spend 50 bucks on something that looks like a plunger -
The DIVA CUP is the best thing I've EVER bought. No kidding. It's way less gross than a tampon, is so comfortable that you can't feel it, and it NEVER LEAKS!
You empty it every 12 hours or so.-
Help! Mum brought me a Diva Cup, and i really want to use it. But i'm having trouble inserting it, i've read the information a million tiimes, but i still can't insert it. Have you got any tips? Please help!
-
-
why cant there just be a switch?
-
I've been using a Diva Cup for about 4 years. There is definitely a learning curve to it, but I would never switch back to tampons now. I am less aware that I have my period using the Diva Cup (after the first day I can leave it in for 12 hours), I feel much cleaner, and no longer have to worry about whatever chemicals they're using to make those tampons and pads so white.
-
When you do leave it in for 12 hrs do you get any leaks? I would like to try it but I'm not sure about the leaking?? Also is it messy?
Thanks,
Shaunna :)
-
-
Can it ever leak? -
I just bought a Diva Cup and love it. What I love most about it is that when I travel it takes up so little space compared to boxes of pads and tampons. It never leaks, unless inserted improperly and it is great for wearing overnight.
-
moon mama
May 14, 2011 at 11:07 pmYes it can leak if you have a heavy flow and do not empty it often enough. You should always empty before bed and upon rising. It is a "cup" and if the cup is full, it will "spill" over as it has no wear else to go. If the suction fails, you will get leakage. I would empty it as often as you would change a pad or tampon and you will feel very confident. It's absolutely great for swimming if you think you are going to get your period as you are not wasting any product and you won't get caught off guard.
-
-
Just wondering if it is messy? How often do you change it and does it leak?? If it will save money and help the enviornment and works well then I just might have to check it out!!
-
this is strange, but if it works -
A product that costs only $45.00 and can be used for up to 10 years is well worth trying. In less than the first year it has paid for itself. Great Idea Shopalot
-
I'm not a fan of a reuseable pad. shopalot
-
they all sound disgusting and i have seen alot working in the health care field. I recycle and reuse almost everything so i feel im good to use disposable.
-
I'm just thinking about when you use a public washroom.... it can't be as clean as using a sanitary product. -
I've been a Diva cup for close to 4 years now and would never go back to pads a tampons! So much more comfortable and if you think you're gonna get it and wanna be safe you can put it in and it doesn't matter or hurt (cuz a tampon really hurts if you use it when you don't need it!)! way healthier for you and your wallet!
-
moon mama
May 14, 2011 at 11:01 pmIn a public washroom you can flush twice. Empty the cup, flush, then rinse in the clean toilet water (I know, slightly gross), but it works. Reinsert. I would suggest you always take some paper towels in with you. As many women write, there is a learning curve. I think you may have more problems if on vacation and only place you can find is an outhouse! Then a water bottle can be your best friend.-
The DivaCup Team
June 3, 2011 at 12:22 pmThank you for using The DivaCup, moon mama (and all other ladies)! We really appreciate your feedback and you spreading the word about this revolutionary menstrual solution!
Just wanted to mention, however, that we do not recommend rinsing The DivaCup in a toilet - neither public nor private.
Most women find that they do not have to remove The DivaCup more often than every 12 hours, and that taking it out in a public restroom does not occur very often. We suggest you simply remove the cup, empty the contents and use a dry or damp tissue to clean the cup and reinsert. Make sure your hands are clean before going into the stall. Wash your DivaCup well with warm, soapy water at the next convenient time.
For further details, please check out our FAQ page on divacup.com.
Thanks again!
-The DivaCup Team (info@divacup.com)
-
-
this
Jacquielee77
April 19, 2011 at 3:29 am
April 19, 2011 at 3:29 am
I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the Diva Cup. One of the best things I've ever done for myself and my health was to switch to a Diva Cup from pads and tampons. There's a learnIng curve with inserting and taking it out (especially taking it out!) but once I got it, I knew I'd never go back. It's more hygienic and I have had way less accidents since I starting using the diva cup. Plus, you really get to know your body and your flow patterns.
Jacquielee77
April 19, 2011 at 3:29 am
April 19, 2011 at 3:29 am
I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the Diva Cup. One of the best things I've ever done for myself and my health was to switch to a Diva Cup from pads and tampons. There's a learnIng curve with inserting and taking it out (especially taking it out!) but once I got it, I knew I'd never go back. It's more hygienic and I have had way less accidents since I starting using the diva cup. Plus, you really get to know your body and your flow patterns.
moon mama
May 14, 2011 at 10:55 pm
May 14, 2011 at 10:55 pm
I have tried this product (keeper) a number of years ago. It is excellent but somewhat overpriced. I believe this is the answer for thousands of women overseas who do not have access to hygiene products. I would love to see this item at about 15 dollars or that for every moon cup purchased a free one is provided to women who cannot afford hygiene products. 10 years of use is probably pushing it as it gets an odor after a while that is hard to get rid of. Every woman who uses tampons should try this product. You may still need a liner if your flow is heavy. Make sure you get the right sized one as they have different ones for women who have had a baby. If you do not like inserting a tampon, this may not be for you. But overall an excellent reusable product that will save you money after the first year. This product should be available at every place where women have been made homeless through flood or fire.
The cup is not new and has been around for decades & works well. It never really caught on with women. Wonder why?
ac
August 4, 2012 at 5:17 pm
August 4, 2012 at 5:17 pm
I wish I could've gotten this product when I had my periods. The first few years when I had them my mom taught me to use the old Chinese way which was a string around the waist w/ a saddle-like holder to hold a stack of toilet paper. Few years later a pad company gave out samples in our school & that's when I started to buy pads. This cup idea is so much more convenient & inexpensive. think of all the trees we could have saved & the embarrassing moments of the blood showing on our white uniforms.
ac
August 4, 2012 at 5:17 pm
August 4, 2012 at 5:17 pm
I wish I could've gotten this product when I had my periods. The first few years when I had them my mom taught me to use the old Chinese way which was a string around the waist w/ a saddle-like holder to hold a stack of toilet paper. Few years later a pad company gave out samples in our school & that's when I started to buy pads. This cup idea is so much more convenient & inexpensive. think of all the trees we could have saved & the embarrassing moments of the blood showing on our white uniforms.
ac
August 4, 2012 at 5:17 pm
August 4, 2012 at 5:17 pm
I wish I could've gotten this product when I had my periods. The first few years when I had them my mom taught me to use the old Chinese way which was a string around the waist w/ a saddle-like holder to hold a stack of toilet paper. Few years later a pad company gave out samples in our school & that's when I started to buy pads. This cup idea is so much more convenient & inexpensive. think of all the trees we could have saved & the embarrassing moments of the blood showing on our white uniforms.
ac
August 4, 2012 at 5:17 pm
August 4, 2012 at 5:17 pm
I wish I could've gotten this product when I had my periods. The first few years when I had them my mom taught me to use the old Chinese way which was a string around the waist w/ a saddle-like holder to hold a stack of toilet paper. Few years later a pad company gave out samples in our school & that's when I started to buy pads. This cup idea is so much more convenient & inexpensive. think of all the trees we could have saved & the embarrassing moments of the blood showing on our white uniforms.
ac
August 4, 2012 at 5:17 pm
August 4, 2012 at 5:17 pm
I wish I could've gotten this product when I had my periods. The first few years when I had them my mom taught me to use the old Chinese way which was a string around the waist w/ a saddle-like holder to hold a stack of toilet paper. Few years later a pad company gave out samples in our school & that's when I started to buy pads. This cup idea is so much more convenient & inexpensive. think of all the trees we could have saved & the embarrassing moments of the blood showing on our white uniforms.
Angie
August 15, 2012 at 9:41 pm
August 15, 2012 at 9:41 pm
I have 6 daughters and they all said "gross" when I talked to them about reusable menstrual products but I think they are a seriously cool idea. I remember someone mentioning the diva cup to me a while ago but I guess I wasn't paying attention because now that I've checked it out here in print, I find it to be a fascinating concept!
Angie
August 15, 2012 at 9:41 pm
August 15, 2012 at 9:41 pm
I have 6 daughters and they all said "gross" when I talked to them about reusable menstrual products but I think they are a seriously cool idea. I remember someone mentioning the diva cup to me a while ago but I guess I wasn't paying attention because now that I've checked it out here in print, I find it to be a fascinating concept!
Angie
August 15, 2012 at 9:42 pm
August 15, 2012 at 9:42 pm
I have 6 daughters and they all said "gross" when I talked to them about reusable menstrual products but I think they are a seriously cool idea. I remember someone mentioning the diva cup to me a while ago but I guess I wasn't paying attention because now that I've checked it out here in print, I find it to be a fascinating concept!
Angie
August 15, 2012 at 9:42 pm
August 15, 2012 at 9:42 pm
I have 6 daughters and they all said "gross" when I talked to them about reusable menstrual products but I think they are a seriously cool idea. I remember someone mentioning the diva cup to me a while ago but I guess I wasn't paying attention because now that I've checked it out here in print, I find it to be a fascinating concept!
Nicole N.
September 28, 2012 at 7:17 pm
September 28, 2012 at 7:17 pm
I have a Keeper. I used it for year when I was staying home. Now my flow is too heavy. The cup is full and overflowing within 30 minutes and all the emptying/reinserting created rawness inside my vagina. Anyone not going through the "change" should have one! I loved mine and showed it to my friends and my doctor. My doctor (a guy) loved it but not my girlfriends - go figure.
more on divine.ca
advertisement
advertisement
