Why The DivaCup Beats Tampons and Pads
This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #DivaDifference #CollectiveBias
Aunt Flow: "Hey, Girl! How's it going?!"
Me: "Ugh, it's that time again?"
Aunt Flow: "Yep, it's time to bring out those tampons!"
Luckily, I've ditched the tampons and transitioned over to using a DivaCup over a year ago! It's the best decision I've ever made. If you follow me on Instagram, then you saw my Instastories about the DivaCup about a month or two ago where I talked briefly about it and why I love it! So I want to go into more detail and share the reason why I switched to the DivaCup!
Before I bought the DivaCup, I was thinking about getting one for a while. Especially once my period returned after giving birth to Adora. Tampons were my go-to before getting pregnant, they were comfortable and they never leaked. Now that I have given childbirth, wearing tampons are uncomfortable and they make me cramp even more. They also leave me feeling very dry. I used to wear pads before I was in college but when I switched to tampons I couldn't go back to wearing pads. It felt disgusting whenever I wore pads after using tampons for a while. So I knew it was time to try a menstrual cup since tampons and pads weren't cutting it anymore.
There are many menstrual cups to choose from, but when I was on my period I wanted something that was accessible in stores. So I headed over to Walmart and bought the DivaCup. It was pretty pricey, however, menstrual cups are reusable!! So paying $39.99/year for the DivaCup wasn't bad compared to buying tampons and pads monthly. In Walmart, they are in the feminine care aisle right by the tampons and pads. So they are very easy to find!
Available at Walmart.
The DivaCup is in the Feminine Care Section at Walmart.
I've been using the model 2 since I've given childbirth, even though I am 23. I actually wanted to buy model 1 to see how small of a difference there is. That way I could compare the two models to you guys. However, I honestly misplaced the one I've been using so I went ahead and bought model 2 again. Since I already know that one works well for me and it doesn't leak. Model 1 is for women who are younger than 30 and have never given birth vaginally or by C-section. Model 2 is for women who are older than 30 or have given birth vaginally or by C-section. As we get older, our birth canal and vaginal muscles change. Same as it does when we are pregnant thanks to our hormones and our body preparing for childbirth. That's why it's best to consult a doctor before buying a DivaCup if you're not sure which model to buy.
When I first bought the DivaCup , I was thinking wow this thing is pretty big!! How is this going to feel comfortable? How is it going to fit in my vagina?!? I read the directions on the box and saw that there are two methods for insertion. I did the fold option 1 first "The U fold" method and let's just say it was a struggle and it hurt because the rim kept opening up before I even positioned it right. So I decided to try the second option "The push down" method which makes the rim much smaller for insertion. This method was a success, it was easier to grip and to slide in place. Once it was in, I couldn't feel it and it didn't leak. I was shocked at how comfortable it was.
Since I've been using the DivaCup for over a year now; I know how to insert it, take it out, and clean it with no problems. I want to share some tips that might be helpful if it's your first time using the DivaCup. First, read the user guide !! I'm not going to lie, when I first used it I skipped reading it and looked like a complete idiot because I couldn't get the DivaCup out!! So reading the user guide is fundamental!
DivaCup in it's box.
Comes with a baggie that you can keep it in when you're not using it.
- Always wash your hands with soap and warm water before using the DivaCup.
- Boil the DivaCup in an open pot for 5-10 minutes, you should do this with every cycle.
- Pick which insertion option to use. As mentioned above, I love the push-down method.
- Insert it horizontally towards your tailbone.
- While inserting the DivaCup you should rotate it 360 degrees in any direction. This makes it easier to insert because it will slide right into place. This also helps it seal, so it won't leak.
- You can cut the stem if it's too long. I didn't cut mine, but I know some people cut theirs.
- When you need to remove it, push it out first(like you're making a bowel movement). Then, once you see/feel the stem you can slowly pull it out.
- Dump the contents in the toilet, shower, or sink and clean it with the DivaWash or a mild, unscented, oil and fragrance free soap. If you can't clean the tiny holes below the rim(these create the seal that secures the cup in place) let it soak in warm water and try cleaning it with a clean soft toothbrush.
- Wash your hands with warm water and soap.
A lot of questions you guys asked me after my quick Instagram story about the DivaCup a month or two ago were, "where do I dump it out and how do you clean it?" You can clean it with a mild, unscented, oil and fragrance-free soap. You can also you the DivaWash! The type of soap you use to clean it can increase the risk of infections or how long the DivaCup can last. So make sure you're using the right kind of soap! You can also dump the contents in the toilet after you use it or while you're taking a shower. "How do I clean it and dump it out at work?" You can dump its contents in the toilet. Personally, I would use a baby or vaginal wipe to wipe it clean until I could thoroughly wash it once I got home. "Will it fit and does it hurt?" The DivaCup suctions to your vagina's shape. It honestly doesn't hurt if you insert it right. When you take it out, take it out at an angle so only one side comes out at a time.
DivaCup in my shower.
Can easily fit in your makeup pouch!
The reason why I love using the DivaCup is that I don't have to keep worrying about changing my tampons or pads every 4-6 hours. It's way more comfortable and I don't have to change it until 10-12 hours. I have a regular flow, and I swear the DivaCup doesn't even get half full in that amount of time! If you have a heavy flow take it out after 6 hours and see how full it is, and go from there! I promise you will be surprised by how much it can hold. I wouldn't keep it in for longer than 12 hours because you will increase the risk of an infection and odor!! Another reason why I love it is that there are no chemicals! The DivaCup is made of healthcare grade silicone which is better than tampons and pads that have surfactants, adhesives, and additives. Furthermore, it doesn't give me that drying feeling like tampons did. I also don't feel any leakage or anything from using it so I don't get that yucky feeling.
Hopefully, after reading this, you will decide to give DivaCup a try!! Don't knock it until you try it, because you really might like it. Even if you don't like it the first time, try to use it again because it's something you have to get used to and learn how to use. If you insert it wrong, it can mess up your experience. So try it a few times before you throw it in the trash. The DivaCup is available at Walmart, Target, CVS, Walgreens, RiteAid, Meijer and Whole Foods. Also, you should enter the Sweepstakes below for your chance to win one $500 Visa gift card and DivaCup prize pack!!
