Let me start off by saying this may be one of the most personal writings I've ever done. I've always had a heavy period, but I've never been a tampon kind of girl. It has never been comfortable for me and I've never managed to make the switch from pad to tampon.
When hearing about the comfort brought by a Diva Cup, I was very optimistic. I wanted to give it a try. Here's what I learned.
Although actually inserting the cup is a little challenging at first, it totally pays off. It is easiest to do in the shower but also if your in the position you're in on the toilet (I know that totally doesn't make sense). Finding what position works best for you is essential because the product has to be correctly inserted.
Once your body adjusts, you honest to God, do not feel anything.
I wasn't ever able to successfully use tampons, yet I can use this without a problem. Just make sure that the diva cup opens up completely. You insert it bent in half, and if it doesn't open completely, it isn't going to do its job.
That being said, when it is correctly inserted, there is ZERO leakage, which is pretty incredible. The first day or two, I wore a liner to be on the safe side, but it wasn't necessary. I figured there would be something still escaping, but seriously there was nothing to worry about.
Removing it is a little more invasive because you want to essentially re-fold it, bear down, and then guide it out. So yes, it can get a little messy but really, it's worth the continuous comfort throughout the day.
The nicest perk of this product is that you don't have to think about your period all day.
You can use the diva cup for 12 hours at a time, so I'd put it in in the morning before leaving for class and take it out before bed. I've always had a heavy period so this is awesome for me. It literally makes it seem like I don't have a period when I'm using the cup.
I will say, I do not sleep with the cup simply because I don't sleep well on my period. I didn't want to risk not getting any sleep during the busy season of the semester.
Overall, I'm surprised with how positive of an experience this has been. I never ever would have expected to have so much success with the Diva Cup, and I'm so glad I gave it a try. It has provided so much comfort and ease during that time of the month.
If you've had difficult times with your period in the past, I'd highly encourage you to give this a try.