Too Much Information

Menstruation - also known as a period, is a normal vaginal bleeding as part of the monthly cycle for people with vaginas. Every month the body prepares for pregnancy and if it doesn't occur, the uterus sheds its lining. Menstrual blood is partly blood and tissue from inside the uterus. 

Let's pull over for a moment. I just need to say that being a vagina owner is a scam for the simple fact that bleeding for several days once a month is the result of not getting impregnated. Carry on. 

Disclaimer: If you don't like to talk about periods, menstruation, or anything of the like, I suggest you stop reading here and grow up. 

Model 1 DivaCup, bag, and booklet

So a few months ago I decided that I wanted to try out a menstrual cup during my period. Well, I finally put my fear aside and purchased a DivaCup last month and tried it during my most recent period. For reference, the DivaCup comes in 3 models based on age and the size of one's flow. To prepare myself for using the DivaCup, a few days before my period I tried inserting it into my vagina because I wanted to try it when I knew it wouldn't be a bloody mess (ha!). To insert you can either do so while sitting on the toilet or propping a leg up on the tub, I went with the former. So I attempted it several times that day using the folding methods in the booklet that comes with the cup. Well those methods didn't work and I was tired of propping my leg up on the tub, so I gave up for the day. 

A couple of days later, I asked my Twitter followers for help. One of them sent me a YouTube video that shows 11 different folding techniques and luckily one of them worked! Each time you insert and remove the DivaCup you should wash your hands and the cup. When washing the cup you can either use the DivaWash or a mild, unscented, oil-free soap. Once I got the cup inserted, I called one of my best friends excited to tell her I was finally able to insert it. (She's the one who convinced me to give the DivaCup a try) Once the DivaCup is inserted, it will open up, then it has to be turned it so can lock in place and doesn't leak. Honestly, it was a bit uncomfortable for the first few minutes, like the kind of discomfort that's new and you eventually adjust to. Eventually, I no longer felt discomfort and forgot it was there. Since you can leave it in for up to 12 hours, I decided to sleep with it in. During the middle of the night I woke up to use the bathroom and didn't feel or see it and immediately began to panic. So I began to do some digging (quite literally) and it was exactly where it was supposed to be. *I'm going to blame this on being delirious*

Anyways, moving on to removal. This was much easier for me to do. You can do it in the same position as insertion, leg on the tub or sitting on the toilet. I tried both ways and I prefer to do so sitting on the toilet to avoid any accidental spills. When removing you pull the stem a little, just until you can feel the base of the cup. Once you can feel the base, you want to pinch it and pull it out. I think this is the easiest part, because it came out with ease for me. 

Now on my second and third days, I had some challenges. I experienced a few leaks these days. Leaks can occur if your cup is full and needs to be emptied or when the cup is not properly locked in place. So make sure you know your flow enough to know if your heavy day will require a more frequent checking up on the cup. By the time my period ended, I felt more comfortable using the DivaCup. 

If you are interested in using a menstrual cup, there are several out there to try. Please do your research and decide which cup is best for you. I've listed a few below. 

 DivaCup

 Flex

 Cora

 Lena

 Saalt

I would recommend trying out the DivaCup (or any menstrual cup) when you plan to stay home all day to avoid any potential mishaps. Also, don't get rid of whatever menstrual product you currently use because you may need it or want to revert back to it during your period. PLEASE don't be afraid to get up close and personal with your flow. Take it from someone who was terrified at the thought of using a menstrual cup but is now more comfortable and confident with her menstrual cycle after 16 years of menstruating. 

Do you use a menstrual cup? Or have you thought about using a menstrual cup? What's your experience been? Let me know what thoughts or concerns you have about menstrual cups in the comments below! 

Peace & Blessings!