Anyone use the DivaCup and/or cloth pads?

MSUMamaof2 · October 2010

Just curious....give me positives and negatives and any other helpful information.

Liss_37 · October 2010

I looked at those recently online and all I could think of was: ew, gross. :x

at the hospital we put anything with blood on it into biohazard bags to be disposed of properly.. i just don't see how using cloth pads are healthy or sanitary

MSUMamaof2 · October 2010

lisswastaken:
I looked at those recently online and all I could think of was: ew, gross. :x
at the hospital we put anything with blood on it into biohazard bags to be disposed of properly.. i just don't see how using cloth pads are healthy or sanitary

LOL. Well, I ordered both....we shall see. If the cup doesn't work, so be it. I don't think I could use cloth pads exclusively during menstrual--although I guess it could be done. It's an intriguing idea for me since I'm doing cloth diaper laundry 3X a week anyway.

And on occasion, we bleed through our pads to our underwear or pants. I wouldn't throw those away if they had blood on them. Certainly understand your point, though!

Hey, post the link to Silas' contest. Voting ends tomorrow, right?

mistywhite400 · October 2010

Gag... I agree with Liss! I'm sure not gonna dump out a cup on vag blood or wash a bloody rag! Ick!

I'll stick to tampons!

ToledoDeux · October 2010

lisswastaken:
I looked at those recently online and all I could think of was: ew, gross. :x
at the hospital we put anything with blood on it into biohazard bags to be disposed of properly.. i just don't see how using cloth pads are healthy or sanitary

Um, because it's someone else's blood. You should feel relatively safe to be around your own blood, no?

Do you throw away every pair of underwear after you wear it?

Liss_37 · October 2010

MSUMamaof2:
lisswastaken:
I looked at those recently online and all I could think of was: ew, gross. :x
at the hospital we put anything with blood on it into biohazard bags to be disposed of properly.. i just don't see how using cloth pads are healthy or sanitary
LOL. Well, I ordered both....we shall see. If the cup doesn't work, so be it. I don't think I could use cloth pads exclusively during menstrual--although I guess it could be done. It's an intriguing idea for me since I'm doing cloth diaper laundry 3X a week anyway.
And on occasion, we bleed through our pads to our underwear or pants. I wouldn't throw those away if they had blood on them. Certainly understand your point, though!
Hey, post the link to Silas' contest. Voting ends tomorrow, right?

so true. you'll have to let me know how or if they work for you.

yes voting ends tomorrow! here's the linky https://www.k-litefm.com/Showcase/CutestKid/View.aspx?ID=164388

thanks!

Liss_37 · October 2010

ToledoDeux:
lisswastaken:
I looked at those recently online and all I could think of was: ew, gross. :x
at the hospital we put anything with blood on it into biohazard bags to be disposed of properly.. i just don't see how using cloth pads are healthy or sanitary
Um, because it's someone else's blood. You should feel relatively safe to be around your own blood, no?
Do you throw away every pair of underwear after you wear it?

obviously i didn't mean we put anything with a drop or two of blood on it into biohazard bags. And I also said to let me know how it works for her. I'm not judging her I was just saying what I thought. you can take your snark back now, snarky mc snarkinston :P

amandopolis · October 2010

I use a DivaCup. I love it 1000x more than tampons. It is so comfortable, I forget I'm on my period. It isn't gross at all. I honestly don't understand why people think it's gross, but I've been using one for almost a decade now, so I guess I'm desensitized.

Edited for clarity.

emiliemadison · October 2010

lisswastaken:
ToledoDeux:
lisswastaken:
I looked at those recently online and all I could think of was: ew, gross. :x
at the hospital we put anything with blood on it into biohazard bags to be disposed of properly.. i just don't see how using cloth pads are healthy or sanitary
Um, because it's someone else's blood. You should feel relatively safe to be around your own blood, no?
Do you throw away every pair of underwear after you wear it?
obviously i didn't mean we put anything with a drop or two of blood on it into biohazard bags. And I also said to let me know how it works for her. I'm not judging her I was just saying what I thought. you can take your snark back now, snarky mc snarkinston :P

Oh, please. Toledo's point was that the blood of strangers is so entirely different than what you do with your own used pads/tampons/underwear. Dumping and flushing an less than an oz of your own blood down the toilet from a diva cup is hardly comparable to disposing of bodily fluids in a medical setting. You obviously do not put your used pads/tampons in bio-hazard containers after you're done with them. You either flush them or throw them away. Using a diva cup is along those same lines, but I've found it to be cleaner. And reusable pads aren't a whole lot different than cloth diapers. They're probably less gross.

Personally, since using a DivaCup I haven't found the need for pads or pantyliners at all, so buying reusable ones seems unnecessary to me. JMO.

MSUMamaof2 · October 2010

emiliemadison:
Personally, since using a DivaCup I haven't found the need for pads or pantyliners at all, so buying reusable ones seems unnecessary to me. JMO.

And THAT is excellent information. I also wear pantyliners during non-period days for other stuff, so I really bought the reusable pads for that.

Can I ask a ridiculous question? Were you scared at first that you were going to "lose" the DivaCup "up there"? Embarrassed I bought the "instead" thing one time and I swear to God, I about panicked once when I couldn't reach the rubber ring. I thought, oh Christ, I'm going to have to go to the gyno and have them remove my stuff.

Liss_37 · October 2010

I'm going to clarify that I was referring to my thoughts on the cloth pads.

I had never heard of a diva cup since that's what you keep talking about.

and when samsmom responded I also said what she said was true! *gasp* I admitted she was right! There's no need to rip my head off for it. sheesh.

MSUMamaof2 · October 2010

emiliemadison:
Personally, since using a DivaCup I haven't found the need for pads or pantyliners at all, so buying reusable ones seems unnecessary to me. JMO.

And THAT is excellent information. I also wear pantyliners during non-period days for other stuff, so I really bought the reusable pads for that.

Can I ask a ridiculous question? Were you scared at first that you were going to "lose" the DivaCup "up there"? Embarrassed I bought the "instead" thing one time and I swear to God, I about panicked once when I couldn't reach the rubber ring. I thought, oh Christ, I'm going to have to go to the gyno and have them remove my stuff.

MSUMamaof2 · October 2010

lisswastaken:
I'm going to clarify that I was referring to my thoughts on the cloth pads.
I had never heard of a diva cup since that's what you keep talking about.
and when samsmom responded I also said what she said was true! *gasp* I admitted she was right! There's no need to rip my head off for it. sheesh.

Liss, I got ya honey. No worries. Now, off to vote for your angel.

Leap08 · October 2010

I've been thinking of getting a Diva Cup because I only hear good things about them. I used cloth pads postpartum. They are about 100x more comfortable that disposable pads. Disposable pads make me itch and cloth does not. They aren't difficult to deal with. I just throw a load of them in the washing machine and they don't even really stain. I don't know why people think this is a big deal.

Singingmama · October 2010

What do you do with a used cloth pad if you are out and about? Do you bring along a wet bag like you would for cloth diapers?

Also, do you have to rinse out the diva cup every time that you "dump" it? How often do you have to dump it out? If it's every so many hours, like changing a pad, then how do you go about rinsing it in a public bathroom?

This post intrigues me...

emiliemadison · October 2010

MSUMamaof2:
emiliemadison:
Personally, since using a DivaCup I haven't found the need for pads or pantyliners at all, so buying reusable ones seems unnecessary to me. JMO.
And THAT is excellent information. I also wear pantyliners during non-period days for other stuff, so I really bought the reusable pads for that.
Can I ask a ridiculous question? Were you scared at first that you were going to "lose" the DivaCup "up there"? I bought the "instead" thing one time and I swear to God, I about panicked once when I couldn't reach the rubber ring. I thought, oh Christ, I'm going to have to go to the gyno and have them remove my stuff.

LOL! Well, considering that your vagina ends at your cervix, unless you in full blown labor and 10cm dilated, there isnt anywhere for it to go Plus, the Diva Cup is designed to sit lower in your vagina and while you can't feel it while you're wearing it, it's "right there" when you're ready to remove it. The Instead Cup is different because it's flatter and sits way up high next to your cervix, so it can be harder to remove.

Mereou12 · October 2010

Just out of curiosity...what do you do about changing the cup when you're not at home? I assume that it needs to be rinsed, but I wouldn't feel comfortable rinsing it in a public bathroom. Not to mention how unsanitary that would be.

I like the idea of the Diva Cup (though I'm not too keen on the cloth pads), but have never spoken to anyone that has used one. Just trying to sort out the logistics in my head.

amandopolis · October 2010

Singingmama:
What do you do with a used cloth pad if you are out and about? Do you bring along a wet bag like you would for cloth diapers?
Also, do you have to rinse out the diva cup every time that you "dump" it? How often do you have to dump it out? If it's every so many hours, like changing a pad, then how do you go about rinsing it in a public bathroom?
This post intrigues me...

I rinse mine every time I empty it, but I only empty it 2 or 3 times a day, so I'm always at home. I've never been in a situation where I had to rinse it in a public bathroom. If I did, I'd probably just use a bottle of water.

And MSUmama, I've worn Instead cups and I felt like I had to reach my arm in all the way to my elbow to get it in and out. The reusable cups are not like that at all. They sit much lower and they are very easy to get in and out.

FYI- it takes some practice. The first time I changed mine my toilet looked like a murder scene. It only took me a few times to get it exactly right, though. Now it's quicker than using a tampon.

MSUMamaof2 · October 2010

Singingmama:
What do you do with a used cloth pad if you are out and about? Do you bring along a wet bag like you would for cloth diapers?

Also, do you have to rinse out the diva cup every time that you "dump" it? How often do you have to dump it out? If it's every so many hours, like changing a pad, then how do you go about rinsing it in a public bathroom?

This post intrigues me...

Okay, here's my thoughts and why I chose to do what I did.

Being completely honest, I still have some incontinence issues post-babies. I carried a damn near 12 pound baby on my bladder and I'm still obese. I sniss. End of story. For that reason, I usually wear a light pad everyday. Can you say $$$? Since I'm washing the kids' cloth diaps every 2 days or so, I thought, why not save the $$$ and just wash my own pads?

I also have sensitive skin and get very itchy while wearing pads. My oldest is pretty much allergic to regular disposable diapers. Perhaps I have the same problem.

I'm always traveling with a wet bag for my diapers, so it would be very simple for me to throw one in the bag if need be. My wet bags are adorable, and if I had one with me, no one would ever think it was for diapers unless they asked me.

From what I've read, you can actually leave the DivaCup in for up to 12 hours--much longer than your average tampon. Those who use them already would have to vouch for that. But in the rare instance that you were out and about and needed to dump and wash out the DivaCup, I'd dump it in the toilet and rinse it in the sink. You can buy special wash to carry with you while you're out as well. I'd just be really discreet about it if using a public bathroom.

emiliemadison · October 2010

Singingmama:
What do you do with a used cloth pad if you are out and about? Do you bring along a wet bag like you would for cloth diapers?

Also, do you have to rinse out the diva cup every time that you "dump" it? How often do you have to dump it out? If it's every so many hours, like changing a pad, then how do you go about rinsing it in a public bathroom?

This post intrigues me...

I've never used cloth pads (and never will LOL) but I'm sure you can just put them in a ziplock bag.

You should rinse the cup when you empty it, but you dont have to every time. If you're in a public restroom, you can just wipe it out with toilet paper. The nice thing is that unless you have a SUPER heavy flow, you probably wont ever have to empty it when you're out and about. Most people only need to empty it when they wake up and when they go to bed, and you are pretty likely to have use of a private sink at those times.

MSUMamaof2 · October 2010

emiliemadison:
MSUMamaof2:
emiliemadison:
Personally, since using a DivaCup I haven't found the need for pads or pantyliners at all, so buying reusable ones seems unnecessary to me. JMO.
And THAT is excellent information. I also wear pantyliners during non-period days for other stuff, so I really bought the reusable pads for that.
Can I ask a ridiculous question? Were you scared at first that you were going to "lose" the DivaCup "up there"? I bought the "instead" thing one time and I swear to God, I about panicked once when I couldn't reach the rubber ring. I thought, oh Christ, I'm going to have to go to the gyno and have them remove my stuff.
LOL! Well, considering that your vagina ends at your cervix, unless you in full blown labor and 10cm dilated, there isnt anywhere for it to go Plus, the Diva Cup is designed to sit lower in your vagina and while you can't feel it while you're wearing it, it's "right there" when you're ready to remove it. The Instead Cup is different because it's flatter and sits way up high next to your cervix, so it can be harder to remove.

I am such a dumb@ss. I can't believe I actually asked that question. LOL. But hey, what can we be if we're not honest about our ridiculous fears?

emiliemadison · October 2010

MSUMamaof2:
emiliemadison:
MSUMamaof2:
emiliemadison:
Personally, since using a DivaCup I haven't found the need for pads or pantyliners at all, so buying reusable ones seems unnecessary to me. JMO.
And THAT is excellent information. I also wear pantyliners during non-period days for other stuff, so I really bought the reusable pads for that.
Can I ask a ridiculous question? Were you scared at first that you were going to "lose" the DivaCup "up there"? I bought the "instead" thing one time and I swear to God, I about panicked once when I couldn't reach the rubber ring. I thought, oh Christ, I'm going to have to go to the gyno and have them remove my stuff.
LOL! Well, considering that your vagina ends at your cervix, unless you in full blown labor and 10cm dilated, there isnt anywhere for it to go Plus, the Diva Cup is designed to sit lower in your vagina and while you can't feel it while you're wearing it, it's "right there" when you're ready to remove it. The Instead Cup is different because it's flatter and sits way up high next to your cervix, so it can be harder to remove.
I am such a dumb@ss. I can't believe I actually asked that question. LOL. But hey, what can we be if we're not honest about our ridiculous fears?

Hey, it could have been worse! You could have asked if the divacup can cause pregnancy. Stick out tongue

MSUMamaof2 · October 2010

emiliemadison:
MSUMamaof2:
emiliemadison:
MSUMamaof2:
emiliemadison:
Personally, since using a DivaCup I haven't found the need for pads or pantyliners at all, so buying reusable ones seems unnecessary to me. JMO.
And THAT is excellent information. I also wear pantyliners during non-period days for other stuff, so I really bought the reusable pads for that.
Can I ask a ridiculous question? Were you scared at first that you were going to "lose" the DivaCup "up there"? I bought the "instead" thing one time and I swear to God, I about panicked once when I couldn't reach the rubber ring. I thought, oh Christ, I'm going to have to go to the gyno and have them remove my stuff.
LOL! Well, considering that your vagina ends at your cervix, unless you in full blown labor and 10cm dilated, there isnt anywhere for it to go Plus, the Diva Cup is designed to sit lower in your vagina and while you can't feel it while you're wearing it, it's "right there" when you're ready to remove it. The Instead Cup is different because it's flatter and sits way up high next to your cervix, so it can be harder to remove.
I am such a dumb@ss. I can't believe I actually asked that question. LOL. But hey, what can we be if we're not honest about our ridiculous fears?
Hey, it could have been worse! You could have asked if the divacup can cause pregnancy.

Now THAT is some funny stuff. And thanks for the great info. Same goes to you, Amandaopolis. I'm excited to get this stuff in the mail. Hopefully it will arrive before AF so I can figure it out.

Leap08 · October 2010

Singingmama:
What do you do with a used cloth pad if you are out and about? Do you bring along a wet bag like you would for cloth diapers?

Also, do you have to rinse out the diva cup every time that you "dump" it? How often do you have to dump it out? If it's every so many hours, like changing a pad, then how do you go about rinsing it in a public bathroom?

This post intrigues me...

I really only used my cloth pads postpartum, so I wasn't exactly out and about a whole lot. If I was going to use them now (unlikely - I hate pads) I'd probably bring a small wetbag to put them in.

JameRoo430 · October 2010

I've been using the Diva Cup about 6 months now and absolutely LOVE it! A month ago I felt a UTI coming on right before my period and I had SUCH a hard time using pads again! I was worried it would be gross but I feel SOOO much cleaner with the Diva cup! I'm a heavy bleeder so the first couple days I usually use a panty-liner too (which with the cup in I only really need to change like twice a day and that's just for sanitary reasons, it barely gets anything on it, but I like to have the safety.

I have changed it a couple times while out but in that case I don't rinse it and that hasn't caused a problem since I do generally empty and rinse it when I get home in those cases. A couple of times I was out and tried to rush putting it back and didn't get a good "seal" and leaked so that is something to keep in mind but you can feel it right away so that's not really a problem either since you can fix it if you do that before any damage is done.

As long as you're comfortable with tampons I can't imagine the cup being a problem. When you first get it the size is a bit intimidating, but remember, you fold it all up to put it in and I can't feel it once it's in right.

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Anyone use the DivaCup and/or cloth pads?

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