Diva Cup Troubleshoot

sparedream · December 2013

Hey girls.. I used to be a sorta reg on this board many moons ago, and this is where I first heard about the diva cup, so I'm hoping any diva cup users have some advice.

I bought it last cycle, and used it the last two days, and now am on CD2 of trying again this month. It leaks constantly. I've tried both folding methods. I have a lot of trouble getting it to turn a full 360 degrees, but I always end up getting it to. I am using the right size - size 1, no kids.

I really, really want to make this work, but I'm getting close to tossing it and going back to tampons. Can anyone help a girl out?

sister13 · December 2013

There are a lot of folds you can still try. Google "diva cup folds." I usually use the shell/tulip way, I think. You push down one edge inside towards the bottom, then squeeze the two sides together and insert. You can see an example here. I have not had good luck with the other two most common ways but this one works the best for me.

Are you having a problem with it opening all the way? I sometimes have to re-insert mine because (tmi) my cervix is low and to make sure it is opened all the way and in proper place, I use the fold above. Also, someone told me you really have to make sure the little holes at the top are open - Here's how it was described to me: "I fill my Diva cup with soapy water, put my palm over the top and squeeze the cup (it sort of makes a suction to my hand) to make sure that some water shoots out of the little holes -- maybe give that a try and it will open up more comfortably."

I've never had a problem with leaking, and I love the cup vs. tampons which always leaked and had to change so frequently! Hope this helps and it works out for you!

Ceridwen21 · December 2013

Yes, I was going to say to make sure the little holes aren't clogged. Hope you figure it out. It's really worth it! I leaked a few times my first cycle but then I got the hang of it and will never look back.

sparedream · December 2013

sister13 said:
Are you having a problem with it opening all the way?

Thank you so much for taking the time to answer! You're awesome!

I think that probably is my problem, because its so hard to get it to turn 360 degrees once it is inside. I did read about those little holes, and they are clear and open. I'm excited to try that new fold, thanks again!

Bonnesetter27 · December 2013

I have 2 troubleshooting ideas.
1. After you insert it, use your finger to push against the back wall of your vagina to try to "inflate" the cup. This is how I get mine to open.
2. Are you sure your not putting it in too far. I did this a lot in the beginning because I had the tampon mentality that you don't want it coming out. But actually if you put it in too far your cervix fills up some of the cup and the liquid has no where to go but out. HTH