7 Reasons I Love My Diva Cup

1. Chemicals Are not okay for our lady bits

I used to be a loyal tampon user. I hated pads and they we they felt and often leaked so I switched to tampons when I was about 14. I used them for about 6 years. Right up until I got pregnant with my first son. After I had him I didn't get a period for a year! But after a year of period free awesomeness it came back. So I went back to using tampons. But they were horrible. It was so uncomfortable. Dry and itchy. They just felt wrong. I tried switching it up. Even using Seventh Generation brand items didn't help much. Luckily (hah!) I got pregnant again about 8 cycles later and didn't have to think about it again for a while. I was hoping I'd get another year off post pregnancy, but no such luck. So I bought myself a Diva Cup and gave it try. I hated it. It was so uncomfortable. I felt like it would fall out. Turns out I wasn't putting it in right.

2. I know so Much More about my Cervix!

So, because I didn't put it in right that first month I was discouraged. BUT after re-reading the directions I understood it a little more. That little turn to make it suction makes ALL the difference. It's not just supposed to sit in your vagina. It suctions to your cervix. Sounds scary if you haven't done it before. But it is AWESOME! Now, I know that for some people the Diva Cup isn't a great fit. But there are lots of cups out there to try. So don't give up! The size 2 (post baby) cup is the perfect fit for me. As a doula and mother who has given birth, I understand the basics of our bodies and how they function during menstruation and labor. But I never actually knew what my cervix felt like! Now I understand so much more about my body.

3. It's like Not Having a Period.

I'd say most of the time I don't have cramps anymore. Now, understanding that your uterus is contracting enough to open up to 1cm it makes sense that you have cramping sometimes. But my cramps are far less in intensity and frequency. Also... I use way less toilet paper! Much less mess to wipe away with each visit to the restroom. And Because of the suction to keep everything in the cup there is less odor. Plus, nobody even has to know you have your period... you can be super discrete going into the bathroom without bringing anything with you. Wash hands and empty, reinsert and wash hands again!

4. No waste! Save Money!

Nothing to throw away! And after the initial $30-$40 investment no more wasting money on buying more products each month to just throw or flush away! Less impact on the environment and your trash can!

5. Staying "Moist"

Pads and tampons are used to absorb. And they don't discriminate on what type of moisture. This often leaves us feeling dry and itchy. But with the Diva Cup... It's no absorbing anything So all the natural moisture stays where it is needed to keep up comfortable as we should be. Which brings me to my next reason....

6. Sex... Yes, sex!

Some people are perfectly comfortable having sex during their period, and that is awesome! Others not so much. I'm in the not so much category. Sex is messy enough... without adding a period. However... one drunken night.... we may have accidentally left it in. And it may have been TOTALLY AWESOME. Not only did we not have to worry about our sheets, it actually felt pretty incredible for both of us. It's opened up a whole new awesome world for us.

7. No Leaks

So for me... I don't leak. Unless it's a heavier day and I go beyond 12 hours without emptying it. It actually feels heavy and uncomfortable if I let it go too far. I empty mine typically in the morning when I wake up and at night before bed. No leaks. It's pretty awesome.

So if you are thinking about making the switch, I say go for it! I did and I've never looked back.