I've been using the diva cup for about six months. It works well in that it doesn't usually leak, even when AF is pretty heavy. However, it does cause vaginal soreness, which I mostly notice when DTD within a few days of using it. I'm wondering if this is normal and just one of the downsides of the menstrual cup (that for marketing reasons diva cup does not warn you about!) or if it means that I am using the wrong size/brand, or still managing to insert it wrong despite the absence of leaks. Anyone else experience this?
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I really liked my diva cup that I used pre pregnancies, then I used the small size and found that I needed to cut the tail all the way off or it bugged me. I could still get it out, just not as easily.
After lo1 I got a new different brand one in the larger size and is not as soft and was never as comfortable. I was going to try getting the diva cup in the small and see if that felt better, but I got pregnant again.
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@maddyz: Thank you, and congrats on the pregnancy!
I wish I had gotten the small diva one, it's good to hear that it can be comfortable. We're TTC and so it seems a bit silly to buy a new one now, but IDK how long it will take trying for a sticky baby and the large one just isn't that comfortable so I may give the small one a try regardless!
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Following, I am interested to see the answers! I recently started using a mooncup and I find it so irritating. I have cut the tail off completely and I can still feel it, and it is quite uncomfortable when walking around! I don't know if I'm inserting it wrongly or it's something else. I have the large size as was reccomend for after kids.
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I've used a diva cup (small) for a few years and haven't had any soreness. It definitely feels uncomfortable if I don't have it in right, but usually then it will leak.
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I think you might be right about needing a different size/brand. I have never had any pain or discomfort with mine.
P.S. I am SO glad I finally tried it!
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Fwiw I feel like my cup (that I've been using for five years minus one pregnancy) has gotten softer with age. But it was never uncomfortable. Different brands feel different and are different sizes so you can try out a different one. After I gave birth I had to cut the tail off my Diva cup entirely. And I still have the pre-childbirth size. I've considered buying a new one but I'm lazy. Although I may need a new one just because mine is getting old!
http://theecofriendlyfamily.com/2012/04/what-menstrual-cup-is-right-for-you/
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@tofuwad: so you are still using a small size post childbirth with no leaking? Hmm maybe I should try this. I have had 2 vaginal deliveries though so I feel like surely it won't work!
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I've tried Diva and Moon cup and the Moon works better for me. I have to cut the entire tail off too. Sometimes it does feel uncomfortable when walking around (I suspect this is a pelvic floor issue). I actually had to buy a new one recently and mistakenly bought the smaller one even though I've had two natural births. I find the smaller one to be more comfortable than the larger one and nothing is compromised in terms of capacity or leaking.
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@lamariniere: hmm I might try the small one then. Although at 4 months pp my pelvic floor might well be failing to hold it in place!
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@Bubbles: well, I'm 2.5+ years PP and I'm having issues! I honestly don't know. It's either that or I have an extremely short/low cervix. Have you tried looking at comparison sights? There are tons with pictures and I actually liked the one that gives measurements. Knowing how the Diva fit me, I could look at the shapes and lengths of the other ones to get a better idea. I still may try a new shorter cup in the future.
http://theecofriendlyfamily.com/2012/04/what-menstrual-cup-is-right-for-you/
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@lamariniere: yeah that's how I feel, like if I put it any higher up it will almost be touching the cervix. That link looks helpful though - I didn't look into anything like that before buying which was probably foolish! Thank you
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@Bubbles: I didn't either the first time! I didn't even think that cervix length was a consideration! Oh well, live and learn.
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@Bubbles: I'm reading reviews of the Femme Cycle Low as we speak and I think I may try that one, if I can find it where I live. It sounds like it's a dream for a low cervix!
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@cam: @tlcbaby: @lamariniere: @tofuwad: @Bubbles: Thank you, this is super helpful. And that comparison site is *awesome*!
I'm going to try a smaller size, and maybe a shorter length as well. The low cervix ones have a significantly smaller capacity than the diva cup (I guess by construction!), but I think I have a low cervix because I often hit the cup against it when inserting, even when it's barely in, and ouch...
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@periwinklebee: I think I have the same cervix problem as you. Let us know if you find one that works!
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@lamariniere: me too! I found a uk supplier, you're in Europe aren't you? http://luxurymoon.co.uk/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=2269
@periwinklebee: the one @lamariniere mentioned has a 30ml capacity which isn't too bad!
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oops, just saw that there is one low cervix one - that @lamariniere: just mentioned - that also has a pretty large capacity, unlike the MeLuna short ones...
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@Bubbles: hah, I think our responses crossed paths, just saw that! I may have to check it out.
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@Bubbles: yep, I'm in Europe, thanks for the link! I only checked Amazon.de so far and they didn't have it, so I'm glad to know there is a source!
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@Bubbles: I've got a very heavy flow so I've always had some leakage problems (usually only on heavy flow days when my cup literally runneth over) but no more than I had before my baby. I had some bad 2nd degree tearing (my Ob basically said it was close to but not quite 3rd degree tearing), if that makes a difference.
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@periwinklebee: I did not notice that with the Diva but that is a valid concern! The diva is known as being one of the firmest, most inflexible cups on the market. There are many options that are a lot softer. I have the Sckoon and Lunette.
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@tofuwad: thank you, that is good to know! I had a small tear the second time but I'd like to think they sewed it back to how it was!
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@Bubbles: @lamariniere: Thank you! I think I'm going to give the Femme Cycle Low a try next month - will let you know how it works!
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@pachamama: Thank you! I hadn't realized diva was one of the firmer ones...
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I use a Lunette size 1 and a Femme Cycle. I've never had that soreness, so I think you are right to try another cup.
I ran across a survey that helps you determine good brands for your needs, and it recommended the Lunette for me (which I've already had a few years and like). So I think it is worth a try: http://putacupinit.com/quiz/
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@Iced Tea: Thank you - the quiz is great! It suggested Ruby Cup for me, I'm going to look into it more...
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@lamariniere: @Bubbles: I'm just reporting back to say that I *love* the FemmeCycle Low
It's super easy and painless to insert, I don't feel it once its in, zero soreness, and no leaks. I think both the fact that it's designed for a low cervix and that it's a softer material work better for my body than diva cup. I now realize what a poor fit the diva cup was! @tofuwad: @Iced Tea: Thank you for sharing the comparison chart and quiz - these were really helpful in figuring out what would work better for me!
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@periwinklebee: That's great! I'm glad you found a better fit.
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@periwinklebee: I was hoping you would update! I'm definitely going to get one!
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@periwinklebee: I got one too and used it for the first time this week! I also love it! It's so comfortable I actually forget it's there which I could NEVER have said of the mooncup! I also like the flippy bit at the top so you don't spill it. Definitely reccomend!
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@lamariniere: @Bubbles: FemmeCycle Low for the win! @lamariniere: , hope it works as well for you!
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@Bubbles: @periwinklebee: ladies, I got one! I LOVE that I can't feel it at all. But do you have any insertion tricks? I've been looking at some youtube videos and have tried a few things, but I don't feel 100% confident with it yet.
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I just started using a cup for the last 2 days or my last cycle. I had no leaks but was generally uncomfortable. I feel like after a few tries I had it in pretty right. Ive been dying to start my period to test it out again but if it doesn't feel right I may have to get a different one...glad I found this thread!
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@lamariniere: @Bubbles: I'm still getting confident with it as well. For the most part it has been amazing, but I also had a couple of fails. And I found when it failed, it was more than a little leak.
i.e. it either works perfectly for me or barely at all. I've found the keys to getting it to pop open are inserting it slowly (it mentions this in the directions and it really seems to help) and making sure there's trapped air when it's folded. Intentionally relaxing the relevant muscles also makes it easier for it to pop open. I can tell more or less if it's opened and if it hasn't, I pull it out and try again. The other thing is I try to be sure to aim the opening at my cervix.
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@Mrs. Sunshine: For me, the difference in comfort with the diva cup versus femme cycle cup is night and day. I thought for a few months I must be doing something wrong, but the replies/links on this thread helped me realize it just wasn't a good fit for my body. It was kind of annoying to have to buy a new cup and master again how to insert it, but so worth it...
It's super easy and painless to insert, I don't feel it once its in, zero soreness, and no leaks. I think both the fact that it's designed for a low cervix and that it's a softer material work better for my body than diva cup. I now realize what a poor fit the diva cup was! 
i.e. it either works perfectly for me or barely at all. I've found the keys to getting it to pop open are inserting it slowly (it mentions this in the directions and it really seems to help) and making sure there's trapped air when it's folded. Intentionally relaxing the relevant muscles also makes it easier for it to pop open. I can tell more or less if it's opened and if it hasn't, I pull it out and try again. The other thing is I try to be sure to aim the opening at my cervix.
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