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I used softcups (not a fan) and the diva cup. I liked the diva cup and it was reusable. I'll need to get another one when I start my period again.

I've used natural pads/tampons in the past. Now I just buy regular store bought always/tampax. I just... No thank you to the diva cup, soft cups, and the reusable pads... I guess I'm stuck in my ways. LOL

ETA: I've never flushed a tampon. Heard too many horror stories about them clogging up perfectly normal, new toilets in homes that are connected to the city sewer system. (so, a septic tank wasn't the issue...)

I bought a diva cup because I was having horrifically heavy periods and with teaching I couldn't run to the restroom hourly. It was a godsend. I was able to avoid emptying it in public restrooms most of the time, I would just take care of it before leaving home and usually I would be fine. Use a liner three first few times, but the learning curve isn't bad at all. I now can't stand using other options.

love the diva cup. it seriously changed the way i feel about periods. i recommended it to my friends but most are grossed out by it...if you can get past the fact that you are collecting blood in a cup, its fantastic, i feel like it is cleaner and there is no smell.

I've thought about switching to Diva cup many times, but I've never actually taken the plunge. I know so many people love them, but I really have no issues with using tampons.

I use tampons and have tried the Diva cup. I just couldn't get it, but maybe I should try again. I can not use pads, I hate the feeling.

I use tampons and have since high school. I'm interested in switching to the Diva cup, but I'm afraid! I need to just get over it and try it out.

@mrsjazz: Yeah, I can't stand pads either! Unfortunately I went YEARS before I got comfortable enough to use tampons lol.

I'm a tampon girl! Pads feel like diapers to me and the idea of reusable makes me cringe.

Of course, I haven't had a period in a year and a half so... it hasn't been an issue!

@pui: I remember when I discovered tampons (even though they were weird for a while) I felt like running through a field and singing about the sound of music, it was that life changing for me. When I was PP and had to wear pads I felt so gross, I don't like feeling like I'm leaking. But I also understand how weird it is to use tampons for some folks...and not the safest thing.

My friend was grossed out that I use OB--she said, "WHERE IS THE APPLICATOR?" And then I chased her around trying to put my hands on her since she was grossed out.

I use pads/tampons Being on hormonal BC has slowed my flow so much that most of the time, I don't even have to use tampons anymore. The idea of reusable stuff freaks me out too. I'm not as brave as some of you.

I didn't start my period until I was 16 (so lucky, I know!), and I've only used pads and tampons. I'm seriously considering alternatives though.

Since this thread is full of TMI, I might as well add some! Just started my first experience with the Diva Cup and I think I like it! Putting it in and taking it out gets some getting used to, but so far I haven't had any issues. The weirdest thing is actually seeing liquid like that after almost 20 years of tampons...

I'm really, really interested in trying this!! I'd never heard of it before this thread.

For those ladies that use one - what do you clean it with?? Some sort of disinfectant??

Ps - The most hilarious thing happened. As I was reading this thread with a look of concentration on my face, DH said "what are you reading about?". So I told him!! And showed him!! Hahahaha!! He wished he hadn't asked!

@Cherrybee: I wash it with Dr. Bronner's baby soap in between uses and then boil it at the end of each cycle. It comes with a little pouch to store it in and I just keep it in my medicine cabinet until next month.

I used to use the Instead cup. It's like the diva cup but it's disposable. I really liked it. Eventually though I just got tired of putting it in and taking it out (definitely a little trickier than a tampon) and also it's a little messier. I found that I'd have to give it a quick rinse or else it was just too messy to wrap and throw away (and I don't even have a heavy flow.) I did find it very comfortable and convenient once I had it in. Totally TMI but it was perfect if you want to have sex during your period.

ETA: Looks like it's called the SoftCup now http://www.drugstore.com/products/prod.asp?pid=40597&aid=336064&aparam=instead%20cup&scinit1=instead%20cup

I was having crazy heavy periods for a few months (bad enough that I had to go to the er) and the diva cup was great. It holds about twice what the heaviest tampon will hold so I wasn't as tied to the bathroom. I will say that it took me a little longer to change it when it was that heavy, and the mess factor was a little greater but the trade off was worth it to me at that point. Once my flow evened out it was even better.

I love my diva cup. For me it's much more comfortable and cleaner feeling than tampons or pads. Like Mrs. Twine, I have the same one night of heavy flow that needs backup, but I can usually get away with just a panty liner.

I have a friend who developed endometriosis from long-term tampon use. She is now a huge advocate for using things other than tampons!

I use organic pads/tampons from seventh generation. more expensive but worth it IMO.

I have heard the diva cup is messy and I def couldn't do luna pads!