Diva Cup questions regarding larger size

[mandaryn.livejournal.com]

I posted a more detailed question over in menstrual_cups, but my Diva Cup has been leaking recently (just a bit last cycle, and 3 times already this cycle), and I'm wondering if I need/should move up to the larger size. I've been using the cup for almost 3 full years now, so I'm definitely a seasoned user. Holes have been cleared (and even when changing, there wasn't all that much blocking them, certainly not more than normal, and I'd say even less than I normally get). I check for a good seal (and can give the cup a few turns even).

I've never been pregnant, and I'll be 27 in May. I know that the "after age 30" thing is approximate, hence my wondering if I'm just hitting that body change a bit sooner, and the need to move up a size.

Comments

[frolicnaked.livejournal.com]

It's possible, though I tend to hear about more people over 30 (who haven't been pregnant) using the smaller size than I do the other way around.

One other option might be to consider a switch in brands. For instance, I know that my Diva Cup has always leaked a bit (I was 23/24 when I stopped using it), but I've never had that problem with the (smaller size) Mooncup.

[mandaryn.livejournal.com]

A switch in brands might be fun. It's definitely something I'm looking into. I might try tweaking with how I've been inserting it too, along with just trying to pay more attention to how often I empty it (at least during the day).

[arularia.livejournal.com]

I started having a similar problem. First cycle with my diva, I ran around in white panties with no liner and had zero leaks. I haven't been so lucky with subsequent cycles. I thought the problem might have been just residual leakage from blood that was hanging out on my vaginal walls before I inserted the cup, but "stirring" didn't seem to help the problem. This past cycle, I might have nipped in the bud, but I'll need at least one more cycle to know for sure. I started insert my cup just a little higher than I had been before and that seemed to help a lot. Before, I was leaving part of the bottom of the cup outside before I let it pop open and then letting my body work it up higher. This last time around, I made sure everything, but the stem was inside before letting it open. Maybe experimenting with the insertion height might help you? You could also try doing some daily kegels to avoid having to shell out for a new cup.

[mandaryn.livejournal.com]

That might be it. I know the first night it leaked, I had mentioned to my husband that it felt a bit low. He even asked if I needed to adjust it, and I told him that it should be fine and that it usually works itself up.

I usually stir it too, and turning it has never been an issue for me (I can usually get 2-3 rotations).

I've never been able to figure out the kegel thing; well, not never, I used to be able to stop the flow of my urine when I was a kid, but I've found now it's much harder. =( I guess I should keep trying. =)

[arularia.livejournal.com]

Kegels were a little hard for me to figure out too. The urine trick definitely helped me zone in on what I should be doing. I think it's definitely one of those things that takes a little practice especially to avoid contracting your abdominals or gluteals since they seem to like getting involved for some reason.