Diva Cup

[dirteelilsecret.livejournal.com]

So I've heard a lot of great things about the Diva cup on here and I felt like trying it out myself. I just bought one and I totally can't get it to go in. And when it does, it doesn't pop all the way open. I read the directions numerous times. Anyone have any tricks or pointers that might help me. I'd had to think $30 just went to nothing. Thanks!

Comments

[dirteelilsecret.livejournal.com]

I tried the U-Fold, I guess. The one that the instructions tell you to use.
I'll look into that community. Thanks!

[sageautumn.livejournal.com]

I have to use the... ..seven fold? I can't ever figure out which fold is which.

I take the top edge of one side, and fold it down toward the stem... making the whole thing look sort of like a funnel. As I slide it in, I release the fold, and it sort of "pop"s open... I continue pushing upward until I feel it's secure, then I squeeze the base to feel the seal and force out excess air.

And yes, the community is tons of help. I think they're on my friendslist if you have trouble finding them.

[flabette.livejournal.com]

Try a different fold. The c-fold (or u-fold) that they have in the instructions is tricky for me, and some other people. I do the "punch-down fold," basically push one side of the rim into the cup and fold it around itself. That sounds confusing. Someone made a post in the community mentioned above that showed several different folds with pictures, let me see if I can find it.

...

http://community.livejournal.com/menstrual_cups/1044441.html#cutid1 !!

also, try using your fingers to get the cup to pop open if you can. it's sort of a trial and error procedure. good luck!

[as-she-melts.livejournal.com]

As long as we're recommending folds... my cup experience has markedly improved since learning the origami fold. Also, once you insert if you pull down very slightly, then push the cup back in, it may help it to pop open. And make sure the little holes are clean! I can help to widen them a bit with a sterilized pin--that makes it easier to stay sealed (IME, anyway) and easier to clean.

[hollsannfree.livejournal.com]

Try lying down to put it in. One thing that has worked really well for me is reclining in an empty bathtub and putting one leg up on the side of the tub, and the other relaxed but straight. Don't worry about wasting $30. Don't worry about not being able to get it in. Don't worry about not being able to get it out. Relax. It's going to be hard going if you're tense.

The punch down fold is the only one that worked for me in the beginning, but now that I'm comfortable with it I can use any of the folds. You don't always feel it popping open. Sometimes I get a floopy feeling (for lack of a better term) in my abdomen when I stand up. I assume that's it coming open. Other times I feel nothing, but it hasn't leaked yet.

Definitely check out the menstrual cup community. I'm sure they'll have better advice.

[teh-kel.livejournal.com]

all i can say is practice practice practice!
it took me my whole first cycle with it to
get it right and in there properly.
the U-fold worked for me..but at first i couldn't
keep it folded! the more i played with it..the less
stiff it was and then it was easier to get in.

[nakedfaery.livejournal.com]

Try a different fold and use a little lube on the rim of the cup, not too much or it turns into a slippery little bugger.

I use the 7 fold. I used to use the punch down fold, but had too many issues getting it to open up afterwards. I also know a lot of woman who swear by the origami fold.

[poppleshatesyou.livejournal.com]

First question; are you trying to do a dry run? (not on your period) because that is not really an adequate trial. It's so much easier while on your period.

Anddd like everyone else has said, try different folds, and once its in have you tried "stirring" (sticking a finger up the sides a bit) the cup or turning it by spinning the bottom? Sometimes these things can help the cup pop open.

I've also found inserting the cup standing in the shower can be really helpful.

Just to echo everyone else definitely check out the menstrual_cups, it really is trial and error, good luck figuring out what works best for you!!

[leastlikely.livejournal.com]

Check out menstrual_cups!! There are tips on a whole bunch of different folds that may work better for you - check the "insertion - folding methods" tag. Here (http://community.livejournal.com/menstrual_cups/1063119.html) is a little tutorial I whipped up for the fold I invented and use all the time :)

Good luck!

[slinksgirl.livejournal.com]

Like everyone else has said, I definitely recommend a different folding method...I got frustrated and gave up after a couple of tries. A month later, I tried it using the punchdown fold method and it worked like a dream!

[goth-kittykat.livejournal.com]

yeah for some people(like me, a year user)keeping it from leaking even though you have it in right doesn't really work. :(

here's a link to an lj post about different folds...really i like the punch method better than any of the others....the orgami one is to crazy for me!Lol

http://community.livejournal.com/menstrual_cups/453392.html