ecstaticI first heard about menstrual cups on reddit. I was really intrigued with the idea, and having done a week's intensive research (and finding out two of my sisters have Divas!) I decided the large Fleurcup was right for me. I'm 24, but have had a kiddie and know I'm a bit roomy down there. I got my lovely black fleur in the mail and couldn't wait for my period! (What a novel feeling. :D )
When I first got my cup, I played with it and experimented with the different folds. I found the one I could open easiest outside was the 7 fold and punch down, so I tried those inside on my dry run. I couldn't get the 7 fold to open, but found the punch down really easy, and I could tell when it opened because it "punched" my vaginal wall when it was fully popped open. It didn't hurt at all. When I went to take it out, I pinched the base, tipped it so it was level and it came right out! No pain at all. I'm pretty certain my cervix is quite low during my period, because the tip of the stem is just level with the vaginal opening when it's seated and sealed right. This doesn't bother me as it is a lot more flexible than tampons that would worm their way to freedom when I went on walks. (SO GROSS.) It being low means when I tip the cup level, it's got an edge out already and the rest just follows.
During my period, it was heaven! I was clean! I didn't have to worry about finding a garbage can when I was at friends', didn't have to worry about rogue tampons not doing their job and making a run for it, or pads bunching up and giving me wedgies. I was FREE! Inserting, taking out and cleaning were the easiest thing. Not one leak. I am in love and want to shout it from the roof tops!
I was surprised at how little I actually bleed. I was expecting to use the whole 30 ml cup, but it barely went past the top grip ring after 6 or 7 hours on my heaviest day. I have thought about maybe getting a smaller one, maybe a Meluna, but am worried it won't fit my cavern of a vagina. I am very happy with my fleur, but I can see myself becoming a cup addict very easily! :D My husband even seems to be getting used to the idea of a cup, and not bloody cotton stuck up there, though he is still majorly grossed out by it.