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16 April 2013 @ 11:36 am
Hello all, I'm new here but have read a load of very informative posts already. I've just tried my first cycle with Diva Cup size 2. I know it takes a few cycles before really getting the hang of things, but the verdict's still out on whether this is the best cup for me. I'm 40 and have one child (have been a mom for 12 years). My first impression was that my flow was very heavy for the first few days and I had quite a bit of leakage. Clearly the cup still collected a LOT though. I did also have trouble with feeling like it was slipping down. I tried it inside out and it was better, but still slipped down quite a bit. Does this mean I need a shorter, wider based cup, and possibly with a firmer texture? I get that I could probably use some Kegels (told my husband this and he said he doesn't think I have a problem with that at all, just his TMI, insider opinion, heh heh), but in the meantime does this mean there is no appropriate cup for me?

Another specific activity I've had trouble with is singing. I sing in a band and when I really sing loud, my stomach and pelvic floor muscles push out and down. It makes the cup slip down, no matter what I do! This makes me really wish I had a different brand or size.

Also, if anyone has a link to info about getting to know your cervix location, that would be great. I have a feeling mine is low.

Thanks in advance!
 
Kai: 2Cupskuradi8 on April 16th, 2013 08:10 pm (UTC)
Both. ;o)

The large Fleur cup gets good "Mom" reviews for its comfort and shape.

As for Kegel exercises, there are many different kegel tools. Some are hands-on and require interaction -- such as wands or tethered "orgasm balls" or gizmos that look kinda like speculums. My favorite tool is just plain Ben Wa Balls. Start with ones that are about 1" and 3/4oz apiece and then graduate to those that are appx 3/4" and 1oz apiece. The idea is to insert them and keep them in while you walk around, do the dishes, etc. Start with 20 minutes a day and build from there. The longer you keep them in, they harder they'll be to keep them inside. That's what's working your PCs -- hands free, no interaction required. Do this at home. Be sure to remember to remove them (relax, cough and catch) before going out or using the toilet.

But it has recently come to light that kegel exercises are not enough. You will need to add squats (for the butt muscles) and lower abdominal crunches to your exercise routine. They all work together to tone vaginal muscles.
gingerade72 on April 16th, 2013 08:44 pm (UTC)
Thanks!
I like hearing "both" -- it keeps me professing but also means I don't have to give up on using a cup. Thanks for the brand suggestion too. From what I've been reading, that sounds like a potentially good match.

Also, thanks for the specific ideas for muscle strengthening. Sometimes just "do kegels" doesn't really have a definite goal to work toward or a way to measure progress.
gingerade72 on April 16th, 2013 10:10 pm (UTC)
Re: Thanks!
I meant "progressing"! :-p
juliiie87juliiie87 on April 16th, 2013 08:28 pm (UTC)
The Diva is also one of the longest cup there is, and the fact that it fit better inside out, as well as your muscles pushing it to where you could feel it, points to a shorter cup. I second the rec for a large Fleurcup or something similarly sized and/or shaped. Shorter and rounded bottom sounds right. Compare all options here : http://sizecharts.livejournal.com/

As for finding your cervix... just squat, bear down and feel for a roundish bump standing out of the vaginal wall. Some say it feels like the tip of your nose, a small doughnut with a tiny indentation in the middle or as I like to say, a protruding (sp.?) belly button. It could change in consistency and position over your cycle, so around your period is best.

Edited at 2013-04-16 08:29 pm (UTC)
gingerade72 on April 16th, 2013 08:46 pm (UTC)
Thanks for the comparisons, they definitely help. Also, I appreciate the cervix tips. Sad to be 40 and not already know this, but better late than never!