i can't seem to get this diva cup thing down

[Barbee]

ok... so when i first insert my diva cup, i'm certain that it's open all the way, i can rotate it all the way around and it's initially comfortable. however, it leaks and as i walk around, it becomes more and more uncomfortable, almost like it's pinching me inside. what am i doing wrong?

[quietserena]

I only had a Keeper but what worked for me was to take it out and reinsert. Often, using some sort of lubricant helped.

Another thing might be that you're inserting it too far up - it always worked best for me lower.

[Pumpkin_Pie]

I just used mine last week for my first PP cycle. I leaked too, but it was because my flow was insanely heavy. I found that inserting my Diva Cup horizontal to the floor (if that makes sense) while I was sitting on the toilet made it go in much more easily. It definitely sits very low too. The very bottom of the cup actually partially sticks out sometimes. If it is getting very uncomfortable, I will go to the bathroom and push it up a bit, but mostly it sits very low.

As for pinching, is it the stem that is pinching you? I was so nervous to trim the stem on mine, but it felt like it was ripping my labia. I finally tried to remove the cup without using the stem at all and once I realized I could, I started trimming. I have removed just over half so far, but may remove even more next cycle. I have heard that it can take 3 or 4 cycles to really get the hang of a cup, so hang in there, it should get better.

[jjawm]

Something that helped me when I started using my cup was that when I sat down to insert it, I pushed it straight back. I also open it up when it's barely inside, and push it up when it's open. I seem to get good placement that way.

The first two months I wore it, I had to keep going to the bathroom to push it back up - I kept telling dh "my cup is coming out!". But it does get easier with time, I promise!

[marimara]

When mine feels like it's pinching it's because it's too low. I don't trim mine. It never leaks except when it overflows (like one time). I make sure the cup is open by feeling along the outside of the cup body with my finger, if it feels convex, it's open. Turning it does not open it for me. Sometimes if I give it a little push (like pushing out a baby) it will open. Otherwise, I have to mess with it a little to get it to open. If you're sure it's open, then are you filling it up? You may just be bleeding really fast. On my heavy days I have to empty it every 2.5 hours. Good luck! You'll get the hang of it.

[j_e_n_n_y]

What helps me open up the cup and get a really good seal is to "suck it in" with a kegel and then try to pull it back down...when the seal is good, it's very difficult to pull down without deliberately breaking the seal (with your finger). I usually have to do this 3 or 4 times, but it only takes a few seconds. Good luck and hang in there!

[Pariah]

Originally Posted by Pumpkin_Pie

As for pinching, is it the stem that is pinching you? I was so nervous to trim the stem on mine, but it felt like it was ripping my labia. I finally tried to remove the cup without using the stem at all and once I realized I could, I started trimming. I have removed just over half so far, but may remove even more next cycle. I have heard that it can take 3 or 4 cycles to really get the hang of a cup, so hang in there, it should get better.

I've cut the stem off of mine almost completely without problems...don't be afraid to cut it! I pinch the very bottom of the cup when removing.

[Pumpkin_Pie]

Originally Posted by Pariah

I've cut the stem off of mine almost completely without problems...don't be afraid to cut it! I pinch the very bottom of the cup when removing.

I am pretty sure I will end up with no stem eventually. I have also heard that you can try using it inside out to experiment with not having a stem before taking the plunge and cutting the whole thing off. I think I am going to try that next cycle. This first PP cycle was so intense that I really was just stressing the entire time, and not fiddling with my cup too much. I am almost looking forward to next time.

[Barbee]

i cut the stem entirely off which seems to help, and for whatever reason, that pinching which i'm sure was inside isn't bothering me. i made sure it opened before inserting it all the way and then pushed it back horizontally. i think it might be working for me. yay!!! thanks mamas

[MoonWillow]

I have been trying for years off and on to use mine with little to no success
I always read these threads in case something new comes up that I haven't tried though.

[Mulvah]

Originally Posted by Pariah

I've cut the stem off of mine almost completely without problems...don't be afraid to cut it! I pinch the very bottom of the cup when removing.

Exactly! I could not use the DivaCup with the stem. I even felt annoyed by cutting the stem at one point, that I purchased another DivaCup. Yep, for years now, I have used two, both without stems!

[Ola_]

I also do a Kegel-type squeeze once I've inserted it (but still holding it) to make sure it is in the right spot. I've found if it's not in the right spot the squeeze will hurt, and then I know right away to remove and re-insert it instead of walking around uncomfortable.

The trick I used to make sure it was open was to run my finger around the outside once inserted, otherwise I found it hard to tell because mine doesn't sit perfectly round, at least not when I'm sitting on the toilet. I often feel a bit of a "pop" when I stand up and start moving around - not sure if that's just the cup suctioning itself or what? But now I know to do a little dance in the bathroom after I've washed my hands to make sure it does that while I'm expecting it. I'll bet I look pretty silly doing it though!